Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang, Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction, is Sheng Ma, Ge Gen, Zhi Gan Cao and Chi Shao. The catalogue classes it among the formulas that release Exterior Wind-Heat, and records it as releasing Wind-Heat from the muscle layer and venting rashes.

Herb

Amount

3 g

3 g

3 g

6 g

Actions and indications

Releases Wind-Heat from the exterior and the muscle layer

Early stage of a warm febrile disease, with externally contracted Heat gathering in the Lung and Stomach
Fever and chills with a dislike of wind, headache and aching all over
Sneezing and cough, red and watery eyes, and thirst
Tongue red and dry; pulse floating and rapid

Vents rashes

Measles in its first stage, or a rash that is slow, patchy or uneven in reaching the surface

Modern uses

Measles
Early viral rashes in children that have not fully erupted
Scarlet fever
Chicken pox
Herpes zoster
Herpes simplex
Influenza
Headache
Fever
Chills
Cough
Sore throat
Tonsillitis
Epistaxis
Bleeding into the eye (hemophthalmia)
Red eyes
Skin diseases
Boils

Modifications

Stronger exterior Heat: + bo he, + chan tui, + jing jie

Sore, swollen throat: + jie geng, + xuan shen, + ma bo, + huang qin

Sore, swollen throat (alternative): + niu bang zi

Dark red rash: + zi cao, + mu dan pi

Yang Ming exterior disorder with fever, thirst and dry nose, or dysenteric diarrhea: + bai shao, − chi shao

Viral rashes, herpes zoster in particular: + zi cao

To clear Heat and resolve toxicity more strongly: + lian qiao, + jin yin hua

Marked cough and wheezing, to regulate and lower Lung Qi: + jie geng, + zhi ke, + qian hu, + xing ren

To protect fluids from Heat: + mai men dong, + sha shen

Early-stage measles: + bo he, + chan tui, + jing jie, + niu bang zi, + jin yin hua, + lian qiao

Rash not fully expressed: + xuan shen, + mu dan pi, + zi cao, + da qing ye

Severe headache: + chuan xiong, + bai zhi

Show all 16 modifications

Stiff, painful back: + fang feng, + qiang huo
Persistent fever: + chai hu, + huang qin, + fang feng
Severe itching: + chan tui, + fang feng
Thirst and irritability: + zhu ye (dan), + lu gen

Cautions

contraindication A rash that has fully come out, particularly when the Heat has moved deeper with rapid breathing, dyspnea and cough; stop the formula at that point and change to one that clears Heat and resolves toxicity

contraindication Measles toxin sinking inward, with short, rough breathing, cough and wheezing

contraindication Interior Heat toxin already present, as when measles brings a high fever and a dark, purple-tinged rash, or the pathogen has reached the Qi or Blood level

caution If the rash is already surfacing evenly, the formula may leave the exterior deficient; continuing to vent after eruption can waste fluids and add to Heat

caution Warm-pathogen Heat diseases: use with care

caution Qi or Yin deficiency, spontaneous sweating, or a rash that has faded: the rising, scattering nature of Sheng Ma and Ge Gen calls for care or avoidance

caution Suspected measles is a reportable infection and needs prompt medical assessment rather than self-treatment

pregnancy Use in pregnancy only under professional guidance, because of its dispersing, upward-venting action

Pinyin

sheng ma ge gen tang

English Name

Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction

sheng ma ge gen tang

About sheng ma ge gen tang

Ingredients

Actions and indications

Releases Wind-Heat from the exterior and the muscle layer

Vents rashes

Modern uses

Symptoms

Modifications

Cautions

Preparation

Names

Classification