Sheng-Mai-San

Chinese Herbal Formulas That Tonify Qi

Sheng Mai San  -  Generate the Pulse Powder

Main Actions for Sheng Mai San

The functions of this TCM herbal formula are to tonify the Qi and generate yin fluids while stopping excessive sweating.  The formula is best suited for conditions of concurrent Qi and yin deficiency of the lungs.

Indications and Symptoms for Sheng Mai San

chronic cough, little or no sputum, if sputum it is difficult to expectorate, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth

Tongue – pale red body, dry thin coat

Pulse – thin, deficient and possibly rapid

Medicinal Ingredients of Sheng Mai San

Ren Shen   (Radix Ginseng, Ginseng Root) - 9-15g.

-tonify yuan Qi, augments lung Qi and fluids , calms the spirit

Mai Men Dong   (Tuber Ophiopogonis Japonici, Ophiopogon Tuber) - 9-12g.

-nourish yin fluids, moistens lungs, aids stomach yin, clears heart heat

Wu Wei Zi   (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis, Schisandra Fruit) - 3-6g.

-reduces lung Qi leakage, promotes fluids

Preparation Instructions of Sheng Mai San

This herbal formula is taken three times a day and is not specified for times or meals.  Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) may be substituted using Dang Shen (Radix Codonopsis Pilosulae) or Xi Yang Shen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii, American Ginseng Root) with a much higher dosage when the condition is not severe.

Additional Points on Sheng Mai San

Sheng Mai Sai is one of the three main herbal formulas to treat acute collapse.  The other formulas are Shen Fu Tang (prepared Aconite Decoction) and Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction).  Shen Fu Tang is used for acute collapse when there is sudden exhaustion of yang Qi.  Si Ni Tang is used for acute collapse when there is extremely weak yang Qi with internal yin cold ascending. 

When the appropriate symptoms are present this herbal formula is able to treat such diseases chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, supraventricular arrhythmia, rheumatic heart disease, coronary artery disease and post-bypass debility.