San Cai Tang
Star三才汤 (Three-Talents Decoction)
Source: Medical Formulas Collected and Analyzed (1682)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
San Cai Tang (Three-Talents Decoction), from Medical Formulas Collected and Analyzed (1682).
Associated formula of Qiong Yu Gao.
Actions: Nourishes the yin; Augments the qi; Moistens the Lungs; Stops coughing
Indications: Consumptive coughing from Lung and Spleen deficiency.
Usage: Stronger, quicker-acting yin and blood tonification than Precious Jade Syrup; used for simple dry cough in weak patients, whereas the syrup suits cough with occasional spitting of blood.
Category: Formulas that Nourish and Tonify the Yin.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 391.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tian Men Dong
as printed: Asparagi Radix (tian men dong)
|
g | — | — | |
|
Shu Di Huang
as printed: Rehmanniae Radix preparata (shu di huang)
|
g | — | — | |
|
Ren Shen
as printed: Ginseng Radix (ren shen)
|
g | — | — |
Preparation
Decoction of equal amounts of the three herbs.
Click a node for details · double-click to expand it · Ctrl/⌘ + scroll or two fingers to zoom and pan.
Formula family
Full herb lists
- Zi Yin Di Huang Wan = this formula + Chai Hu, Dang Gui, Di Gu Pi, Gan Cao, Huang Lian, Huang Qin, Sheng Di Huang, Wu Wei Zi and Zhi Ke
- Shi Hu Ye Guang Wan = this formula + Sheng Mai San + Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Fu Ling, Gan Cao, Gou Qi Zi, Huang Lian, Ji Li, Ju Hua, Jue Ming Zi, Ling Yang Jiao, Niu Xi, Qing Xiang Zi, Rou Cong Rong, Shan Yao, Sheng Di Huang, Shi Hu, Tu Si Zi, Xi Jiao, Xing Ren and Zhi Ke
Each entry reads as the larger formula written out: “+” adds its other catalogue cores, then the herbs none of them hold. A catalogue formula counts as a core only when at least 80% of its herbs are present, no more than 1 is absent, and the absent herb is not its chief.
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
📝 Notes
Public notes from the community and your own private notes on San Cai Tang.
No notes yet.