Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Star升麻葛根汤 (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction)
Source: Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue — Qian Yi (Song, 1119)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction), from the Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue (Craft of Medicinal Treatment for Childhood Disease Patterns) by Qian Yi.
Actions: Dispels pathogenic factors from the muscle layer; Promotes the eruption of measles.
Presentation: Measles: early stage of measles before or soon after the initial eruption, fever, and headache.
Cautions:
- Moves outward and upward; contraindicated once measles are fully erupted, or after eruption when heat has entered a deeper level (accelerated respiration, dyspnea, cough)
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Yi Fang Ji Jie (p. 104). This record follows the Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 103, 104.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sheng Ma
dose printed as 3-9g; as printed: Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae) [3-9g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | assists ascension of clear yang, clears heat, promotes eruption of measles |
|
Ge Gen
cuo (grated); dose printed as 3-9g; as printed: Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae) [3-9g]
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | relieves exterior heat from the muscle layer, promotes eruption, generates fluids |
|
Gan Cao
cuo (grated); as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) [3g]
|
3g | 33.33% | Zuo (Assistant) | harmonizes the herbs and helps relieve aches and pains |
|
Chi Shao
source text says only Shao Yao; authors prefer Chi Shao for measles; as printed: Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) [6g]
|
6g | 66.67% | clears heat and cools the blood |
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 nature not shown: the chief herb (Sheng Ma) has no dose in grams.
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 67%, neutral 33%.
Taste
- sweet 33%
- sour 33%
- bitter 33%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Liver 67%
- Lung 33%
- Stomach 33%
- Spleen 33%
- Heart 33%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
2 herbs without a dose in grams, so left out of every figure above: Sheng Ma, Ge Gen.
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
Grind equal amounts into fine powder; cook 12g of powder in 1.5 bowls water down to 1 bowl; take warm, strained, at any time of day. Today may be decocted with the bracketed doses.
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Formula family
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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