Stems and woodsWind-damp dispellingHerba Taxilli

Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus / Mulberry Mistletoe)

Q: What is Sang Ji Sheng? Are Hu Ji Sheng, “Ji Sheng” and Sang Zhi the same?

Official Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生) is the dried leafy stem of Taxillus chinensis . The pharmacopoeial name is Taxilli Herba . Hu Ji Sheng is the leafy stem of Viscum coloratum, a separate monograph Visci Herba : bitter-neutral, similar functions but different taste and botanical source—not an automatic equal swap. A prescription that only says “Ji Sheng” must name Sang Ji Sheng or Hu Ji Sheng. Sang Zhi is the young mulberry twig: dispels wind-damp and benefits the joints—it is not mistletoe. Stems parasitic on poisonous hosts (such as oleander) must not be used as medicine. Write Sang Ji Sheng.

Q: What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Sang Ji Sheng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sang Ji Sheng is bitter, sweet and neutral , enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to dispel wind-damp, supplement Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, and calm the fetal origin . It is used for wind-damp bi pain, lumbar-knee soreness and softness, sinew-bone lack of strength, flooding and spotting or heavy menses, pregnancy spotting, restless fetus, and dizziness. Bitter-sweet-neutral, supplementing while dispelling—suited to Liver-Kidney insufficiency with wind-damp or insecure fetal origin, not to damp-heat red swollen hot bi used as a lone supplement.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a blood-pressure or low-back tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g . It is not a four-season “mistletoe blood-pressure tea.” Damp-heat redness and swelling and exterior excess heat only stagnate further when supplemented. Liver-Kidney insufficiency and restless fetus need a practitioner to set dose and course; do not use anonymous “Ji Sheng” as tea.

Q: How do you choose and store Sang Ji Sheng?

Choose slender tender stems, red-brown or gray-brown, leafy, faint in odor and astringent in taste . Thick, hollow, leafless, moldy, moth-eaten and unknown-host lots are inferior. Store dry against moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Sang Ji Sheng; do not replace fetus-calming Liver-Kidney supplementation with an equal weight of Hu Ji Sheng or anonymous “Ji Sheng.”

A practical guide to Sang Ji Sheng: what it is, how Traditional Chinese Medicine uses it, the classical formulas it appears in, and who should be careful with it.

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Last reviewed Oct 13, 2026

Quick Facts

Latin Name	Herba Taxilli
Chinese Name & Pinyin	桑寄生 · Sang Ji Sheng
Medicinal Part	Stems and woods
The herb	Sang Ji Sheng is the leafy stem of Taxillus chinensis. Hu Ji Sheng is a separate official drug. European mistletoe is not this herb.
Nature and channels	Bitter, sweet, neutral. Enters the Liver and Kidney. Bitterness dispels dampness. Sweetness tonifies Liver and Kidney and strengthens sinews and bones.
Pharmacopoeia line	Dispels wind-damp. Tonifies Liver and Kidney. Strengthens sinews and bones. Calms the fetal origin. Used for wind-damp painful obstruction, sore weak loins and knees, frail sinews and bones, flooding and heavy periods, spotting in pregnancy, restless fetus, and dizziness.
Pattern cues	Sore weak loins and knees. Wind-damp bi. Frail sinews. Restless fetus. Dizziness.
In this article	Sang Ji Sheng versus Hu Ji Sheng, Du Zhong, Xu Duan, and Du Huo. Why “calm the fetus” is not a home protocol. Why European mistletoe is not a substitute. Who should skip it.

What Is Sang Ji Sheng?

Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生; Sāng Jì Shēng; Latin: Taxilli Herba; English: Chinese taxillus / mulberry mistletoe) is the dried leafy stem of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser. In Chinese medicine it dispels wind-damp and tonifies Liver and Kidney. It is bitter, sweet, and neutral, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and its core actions are to dispel wind-damp, tonify Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinews and bones, and calm the fetal origin. It is not Hu Ji Sheng. That is a separate official drug, Viscum coloratum, with its own monograph. It is not European mistletoe (Viscum album). Western herbal use and toxicity concerns are different. Do not swap them. It grows on mulberry, but use qualified pieces. Do not pick the vine yourself.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Wind-damp painful obstruction with Liver–Kidney deficiency — sore low back and knees, stiff joints
Frail sinews and bones — Liver–Kidney depletion, dizziness
Restless fetus / heavy periods and spotting in pregnancy — this belongs with a practitioner, not a home “calm-fetus tea”

It is usually used raw. The usual decoction dose is 9–15 g. Excess-heat wind-damp, or tonifying when there is no deficiency, is a poor match. Bitter, sweet, and neutral, it is not an all-purpose mistletoe tea.

When the loins and knees are weak and wind-cold-damp is also present, Sang Ji Sheng both dispels and tonifies. That is why it appears in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang. It tonifies Liver and Kidney more than it clears heat. Red, swollen, hot joints with no deficiency get worse if more enrichment is added.

Sang Ji Sheng is not a catch-all for low-back pain or pregnancy support. In hot swollen joints with no Liver–Kidney deficiency, or in pregnancy self-dosing, using it alone can miss the pattern. Whether it belongs in a Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang–type formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Sang Ji Sheng: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Herba Taxilli

Botanical Origin

The dried stem with leaves of Taxillus chinensis (DC.) Danser.(Loranthaceae).

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is reddish-brown, with thin and tender stem, numerous leaves.

Macroscopic Features

Stem is cylindrical, 3~4cm long, 0.2~1cm; externally reddish-brown or gray, with thin longitudinal lines, and numerous tiny lenticels, small branches have brownish-red thin hairs. Sometimes have leaves, often wrinkled, intact leaves are oval shaped, entire, brown, leathery, young leaves are covered with brownish-red thin hairs. Stem is hard, fractured surface is uneven, cortex is reddish-brown, xylem is relatively pale. faint odor, astringent taste.

Origin and Quality Identification

Traditionally, herbs sourced from Guangdong and Guangxi provinces are considered to have the best quality.

Appearance: A high-quality piece is a small cylindrical segment, tough in texture, with fine pores on the surface and a distinct radial pattern on the cross-section.
Aroma & Taste: It has a very mild scent and a slightly bitter, astringent taste.
Look-Alikes: Be careful not to confuse it with other parasitic plants like Hu Ji Sheng (Mistletoe), which generally has thinner stems, smaller leaves, and a more yellowish-green color.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter, Sweet; NeutralLiverKidney

1. Historical Records

Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: Listed as a top-grade herb, noting its use for lower back pain, calming the fetus, and promoting healthy hair, skin, and teeth.
Ming Yi Bie Lu: Highlighted its ability to treat internal deficiencies, postpartum ailments, and joint issues.
Ben Cao Gang Mu: Summarized its role in tonifying the kidneys and blood, boosting Qi, dispelling wind-dampness, strengthening bones and tendons, and stabilizing pregnancy.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Different historical practitioners have valued this herb for slightly different reasons based on clinical needs:

As a Tonic: Many see it as a mild, everyday tonic for Liver and Kidney deficiency.
For Joints: Others focus on its ability to clear "Wind-Dampness," using it for joint pain and stiffness.
For Pregnancy: It is also widely recognized for its "fetal calming" properties during pregnancy. These varied uses highlight the herb's versatility, though it is not a cure-all and must be matched to the correct body constitution.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Dispels wind-damp, supplements liver and kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, secures fetus.

1. Primary Focus: Tonifying Liver and Kidneys, Strengthening Bones and Sinews

Traditional Function: Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) replenishes the essence and Qi of the Liver and Kidneys, enhancing the strength and flexibility of the bones and sinews.
Common Indications: It is commonly used for lower back and knee soreness, limb numbness, and weakness in the joints. This includes feeling weak after sitting or standing for a long time, or age-related mobility issues caused by a deficient constitution.
Common Pairings: In clinical practice, it is often paired with Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) to enhance Kidney tonification and Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) to direct the medicinal effects downward to the lower limbs.
When to Avoid: Do not use this on your own if your joint pain is red, swollen, and caused by "Damp-Heat," or if you have obvious "Excess Heat" (like severe constipation), as it may worsen the internal heat.

2. Secondary Focus: Stabilizing Pregnancy and Calming the Fetus

Traditional Function: It helps stabilize the Chong and Ren meridians in women, protecting the fetus and addressing pregnancy instability caused by Liver and Kidney deficiency.
Common Indications: Used for lower back ache and abdominal pain during pregnancy, a restless fetus, history of habitual miscarriage, or minor spotting without severe pain.
Common Pairings: Frequently combined with Xu Duan (Teasel Root) to secure the pregnancy and E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) to nourish and stop bleeding.
When to Avoid: Do not self-treat if fetal restlessness is caused by "Excess Fire" or external heat, or if you experience severe abdominal pain or heavy bleeding. Seek immediate medical attention instead.

3. Common Herb Pairings: The Synergistic Duo

Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) and Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) are a classic TCM pair. Both tonify the Liver and Kidneys and strengthen the bones. Together, they create a powerful synergy for treating lower back and knee weakness. However, this pair is meant for deficiency-related pain and should not be used for acute pain from physical trauma.

Modern Research

Modern research offers useful context, but Traditional Chinese Medicine prescribes on whole-pattern diagnosis rather than isolated compounds.

1. Main Chemical Components

Modern lab analysis shows that Sang Ji Sheng contains flavonoids (like quercetin), along with small amounts of triterpenes and coumarins. While these compounds show mild antioxidant properties in test tubes, finding these chemicals does not automatically guarantee specific clinical results in humans.

2. Modern Pharmacological Focus

Scientific research is currently exploring two main areas, though keep in mind these are still in the basic stages:

Skeletal and Muscular Systems: Animal studies suggest the extracts might have a mild regulating effect on bone metabolism and joint movement.
Immune Regulation: Some lab tests indicate a potential, slight influence on immune cell activity.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

While modern science provides interesting clues, it's important to view them with caution:

Animals Aren't Humans: What works in a lab environment or on an animal does not directly translate to human health.
Extracts vs. Whole Herbs: Lab researchers use highly purified extracts, which act very differently in the body compared to a traditional home-brewed Sang Ji Sheng tea.
Inconsistent Methods: Different studies use different dosages and preparation methods, making it hard to draw a unified conclusion.
Holistic Synergy: In TCM, the healing power comes from the whole herb working together, not just one isolated chemical compound.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Shared Traits

Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) and Hu Ji Sheng (Mistletoe) both dispel wind-dampness and tonify the Liver and Kidneys. Both are used for lower back and knee discomfort and require a proper TCM diagnosis before use.

2. Core Differences

Nature & Flavor: Sang Ji Sheng is neutral, sweet, and bitter, acting as a gentle tonic. Hu Ji Sheng is neutral but slightly cooling, with a more pronounced bitter taste and clearing effect.
Core Strength: Sang Ji Sheng excels at tonifying to strengthen bones and is better for weakness and soreness. Hu Ji Sheng is better at dispelling wind-dampness to unblock meridians and stop pain.
Target Symptoms: Use Sang Ji Sheng for age-related or deficiency-driven weakness (often with dizziness or ringing ears). Use Hu Ji Sheng for joint pain and numbness caused by chronic wind, cold, and dampness (often worsening in cold weather).
Contraindications: Avoid Sang Ji Sheng if you have severe internal Damp-Heat. Avoid Hu Ji Sheng if you have a cold Spleen and Stomach and are prone to diarrhea.

3. A One-Sentence Summary

Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe) focuses on nourishing the Liver and Kidneys to strengthen weak bones, while Hu Ji Sheng (Mistletoe) focuses on clearing wind-dampness to relieve joint pain.

Classical Formulas Containing Sang Ji Sheng

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang

獨活寄生湯

Formula CategoryWind-Damp Dispelling FormulasPrimary PatternDampnessPrimary FunctionDispel wind-damp, stop bi pain, tonify Liver and Kidney, nourish Qi and bloodRelated ConditionsLow Back Pain·Joint Discomfort·Numbness in Limbs

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin

天麻鉤藤飲Assistant

Formula CategoryLiver-Wind Extinguishing FormulasPrimary PatternLiver FirePrimary FunctionCalm Liver Yang, extinguish internal wind, clear heatRelated ConditionsHeadache·Dizziness & Vertigo·Tinnitus·Anxiety Restlessness

View Formula Profile Read Complete Guide

Formulas vs. Single Herbs

Synergy is Key: A formula is a balanced team. The healing power comes from how the herbs interact, so a single herb cannot simply replicate a full formula's effects.
Holistic Balance: The exact dosage and combination in a formula affect the entire body. Never try to mix or alter these formulas at home based on internet articles.

Diet & Daily Home Use

1. Home Herbal Teas and Soups

Mulberry Mistletoe and Eucommia Tea:
- Ingredients: 10g Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe), 10g Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), 2 red dates.
- Method: Rinse, place in a teapot, add boiling water, and steep for 15 minutes.
- Best For: Mild, everyday tonification for weak lower backs in spring and autumn.
- Not For: People with Damp-Heat, Excess Fire, or chronic constipation. Drink 2–3 times a week max.
Mulberry Mistletoe Pork Rib Soup:
- Ingredients: 15g Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe), 10g Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark), 200g pork ribs, 3 slices fresh ginger.
- Method: Blanch ribs. Simmer all ingredients in a clay pot with water for 1.5 hours on low heat. Add a pinch of salt.
- Best For: Weakness and fatigue in autumn and winter. Limit to 1–2 times a month.

2. Brewing and Processing Differences

The raw form leans toward clearing wind-dampness, while the processed form (like wine-baked) is better for strengthening bones. For home brewing, simply soak the herbs for 30 minutes and boil for 20–30 minutes with your other ingredients. No special bagging is needed.

3. Dosage and Usage Cycle

Dosage: Clinical doses range from 10–15g. Keep home dietary doses below 15g.
Cycle: Do not use continuously for more than 2 weeks without consulting a TCM practitioner. Pregnant women and children must consult a doctor before use.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It

Avoid this herb if you have acute, red, and swollen joint pain from Damp-Heat. Pregnant women experiencing severe pain or heavy bleeding must seek emergency care. Nursing mothers, children, and anyone with liver or kidney issues should consult a doctor first. Avoid if allergic to mistletoe plants.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Sang Ji Sheng may interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or diabetes drugs. Always consult your doctor before combining it with prescriptions to avoid adverse reactions.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

It is generally very safe at normal doses. Overuse may cause mild dizziness, nausea, or loss of appetite. If you experience allergic rashes, persistent vomiting, breathing difficulties, or a rapid worsening of symptoms, stop immediately and seek medical help.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sang Ji Sheng

What is Sang Ji Sheng? Are Hu Ji Sheng, “Ji Sheng” and Sang Zhi the same?

Official Sang Ji Sheng (桑寄生) is the dried leafy stem of Taxillus chinensis. The pharmacopoeial name is Taxilli Herba. Hu Ji Sheng is the leafy stem of Viscum coloratum, a separate monograph Visci Herba: bitter-neutral, similar functions but different taste and botanical source—not an automatic equal swap. A prescription that only says “Ji Sheng” must name Sang Ji Sheng or Hu Ji Sheng. Sang Zhi is the young mulberry twig: dispels wind-damp and benefits the joints—it is not mistletoe. Stems parasitic on poisonous hosts (such as oleander) must not be used as medicine. Write Sang Ji Sheng.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Sang Ji Sheng?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sang Ji Sheng is bitter, sweet and neutral, enters the Liver and Kidney channels, and acts to dispel wind-damp, supplement Liver and Kidney, strengthen sinew and bone, and calm the fetal origin. It is used for wind-damp bi pain, lumbar-knee soreness and softness, sinew-bone lack of strength, flooding and spotting or heavy menses, pregnancy spotting, restless fetus, and dizziness. Bitter-sweet-neutral, supplementing while dispelling—suited to Liver-Kidney insufficiency with wind-damp or insecure fetal origin, not to damp-heat red swollen hot bi used as a lone supplement.

Does Sang Ji Sheng need special processing or decoction? How do you choose it versus Hu Ji Sheng?

Cut segments go in the pot, or they may be steamed then dried; first- or late-decoction is not required. South and southwest China commonly use Sang Ji Sheng; north and northeast often use Hu Ji Sheng. Functions are close but the pharmacopoeia lists them separately—write the full name. Calming the fetus and supplementing Liver-Kidney lumbar-knee soreness more often use Sang Ji Sheng.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a blood-pressure or low-back tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g. It is not a four-season “mistletoe blood-pressure tea.” Damp-heat redness and swelling and exterior excess heat only stagnate further when supplemented. Liver-Kidney insufficiency and restless fetus need a practitioner to set dose and course; do not use anonymous “Ji Sheng” as tea.

What are the contraindications? Can it be used in pregnancy?

Use caution as a lone supplement in damp-heat bi with redness and swelling and in Spleen-Stomach damp encumbrance; forbid material from an unknown or poisonous host. The pharmacopoeia lists pregnancy spotting and restless fetus among its indications—it is a classic fetus-calming herb and must be pattern-differentiated by a practitioner, not self-dosed in large amounts. Use caution in Kidney deficiency with heat and short red urine. Stop if vomiting and diarrhea appear.

Can Sang Ji Sheng dispel wind-damp, strengthen the lumbar-knees and calm the fetus?

It can help Liver-Kidney insufficiency. Wind-damp lumbar-knee aching joins Angelica pubescens, Eucommia and Achyranthes in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang. Restless fetus and pregnancy spotting join Cuscuta, Dipsacus and Ass-hide glue in Shou Tai Wan. It supplements Liver-Kidney while dispelling wind-damp and calming the fetal origin—not a specific for every arthritis, every low-back pain or every threatened miscarriage. High fever with red swollen joints and heavy vaginal bleeding are emergencies.

Can Sang Ji Sheng be drunk daily as a blood-pressure, anti-aging or pregnancy tea?

Liver-Kidney insufficiency may enter a formula or a short tea; damp-heat and unknown hosts must not. “Mistletoe lowers pressure and anti-ages” does not replace cardiology and antenatal care. Supplementing Liver-Kidney and calming the fetus should name Sang Ji Sheng and a 9–15 g dose, and distinguish it from Hu Ji Sheng.

How do you choose among Sang Ji Sheng, Hu Ji Sheng, Du Huo, Du Zhong and Xu Duan?

Taxillus is bitter-sweet-neutral: dispels wind-damp, supplements Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetal origin—supplements while dispelling. Viscum is bitter-neutral: similar functions, different source, common in the north. Angelica pubescens is acrid-bitter and slightly warm: dispels wind-damp and unblocks bi to stop pain—leans to lower-jiao wind-cold-damp, strong to dispel and weak to supplement. Eucommia is sweet-warm: supplements Liver-Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus—clearer warm supplementation. Dipsacus is bitter-acrid and slightly warm: supplements Liver-Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, knits fracture and stops flooding. Wind-damp with Liver-Kidney vacuity favors Sang Ji Sheng and Du Huo; pure vacuity lumbar-knees favor Du Zhong and Xu Duan; calming the fetus often pairs Sang Ji Sheng with Xu Duan. They may be combined; all are wrong as pure warm supplementation in damp-heat hot bi, and the mistletoe source must be identified.

Which herbs is Sang Ji Sheng combined with? What are the representative formulas?

Wind-damp bi pain with dual Liver-Kidney vacuity joins Angelica pubescens, Gentiana macrophylla, Eucommia, Achyranthes and Angelica sinensis in Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang. Restless fetus joins Cuscuta, Dipsacus and Ass-hide glue in Shou Tai Wan. Write Sang Ji Sheng; do not mix it with Hu Ji Sheng or Sang Zhi.

How do you choose and store Sang Ji Sheng?

Choose slender tender stems, red-brown or gray-brown, leafy, faint in odor and astringent in taste. Thick, hollow, leafless, moldy, moth-eaten and unknown-host lots are inferior. Store dry against moths. Buy pharmacopoeial Sang Ji Sheng; do not replace fetus-calming Liver-Kidney supplementation with an equal weight of Hu Ji Sheng or anonymous “Ji Sheng.”

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Medical Disclaimer — This article is provided for educational purposes only and describes traditional Chinese medicine concepts. It is not medical advice, and it is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using any herb, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or managing a diagnosed condition.