Shi Gao Tang
Star石膏汤 (Gypsum Decoction)
Source: Wai Tai Mi Yao — Wang Tao (Tang, 752)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Shi Gao Tang (Gypsum Decoction), from the Wai Tai Mi Yao (Arcane Essentials from the Imperial Library) by Wang Tao.
Actions: Clears heat and eliminates toxins; Releases the exterior and induces perspiration.
Presentation: Unresolved exterior syndrome with interior heat in all three jiaos: high fever, no perspiration, stiffness and a feeling of heaviness of the body and the extremities, dry nose, thirst, fidgeting, irritability, insomnia, delirium, incoherent speech, maculated skin, and a slippery, rapid pulse.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 299.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Shi Gao
as printed: Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) 6g
|
6g | 11.76% | Jun (Chief) | clears excess heat and relieves irritability |
|
Ma Huang
as printed: Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 9g
|
9g | 17.65% | Chen (Deputy) | induces sweating to relieve exterior symptoms |
|
Dan Dou Chi
as printed: Dan Dou Chi (Semen Sojae Praeparatum) 1 cup [9g]
|
9g | 17.65% | Chen (Deputy) | induces sweating to relieve exterior symptoms |
|
Huang Qin
as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 6g
|
6g | 11.76% | Zuo (Assistant) | sedates heat and dispels toxins from all three jiaos; offsets Ma Huang's warmth |
|
Huang Lian
as printed: Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis) 6g
|
6g | 11.76% | Zuo (Assistant) | sedates heat and dispels toxins from all three jiaos |
|
Huang Bai
as printed: Huang Bo (Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis) 6g
|
6g | 11.76% | Zuo (Assistant) | sedates heat and dispels toxins from all three jiaos |
|
Zhi Zi
as printed: Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae, bo (opened)) 10 pieces [9g]
|
9g | 17.65% | Zuo (Assistant) | sedates heat and dispels toxins from all three jiaos |
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 cool (-1.29)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cold 65%, cool 18%, warm 18%.
Taste
- pungent 21%
- sweet 12%
- bitter 68%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Lung 77%
- Stomach 53%
- Heart 41%
- Large intestine 35%
- Spleen 24%
- Gallbladder 24%
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
Cut the herbs, cook in 10 cups water down to 3 cups; take 1 cup warm three times daily. Avoid pork and contact with cold water during use.
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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.
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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