Mu Li San

(Oyster Shell Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Stabilize the Exterior and the Lungs

Actions:

• Stops sweating, strengthens the Wei Qi, and stabilizes the exterior

Indications:

• Spontaneous sweating that is worse at night, shortness of breath, palpitations, easily scared, debility and lethargy

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Pale red tongue

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Thin frail pulse

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction.

Originally Appeared In:

• Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Kidneys, Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Mu Li (Oyster Shell) 牡蛎 Qty: 15-30 grams Chan: LIV, KI Prop: Salty, Astringent, Cool Latin: Concha Ostreae Cat: Substances that Anchor, Settle, and Calm the Spirit
	Huang Qi (Astragalus) 黄芪 Qty: 9-15 grams Chan: LU, SP Prop: Sweet, Slightly Warm Latin: Radix Astragali Membranacei Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi
	Ma Huang Gen (Ephedra Root) 麻黄根 Qty: 3-9 grams Chan: LU Prop: Sweet, Neutral Latin: Radix Ephedrae Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind
	Fu Xiao Mai (Wheat Grain (Not Yet Ripe)) 浮小麦 Qty: 15-30 grams Chan: HT Prop: Sweet, Salty, Cool Latin: Fructus Levis Tritici Aestivi Cat: Herbs that Astringe, Stabilize, Bind

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition) - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition) - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article) - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition) - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition) - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition) - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist. Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.