Qiang-Huo-Sheng-Shi-Tang

Chinese Herbal Formulas That Transforms Water and Dampness

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang  -  Notopterygium Decoction to Overcome Dampness

Main Actions for Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

The functions of this TCM herbal formula are to expel wind and dampness.  The formula is best suited in conditions of wind dampness stagnated in the superficial aspects of the body between the ying and wei levels.  This condition is most commonly found in people who have caught a cold after sweating profusely or individuals who live in a damp environment. 

Indications and Symptoms for Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

heavy painful head, generalized sensations of heaviness, back pain, generalized pain, difficulty in rotating trunk, mild fever, chills

Tongue – White coat

Pulse – floating

Medicinal Ingredients of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

Qiang Huo   (Rhizoma et Radix notopterygii, Notopterygium Root, Chiang-huo) - 3g.

-expels wind dampness from upper body

Du Huo   (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, Pubescentis, Pubescent Angelica Root, Tu-huo) - 3g.

-expel wind dampness from lower body

Gao Ben   (Rhizoma et Radix ligustici, Chinese Lovage Root, Ligusticum Root) - 1.5g.

-expel wind and dampness from the exterior

Fang Feng   (Radix Ledebouriellae, Ledebouriella Root, Siler) - 1.5g.

-expel wind and dampness from the exterior

Chuan Xiong   (Radix Ligustici Chuanxiong, Szechuan Lovage Root, Enidium) - 1.5g.

-invigorates blood, relieve heaviness and pain in the head

Man Jing Zi   (Fructus Viticis, Vitex Fruit) - 0.9g.

-relieves headache

Zhi Gan Cao   (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, Licorice Root) - 1.5g.

-harmonizes other herbs within formula

Preparation Instructions of Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

The natural medicine herbs in this formula should be ground into a coarse powder and taken as a draft before meals on an empty stomach.  The formula should promote a mild sweating which releases the ying and wei level dampness obstruction.  The typical dosage today is 2-3 times the specified dosage. 

Additional Points on Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang

Today this herbal formula is generally used in a small amount by practitioners to produce a slight sweat as a great sweat can injure the yang Qi and fluids.  This alternative medicine formula has also been used to treat headaches which have a heavy pain. 

Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang is more effective than Jiu Wei Qign Huo Tang (Nine-Herb Decoction with Notopterygium) in treating systemic wind dampness.

This formula has been able to treat such diseases as upper respiratory tract infection, rheumatic fever and muscular headaches when the appropriate symptoms are present.