Shen Fu Tang
Star参附汤 (Ginseng and Prepared Aconite Decoction)
Source: Zhong Ti Lei Yao (1445)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Shen Fu Tang (Ginseng and Prepared Aconite Decoction), from the Zhong Ti Lei Yao, is used to tonify and revive the Yang in Yang collapse.
Presentation: Yang collapse; gradual loss of consciousness; cold sweats; extremely cold limbs; very deep and weak pulse; pulse: very deep and weak.
Syndrome: Syndrome of Heart-Yang deficiency.
Composition strategy:
- Warm pungent Yang-stimulating herbs should not come first as they scatter the minimal Yang; Ren Shen is used first to hold the Yang
Cautions:
- Ren Shen dosage should always be larger than Fu Zi, since Fu Zi may scatter Yang and overstimulate a weak heart
- More for study than clinical use; use with caution and preferably modified
Source: Yang Y. Chinese Herbal Formulas: Treatment Principles and Composition Strategies. Churchill Livingstone Elsevier, 2010, p. 187.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ren Shen
as printed: Ren Shen (Ginseng radix)
|
9g | 60% | Jun (Chief) | powerfully tonify Source-Qi and stabilize the patient |
|
Zhi Fu Zi
toxic mark * in source; as printed: Fu Zi (Aconiti radix lateralis preparata)
|
6g | 40% | Chen (Deputy) | strongly expel cold, stimulate and spread Yang |
Dui Yao — Core Herb Pairs
The classical two-herb combinations at the heart of this formula, as recorded on the herbs' own pages — each pair has an action neither herb has alone.
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 warm (+1.40)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: warm 60%, hot 40%.
Taste
- pungent 20%
- sweet 50%
- bitter 30%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Heart 100%
- Kidney 100%
- Lung 60%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
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
Decoction; doses in parentheses are those commonly used now. Source: decoct in water in which fresh ginger and jujube have been boiled. Ginseng may be double-boiled separately and added to the strained aconite decoction; Codonopsis is not an adequate substitute.
Source: Scheid V, Bensky D, Ellis A, Barolet R. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. Eastland Press, 2009, p. 279.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- Wen Bao Yin = this formula + Ba Ji Tian, Bai Zhu, Bu Gu Zhi, Qian Shi, Rou Gui, Shan Yao and Tu Si Zi
- Wu Mei Wan = this formula + Wu Mei, Hua Jiao, Huang Bai, Huang Lian, Xi Xin, Dang Gui, Gan Jiang and Gui Zhi
- Bai Dou Kou San = this formula + Ding Gui San + Bai Dou Kou, Chen Pi, Gan Cao, Gao Liang Jiang, Mu Xiang, Rou Dou Kou and Zhi Ke
- Xiao Xu Ming Tang = this formula + San Ao Tang + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Sheng Jiang, Rou Gui, Huang Qin and Han Fang Ji
- Zai Zao San = this formula + Gui Zhi Tang + Qi Fu Tang + Xi Xin, Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Qiang Huo and Chi Shao
- Bu Shen Wan = this formula + Ba Wei Di Huang Wan + Gou Qi Zi, Hai Zao, Kun Bu, Suo Yang and Tu Si Zi
- Bu Shen Tang = this formula + Ba Ji Tian, Dang Gui, Du Zhong, Gou Qi Zi, Rou Gui, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, She Chuang Zi, Shu Di Huang, Suo Yang, Tu Si Zi, Xian Mao and Yin Yang Huo
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.
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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