SHENG MAI SAN

Tonify Qi & Generate Fluids • The "Cardiac & Respiratory Rescue" Formula

Symptoms

Profound Exhaustion: A feeling of total depletion where the patient is too weak to speak or even take a full breath.

Respiratory Weakness: Chronic, weak coughing or shortness of breath that worsens with any movement.

Fluid Depletion: Intense thirst with a dry mouth and throat; skin that lacks elasticity (turgor).

Cardiovascular Signs: Palpitations and an irregular or "barely there" pulse (hence the name "Generate the Pulse").

Sweating Issues: Both spontaneous sweating (Qi deficiency) and night sweats (Yin deficiency) may be present.

Key Indicator: "Simultaneous Qi and Yin Deficiency"—where the body’s "Source Qi" is leaking out because there aren't enough fluids to anchor it.

Tongue: Red body with little to no coating, or a very "dry" appearance; Pulse: Thin (Xi), weak (Xu), or scattered (San).

Ingredients

Dang Shen (Ginseng Radix)

Raw Herbs 6g   | Granules 40.0g

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus)

Raw Herbs 3g   | Granules 20.0g

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix)

Raw Herbs 6g   | Granules 40.0g

Description

Sheng Mai San is a masterclass in the "Three-Way" approach to restoration: it builds, it moistens, and it locks.

The Great Builder (Ren Shen): This herb is the heavy hitter for tonifying the Yuan Qi (Original Qi). It specifically strengthens the Lungs and the Heart, providing the "engine power" needed to keep the pulse moving and the breath steady.

The Deep Moistener (Mai Men Dong): While Ginseng provides the heat/energy, Mai Men Dong provides the "coolant." It clears heat from the Heart and Lungs and generates fluids to replenish what was lost to fever or overexertion.

The Lock & Key (Wu Wei Zi): This is the "Secret Sauce." Schisandra is sour and astringent. It "gathers" the Qi and fluids that the other two herbs produce and prevents them from leaking out through sweating. It "pins" the energy back into the body.

Posology

Granules

3 to 9g daily, divided into 2–3 doses, taken with warm water.

Raw Plants

Decoct in 600ml of water. In emergency cardiac or respiratory settings in China, this formula is often processed into an injectable form (Shengmai Injection) for rapid stabilization. For general recovery, it is best taken warm and sipped slowly.

Cautions

Strictly contraindicated in the early stages of an external cold/flu or when there is excess Phlegm or Dampness. Because Wu Wei Zi is so astringent, it can "trap" a virus or phlegm inside the Lungs, making a cough much worse. Avoid using if the patient has a thick, greasy tongue coating. Discontinue once the pulse has regained strength and the dry mouth has resolved.