San Sheng San
Star三圣散 (Three-Sage Powder)
Source: Ru Men Shi Qin — Zhang Cong-Zheng (Jin, 1228)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
San Sheng San (Three-Sage Powder), from the Ru Men Shi Qin (Confucians' Duties to their Parents) by Zhang Cong-Zheng — a variation of Gua Di San.
Actions: Induces vomiting; Dispels wind-phlegm.
Presentation: Zhong feng (wind stroke) and bi zheng (closed disorder): loss of voice, facial paralysis with deviation of the eyes and mouth, unconsciousness, locked jaws, and a superficial, slippery and excess pulse.
Composition: Separate related formula with its own full composition.
Cautions:
- Use with extreme caution and only when needed; discontinue once effective
- Persistent vomiting may be relieved with a decoction of Cong Bai
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1312.
Composition
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly cool (-0.50)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 50%, warm 50%.
Pairs warm and cool. 50% of the weighed grams are warm or hot and 50% cool or cold — the net is their average, not the whole story.
Taste
- pungent 25%
- sweet 25%
- bitter 50%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Stomach 50%
- Liver 50%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
1 herb without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Li Lu.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Source: grind to coarse powder and decoct; sip slowly and stop when vomiting begins. Today: decoction at bracketed doses; may be given via nasogastric tube. Gua Di dry-fried till yellow.
Relationships
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Formula Network
Formulas that share herbs with this one — the closer to the centre, the stronger the match. Click a node to explore.
Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
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.
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