sheng ma

升麻·Rhizoma Cimicifugae

Cimicifuga

About sheng ma

Sheng Ma (升麻) is the rhizome of cimicifuga, the bugbane, recorded as Rhizoma Cimicifugae. It is sweet and acrid in flavour, slightly cold, and enters the Lung, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine channels. The catalogue files it among the cool, acrid herbs that release the Exterior. Its Chinese name reads as the herb that raises.

Names

Pinyinsheng ma
Chinese升麻
Latin NameRhizoma Cimicifugae
English NameCimicifuga
Japaneseshoma
Koreanseungma

Classification

Channels
Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen
Flavour
Acrid, Sweet
Temperature
Slightly Cold
Part used
Rhizome
Family
Ranunculaceae
Species
Cimicifuga heracleifolia|Cimicifuga dahurica|cimififuga foeitda
Tags
Chinese Herbs, Common

Actions and indications

Releases the Exterior and vents measles

  • Headache from Wind-Heat
  • Measles in the early stage, or a rash that has not fully come out

Clears Heat and resolves toxicity, especially in the upper body

  • Fire toxin in the upper or surface parts of the body: toothache, swollen or painful gums, ulcers of the lips or gums, mouth sores, and a sore, swollen throat
  • Sores or maculae in Warm-Heat pathogen diseases
  • Epidemic toxic swellings affecting the face and head

Raises Yang and lifts sunken Qi

  • Sinking or deficient Middle Qi with shortness of breath, fatigue and prolapse
  • Spasm of the Dai channel

Guides other herbs upward

  • Directing a formula's action toward the head and upper body

Combinations

Dosage

AgeRawGranuleTinctureConcentrateFrequency
Any 1.5-9g; Maximum dose: 15g; Tincture: 2-3ml1.5-9 g2-3 ml

Cautions