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Herb Documents

Properties & Channels

Drug Interactions

Incompatible Herbs

Toxic or Endangered

Latin Name Notes

Sheng Ma (Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome)

Herb 12 of 12 in Cool, Spicy Herbs that Release the Exterior

Channels:
LI, LU, SP, ST

Properties:
Sweet, Spicy, Cool

Latin Name:
Rhizoma Cimicifugae

Sheng Ma means "Ascending Hemp"

Actions

Disperses Wind-Heat and Vents Measles
For headache, sore throat and used in the early stages of measles.
Clears Heat and Toxins
Used when toxins manifest in the upper parts of the body, including toothache, gingivitis, ulcerated lips or gums, and canker sores.
Raises the Yang Qi
Used for Middle Jiao Qi deficiency manifesting as fatigue, shortness of breath, and prolapse.
Also used to guide other herbs to the upper regions of the body.

Contraindications and Cautions

Contraindicated in hyperactive fire symptoms, underlYing Yin Deficiency, excess in the upper, and deficiency in the lower. Also contraindicated in fully erupted measles.

Herb-Drug Interactions

This section is being researched, and is not completed.

Toxicity and Overdose

Over dosage may cause headaches, dizziness, vomiting, gastroenteritis, and tremors.

Dosage

1.5-9 grams.
Part used: rhizome or root.

Notes

Toast with honey for middle Jiao prolapse.

This Herb Appears in the Following Formulas:

Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction)
Formulas that Tonify the Qi
Ji Chuan Jian (Benefit the Flow Decoction)
Formulas that Moisten the Intestines and Unblock the Bowels
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Decoction to Eliminate Toxins)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Relieve Toxicity
Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder)
Formulas that Clear Heat from the Organs
Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction)
Formulas that Release Exterior Wind-Heat
Zi Xue Dan (Purple Snow Special Pill)
Formulas that Clear Heat and Open the Orifices

References

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

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

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.