Sheng Ma
Cimicifuga foetida L., Cimicifuga dahurica (Turcz.) Maxim., Cimicifuga heracleifolia Kom.
☯ TCM Properties
Releases the Exterior and Vents Rashes; Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity; Lifts Sunken Qi
Botanical Description
Cimicifuga foetida (along with the closely related C. dahurica and C. heracleifolia, which together supply the Chinese drug Sheng Ma) is a tall herbaceous perennial in the Ranunculaceae, native to mountainous regions of China, Mongolia, Korea and the Russian Far East. Plants grow 1-2 m tall from a stout, dark-coloured, branching rhizome with prominent stem scars. The large, two- to three-pinnately compound leaves are mostly basal and lower-cauline, with ovate, sharply serrate leaflets 5-10 cm long. From mid- to late summer the species produces tall, slender, often branched racemes or panicles of many small, malodorous, creamy-white flowers; the sepals are petaloid and quickly deciduous, and the showy parts are the dense tufts of white stamens, giving the inflorescence a feathery appearance. The fruits are clusters of follicles. Plants favour moist, humus-rich soils in cool, partly shaded mountain forest at 1,000-3,000 m elevation.
Dosage
| Form | Amount | Frequency | Duration | Population | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| decoction | 3-9g | Daily | — | — | — |
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional Chinese Uses
Sheng Ma (black cohosh rhizome, cimicifuga) is a cool, acrid herb with a strongly ascending, lifting character. It releases the Exterior for Wind-Heat patterns and promotes the outward expression of rashes and measles at the early eruptive stage. As an ascending herb, it raises sinking Spleen Qi to address organ prolapse, chronic diarrhea, and hemorrhoids. It also clears Heat toxin from the head and throat, treating swollen and painful gums, sore throat, and mouth ulcers.
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.