Si Mo Tang
Star四蘑汤 (Four Milled-Herbs Decoction)
Source: Ji Sheng Fang — Yan Yong-He (Song, 1253)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Si Mo Tang (Four Milled-Herbs Decoction), from the Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living) by Yan Yong-He.
Actions: Activates qi circulation and redirects abnormal rising qi; Disperses stagnation and expands the chest.
Presentation: Liver qi stagnation from instability of the seven emotions: irritability, oppression in chest and diaphragm, wheezing, hurried respiration, epigastric fullness and distention, loss of appetite.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 849.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Wu Yao
as printed: Wu Yao (Radix Linderae) [9g]
|
9g | 37.5% | Jun (Chief) | spreads Liver qi, activates qi and disperses qi stagnation |
|
Chen Xiang
as printed: Chen Xiang (Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum) [3g]
|
3g | 12.5% | Chen (Deputy) | regulates qi, corrects reversed qi flow, relieves wheezing |
|
Bing Lang
as printed: Bing Lang (Semen Arecae) [9g]
|
9g | 37.5% | Zuo (Assistant) | activates qi and breaks up stagnation to relieve epigastric fullness |
|
Ren Shen
as printed: Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) [3g]
|
3g | 12.5% | Zuo (Assistant) | tonifies qi so the qi-moving herbs do not consume it |
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.
Together they move qi and descend rebellion, relieving chest and abdominal fullness from qi counterflow due to emotional constraint.
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 (+1.00)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: warm 100%.
Taste
- pungent 63%
- sweet 6%
- bitter 31%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 63%
- Kidney 63%
- Lung 50%
- Stomach 50%
- Large intestine 38%
- Heart 13%
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
Source: mill equal amounts of the herbs, cook with a small bowl of water brought to a boil 3-5 times, take warm. Short cooking preserves the aromatic qi-regulating properties. Today decocted with bracketed doses.
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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