Xiao Xu Ming Tang
Star小续命汤 (Minor Prolong Life Decoction)
Source: Qian Jin Yao Fang — Sun Si-Miao (Eastern Jin, 4th century)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Xiao Xu Ming Tang (Minor Prolong Life Decoction), from the Qian Jin Yao Fang (Thousand Ducat Prescriptions) by Sun Si-Miao.
Actions: Dispels wind and supports zheng (upright) qi; Warms the channels and opens yang.
Presentation: Post-stroke complications with zheng (upright) qi deficiency: semi-unconsciousness or unconsciousness, hemiplegia, paralysis, muscle contractions and convulsions, deviation of the eyes and mouth, slurred speech, and low back pain.
Pharmacological effects reported:
- Radioprotective: IP methanol extract significantly increased survival of mice after lethal irradiation
Note: the book also describes a formula of the same name from Yi Fang Ji Jie (p. 985). This record follows the Qian Jin Yao Fang version.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 983, 985.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ma Huang
dose printed as 3-6g; as printed: Ma Huang (Herba Ephedrae) 30g [3-6g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | dispels wind and releases the exterior |
|
Fang Feng
dose printed as 9-12g; as printed: Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) 45g [9-12g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | dispels wind and releases the exterior |
|
Chuan Xiong
dose printed as 3-6g; as printed: Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) 30g [3-6g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | tonifies and regulates blood circulation |
|
Sheng Jiang
dose printed as 9-12 slices; as printed: Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) 150g [9-12 slices]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | dispels wind |
|
Xing Ren
dose printed as 9-12g; as printed: Ku Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum) 30g [9-12g]
|
g | — | Jun (Chief) | regulates qi |
|
Ren Shen
dose printed as 3-6g; as printed: Ren Shen (Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng) 30g [3-6g]
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | tonifies qi |
|
Zhi Fu Zi
dose printed as 3-9g; as printed: Fu Zi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Praeparata) 1 piece [3-9g]
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | dispels cold |
|
Rou Gui
inner bark (gui xin); dose printed as 3-6g; as printed: Gui Xin (Cortex Rasus Cinnamomi) 30g [3-6g]
|
g | — | Chen (Deputy) | dispels cold |
|
Huang Qin
dose printed as 4.5-9g; as printed: Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) 30g [4.5-9g]
|
g | — | Zuo (Assistant) | clears heat |
|
Gan Cao
dose printed as 3-6g; as printed: Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae) 30g [3-6g]
|
g | — | Shi (Envoy) | tonifies qi |
|
Bai Shao
dose printed as 6-12g; as printed: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 30g [6-12g]
|
g | — | harmonizes wei and ying, prevents excess sweating; tonifies blood | |
|
Han Fang Ji
dose printed as 6-12g; as printed: Fang Ji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 30g [6-12g]
|
g | — | dispels dampness |
Preparation
Grind to coarse powder. Boil Ma Huang first in 12 cups of water three times, skim foam, add remaining herbs, reduce to 3 cups; take warm in three doses. Additional 3-4 packs if unresolved. Today decoct at bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula family
Full herb lists
- This formula = San Ao Tang + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Shen Fu Tang + Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Sheng Jiang, Rou Gui, Huang Qin and Han Fang Ji
- This formula = Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + San Ao Tang + Shen Fu Tang + Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Sheng Jiang, Rou Gui, Huang Qin and Han Fang Ji
- This formula = Shen Fu Tang + San Ao Tang + Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang + Chuan Xiong, Fang Feng, Sheng Jiang, Rou Gui, Huang Qin and Han Fang Ji
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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