Sheng Mai San
Star生脉散 (Generate the Pulse Powder)
Source: Yi Xue Qi Yuan (Origins of Medicine) — Zhang Yuansu (Jin, 1186)
Last updated August 30, 2026
Description
Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) tonifies Qi, nourishes Yin, and astringes sweating to restore pulse strength. The name refers to its ability to 'generate the pulse' in cases of profound Qi and Yin deficiency causing faint pulse and imminent collapse. It is widely used for heart failure, arrhythmia, and post-illness Qi-Yin deficiency.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ren Shen | 9g | 30% | Jun (Chief) | Tonifies Lung and Heart Qi, generates fluids. |
|
Mai Men Dong
as printed: Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis radix)
|
15g | 50% | Chen (Deputy) | sweet and cold; with Ren Shen generates Qi and nourishes Lung-Yin |
| Wu Wei Zi | 6g | 20% | Zuo (Assistant) | Astringes Lung Qi, stops sweating, generates fluids. |
Total weight: 24g
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.
Qi is tonified while yin and fluids are nourished, treating combined qi and yin exhaustion.
Wu Wei Zi completes the formula by astringing.
Moistening and sour-astringent actions together generate fluids, nourish Lung and Heart yin and restrain the loss of qi and sweat.
Used with Ren Shen for qi and yin damage after heat or chronic cough, with sweating, thirst and a weak pulse.
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
- sweet 50%
- sour 10%
- bitter 40%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 100%
- Heart 100%
- Spleen 80%
- Stomach 50%
- Kidney 50%
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
Decoct in water 20–25 minutes. Take warm in 2 divided doses. Discontinue if condition worsens acutely.
Dosage
Decoction: 1 dose/day in 2 doses. Granules: follow package instructions. IV preparation used in acute cardiac settings.
Conditions Addressed
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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