Sheng Ma 

"Ascending Hemp"

Cool, Pungent Herbs that Release the Exterior 

 

 

Channels: LI, LU, SP, ST

Properties: Sweet, Spicy, Cool

Common: Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome

Latin: Rhizoma Cimicifugae

 

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 sore.
  • 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:

  • Contraindicated in hyperactive fire symptoms, underlying yin Deficiency, excess in the upper, and deficiency in the lower. Also contraindicated in fully erupted measles.

Dosage:

  • 1.5-9g. Toast with honey for middle jiao prolapse. Part used = rhizome or root.