Shen Mi Tang
Star神秘汤 (Mysterious Decoction)
Source: Wai Tai Mi Yao — Wang Tao (Tang, 752)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Shen Mi Tang (Mysterious Decoction), from the Wai Tai Mi Yao (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) by Wang Tao.
Actions: Regulates qi; Eliminates phlegm.
Presentation: Wheezing and dyspnea from qi and phlegm stagnation: wheezing, dyspnea, sputum and phlegm, rattling sound in the throat, fullness and distention of chest and hypochondrium.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 847.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ma Huang
as printed: Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 6g
|
6g | 20% | dilates the Lung to relieve wheezing and dyspnea | |
|
Xing Ren
as printed: Ku Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 6g
|
6g | 20% | directs Lung qi downward to ease breathing | |
|
Chen Pi
as printed: Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) 3g
|
3g | 10% | regulates qi and eliminates phlegm | |
|
Hou Po
as printed: Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis) 6g
|
6g | 20% | regulates qi and eliminates phlegm | |
|
Zi Su Ye
as printed: Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae) 3g
|
3g | 10% | dispels wind-cold from the exterior | |
|
Chai Hu
as printed: Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) 3g
|
3g | 10% | clears exterior and interior heat, eases chest and hypochondriac distention | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 3g
|
3g | 10% | harmonizes the formula |
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 warm (+0.70)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 10%, neutral 10%, warm 80%.
Taste
- pungent 40%
- sweet 10%
- bitter 50%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 90%
- Large intestine 50%
- Spleen 50%
- Stomach 40%
- Heart 10%
- Pericardium 10%
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
Prepare as a decoction.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- San Zi Jiang Qi Tang = this formula + San Zi Yang Qin Tang + Dang Gui, Pi Pa Ye, Rou Gui, Ting Li Zi, Wu Wei Zi and Zao Jiao Ci
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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