Stems and woodsWind-damp dispellingMori Ramulus

Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig)

Q: What is Sang Zhi? Are Sang Ye and Sang Ji Sheng the same?

Official Sang Zhi (桑枝) is the dried young twig of Morus alba . The pharmacopoeial name is Mori Ramulus . Sang Ye is sweet-bitter and cold: disperses wind-heat, clears the Lung, moistens dryness, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes. Sang Ji Sheng is mistletoe parasitic on mulberry and other trees: bitter-sweet and neutral, dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. It is not the twig. Write Sang Zhi. Use caution in yin vacuity and Blood depletion.

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

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sang Zhi is slightly bitter and neutral , enters the Liver channel, and acts to dispel wind-damp and benefit the joints . It is used for aching, pain and numbness of the shoulder, arm and joints. Slightly bitter and neutral, it tends to the upper limbs and suits wind-damp impediment—not large, long use when there is yin vacuity and Blood depletion without wind-damp.

Q: What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a channel tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g . It is not a four-season “mulberry-twig channel tea.” Shoulder and arm numbness needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace joint assessment.

Q: How do you choose and store Sang Zhi?

Choose sliced young twigs, a thin bark, yellow-white wood, radiating rays, a white or yellow-white pith, a faint odor and a bland taste . Moldy, old pithless or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Sang Zhi; do not replace dispelling wind-damp and benefiting the joints with mulberry leaf or mistletoe by equal weight.

A practical guide to Sang Zhi: 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	Mori Ramulus
Chinese Name & Pinyin	桑枝 · Sang Zhi
Medicinal Part	Stems and woods
The herb	Sang Zhi is the dried young twig of Morus alba. Sang Ye, Sang Bai Pi, and Sang Ji Sheng are different drugs or parts.
Nature and channels	Slightly bitter, neutral. Enters the Liver. Slight bitterness dispels wind-damp. Neutral nature disinhibits the joints.
Pharmacopoeia line	Dispels wind-damp. Disinhibits the joints. Used for wind-damp bi, and sore numb shoulder, arm, and joints.
Pattern cues	Sore shoulder and arm. Numb joints. Wind-damp bi. Upper limb not moving freely.
In this article	Sang Zhi versus Sang Ye, Sang Bai Pi, Sang Ji Sheng, and Gui Zhi. Disinhibiting the joints versus dispersing wind-heat. Why long use with no wind-damp is a poor match. Who should skip it.

What Is Sang Zhi?

Sang Zhi (桑枝; Sāng Zhī; Latin: Mori Ramulus; English: mulberry twig) is the dried young twig of Morus alba L. In Chinese medicine it is a wind-damp-dispelling herb. It is slightly bitter and neutral, enters the Liver channel, and its core actions are to dispel wind-damp and disinhibit the joints. The teaching point is sore, numb shoulder, arm, and joints. It is not Sang Ye. Mulberry leaf is sweet, bitter, and cold. It disperses wind-heat and clears the Liver to brighten the eyes. It is not Sang Bai Pi. Mulberry root bark is sweet-cold. It drains the Lung, calms wheezing, and promotes urine. It is not Sang Ji Sheng. Mulberry mistletoe is bitter, sweet, and neutral. It tonifies Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone, and dispels wind-damp. Sang Zhi is slightly bitter and neutral. It is specific for freeing the joints, and the upper limb is mentioned more often. Yin and blood deficiency, and no wind-damp, are a poor match for long use.

It is used most often for three patterns:

Wind-damp bi — sore shoulder and arm
Numb joints
Upper limb not moving freely — this needs pattern diagnosis; not every joint pain

The usual decoction dose is 9–15 g. Slightly bitter and neutral, it is not a daily “collateral mulberry-twig tea.” Unblocking when there is no wind-damp consumes yin and blood.

When wind-damp blocks the channels, sore numb shoulder and arm are common. Sang Zhi is slightly bitter and neutral. It dispels and disinhibits, which is why it appears in upper-limb wind-damp bi formulas. It frees more than it cools. Hot, red, swollen joint pain from heat bi needs another pattern. This twig alone is not enough.

Sang Zhi is not a catch-all collateral or pain twig. In yin and blood deficiency, or when there is no wind-damp, using it alone can consume yin. Whether it belongs in a formula should be decided by a licensed Chinese medicine practitioner after pattern diagnosis.

Sang Zhi: Materia Medica Profile

Identification & Quality Standard

Mori Ramulus

Botanical Origin

The dried tender branches of Morus alba L.(Moraceae)

Production Regions

Primarily produced in the Chinese provinces of Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Hunan, Sichuan.

Quality Requirements

Superior medicinal material is tender, with yellowish-white fractured surface.

Macroscopic Features

Long cylindrical, uneven length, 0.5~1cm diameter. Externally grayish-yellow or grayish-brown, with numerous pale brown spotted lenticels and thin longitudinal lines, with obvious grayish-white half-moon-like leaf scars and brownish-yellow leaf sprouts. Firm and pliable texture, with flexibility, relatively hard to break, fractured surface is yellowish-white, fibrous. Angular cut slices are elliptical, about 2mm long. Cortex of cut surface is relatively thin, xylem is yellowish-white, radial lines are dense, center has tiny soft pith. Grass-like odor, tasteless and slightly sticky.

Authentic Regions and Quality Identification

While traditional texts highly regard branches from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, high-quality Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) is also produced in Anhui, Sichuan, and other regions.

Appearance: Good quality twigs are cylindrical, grayish-yellow or yellowish-brown, and have fine longitudinal lines. They are tough with a yellowish-white cross-section and a small center pith.
Smell and Taste: The raw form has a very mild scent and bland taste. The wine-processed Jiu Sang Zhi has a faint wine aroma and a slightly darker color.
Lookalikes: Be careful not to confuse it with twigs from the paper mulberry tree, which are fuzzier, more brittle, and have a distinct smell.

Traditional Properties & Historical Lineage

Nature, Flavour & Channel Tropism

Bitter; NeutralLiver

1. Historical Records

This herb is well-documented in classical TCM literature:

Ben Cao Tu Jing (Illustrated Classic of Materia Medica) noted that it helps with dry, itchy skin and stiff, spasming limbs.
Ben Cao Bei Yao (Essentials of Materia Medica) stated that it benefits the joints, harmonizes fluids, and disperses wind.
De Pei Ben Cao (Materia Medica of Combinations) highlighted its use in formulas: pairing it with Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) for shoulder and arm pain, or with Huai Zhi (Pagoda Tree Twig) for wind-related skin issues.

2. Evolution of TCM Understanding

Throughout history, TCM practitioners have adapted their understanding of Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig):

Some emphasize its clearing properties for "damp-heat" blocking the meridians (often presenting as achy, slightly swollen joints).
Others focus on its general ability to unblock meridians, treating stiff joints regardless of whether the underlying cause is cold or hot.
Consensus: While versatile, it is not a cure-all. For severe joint deformity or internal organ issues, it must be combined with other herbs to be effective.

Core Efficacies & Traditional Applications

Traditional Functions

Dispels wind, promotes joint, moves water and qi. Apply to wind-damp impediment, spasm of limbs, beriberi and edema, wind-itching of skin.

1. Primary Focus: Dispersing Wind and Unblocking Meridians

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the primary function of Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) is to clear wind pathogens from the meridians, relieving spasms and pain in the limbs.

Common Symptoms: It is widely used for achy joints, stiffness, numbness, and limited mobility caused by strain, weather changes, or cold exposure.
Common Pairings: It is often paired with Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) to enhance warming properties, or with Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root) to better dispel wind-dampness.
Warning: Individuals with extreme weakness or chronic sweating should avoid using it themselves, as over-unblocking can deplete vital Qi. Pregnant women must consult a practitioner before use.

2. Secondary Focus: Benefiting the Joints

Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) also helps improve joint mobility by easing stiffness and tightness around the joints.

Common Symptoms: It is suitable for mild joint aches, a heavy sensation in the limbs, or a feeling of tightness due to sluggish Qi and blood circulation.
Common Pairings: It is frequently combined with blood-nourishing herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Root) or downward-directing herbs like Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) for lower limb issues.
Warning: Do not use for severe joint deformities or acute redness, heat, and swelling without professional diagnosis.

3. Common Herb Pairing: Sang Zhi and Gui Zhi

Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) and Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) form a highly synergistic pair.

The Synergy: Sang Zhi excels at unblocking meridians, while Gui Zhi warms the meridians and drives out cold. Together, they effectively clear blockages and warm cold stagnation.
Application: Ideal for shoulder, arm, or leg aches that worsen in cold weather.
Caution: This combination requires TCM pattern diagnosis. It is not suitable for individuals with a "hot" body constitution (e.g., dry mouth, internal heat).

Modern Research

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

1. Primary Chemical Components

Modern labs have identified flavonoids, polysaccharides, alkaloids, and organic acids in Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig).

Lab Findings: Test-tube studies show certain flavonoids have antioxidant activity. Animal tests suggest extracts might help improve limb mobility.
Note: These are lab-specific results. There are currently no conclusive human clinical trials proving it treats joint diseases in humans.

2. Modern Pharmacological Research

Current research briefly looks into its effects on joint mobility, metabolic regulation, and inflammation.

Some animal studies observe that its components might help regulate local blood circulation.
However, these are preliminary explorations, and a definitive clinical consensus has not yet been formed.

3. Limitations of Modern Research

It is important to view this research objectively:

Lab vs. Human: Animal and cell studies do not directly translate to human bodies.
Extracts vs. Tea: Labs use highly concentrated, single-chemical extracts, which are completely different from the traditional boiled water decoctions used in TCM.
Synergy: In TCM, the herb works as a complex whole. You cannot define the healing power of Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) based on just one isolated chemical compound.

Comparing Similar Herbs

1. Common Ground

Both Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) and Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) can unblock meridians, relieve joint discomfort, and ease limb spasms. They are both commonly used in daily dietary adjustments and medicinal formulas for mild joint issues.

2. Core Differences

Nature and Flavor: Sang Zhi is neutral and slightly bitter/acrid, lacking extreme hot or cold biases. Gui Zhi is warm and spicy/sweet, specifically targeting cold conditions.
Core Focus: Sang Zhi focuses on unblocking joints and relieving spasms regardless of whether the cause is cold or hot. Gui Zhi focuses on warming the meridians, dispelling surface cold, and is often used for common colds with chills.
TCM Action: Sang Zhi unblocks without severely draining the body's energy. Gui Zhi strongly promotes sweating and outward dispersion.

3. Summary of Differences

Simply put, Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) is a neutral herb for general, mild joint stiffness; Gui Zhi (Cassia Twig) is a warm herb specifically for cold-induced joint pain and surface cold/wind pathogens.

Classical Formulas Containing Sang Zhi

Juan Bi Tang

蠲痹湯

Formula CategoryWind-Damp Dispelling FormulasPrimary PatternDampnessPrimary FunctionDispel wind-damp, move Qi and blood, stop bi painRelated ConditionsJoint Discomfort·Muscular Stiffness·Shoulder Discomfort

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 Recipes

A simple Sang Zhi (Mulberry Twig) tea can be used for mild, daily support.

Recipe: 10g of Sang Zhi and 3g of fresh ginger. Brew in boiling water for 10 minutes.
Usage: Good for stiff neck, shoulders, or mild limb spasms caused by sitting too long or heavy air conditioning. Drink 2-3 times a week.
Contraindications: Not for hot body types, pregnant women, or daily long-term use.

2. Preparation and Brewing

Differences: Raw Sang Zhi is best for general unblocking. Wine-processed Jiu Sang Zhi (Wine-processed Mulberry Twig) is warmer and better for cold-type stiffness.
Brewing: Soak 10g of raw slices in water for 30 minutes, bring to a boil, then simmer for 20-30 minutes. Do not substitute raw slices with concentrated herbal extracts without guidance.

3. Dosage and Cycle

Dosage: Clinical doses range from 10-30g. Dietary wellness doses are smaller (10-15g) to provide mild support rather than aggressive treatment.
Cycle: Use for short periods (3-5 days). Continuous, long-term use is not recommended without a practitioner's oversight.

Contraindications & Safety Warnings

1. Who Should Avoid It?

Vulnerable Constitutions: People with extreme weakness or chronic sweating.
Special Populations: Pregnant and nursing women, children, and the elderly should not self-prescribe.
Organ Health & Allergies: Those with liver/kidney impairment or known allergies to Moraceae (mulberry family) plants.

2. Drug Interactions and Dietary Notes

Interactions: May interact with blood thinners, blood pressure medications, or diabetes drugs. Always consult a doctor if you are on chronic medication.
Timing: Separate the intake of this herb and Western medications by at least 1-2 hours to avoid absorption interference.

3. Adverse Reactions and Overdose Risks

Side Effects: Overuse can cause nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain. Mild allergic reactions like skin rashes may occasionally occur.
Action Plan: If you experience severe discomfort, allergic rashes, rapid breathing, or worsening of symptoms, stop use immediately and seek medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sang Zhi

What is Sang Zhi? Are Sang Ye and Sang Ji Sheng the same?

Official Sang Zhi (桑枝) is the dried young twig of Morus alba. The pharmacopoeial name is Mori Ramulus. Sang Ye is sweet-bitter and cold: disperses wind-heat, clears the Lung, moistens dryness, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes. Sang Ji Sheng is mistletoe parasitic on mulberry and other trees: bitter-sweet and neutral, dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus. It is not the twig. Write Sang Zhi. Use caution in yin vacuity and Blood depletion.

What are the TCM properties and traditional uses of Sang Zhi?

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, Sang Zhi is slightly bitter and neutral, enters the Liver channel, and acts to dispel wind-damp and benefit the joints. It is used for aching, pain and numbness of the shoulder, arm and joints. Slightly bitter and neutral, it tends to the upper limbs and suits wind-damp impediment—not large, long use when there is yin vacuity and Blood depletion without wind-damp.

How do you choose raw versus dry-fried twig? Can Sang Ye replace it?

Raw twig benefits the joints. Dry-frying to a pale yellow eases the nature. Mulberry leaf clears the Lung and brightens the eyes; it cannot replace benefiting the joints by equal weight. Mulberry root bark drains the Lung and promotes urination; it is also not the twig. Commercial twig tea is not equal-weight pieces.

What is the usual dosage? Can it be drunk daily as a channel tea?

The pharmacopoeial decoction dose is 9–15 g. It is not a four-season “mulberry-twig channel tea.” Shoulder and arm numbness needs a practitioner to name a short course; it does not replace joint assessment.

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

Large, long use is unsuitable in yin vacuity and Blood depletion without wind-damp. Pregnancy needs a practitioner’s assessment. Stop if joint redness, swelling and heat worsen. Sudden limb weakness needs medical care.

Can Sang Zhi dispel wind-damp and benefit the joints?

It can help aching, pain and numbness of the shoulder, arm and joints. It is often joined with notopterygium, stephania and clematis, a wind-damp type pairing. It dispels wind-damp and benefits the joints—not a specific for every shoulder pain or every stroke.

Can Sang Zhi be drunk daily as a channel, damp or pain tea?

Wind-damp shoulder and arm pain may enter a short formula; without wind-damp, further use only consumes. “Twig must free the channels” does not replace joint assessment. Dispelling wind-damp and benefiting the joints should name 9–15 g, raw or dry-fried.

How do you choose among Sang Zhi, Sang Ye, Sang Bai Pi, Sang Ji Sheng and Gui Zhi?

Mulberry twig is slightly bitter and neutral: dispels wind-damp and benefits the joints—aching and numbness of the shoulder and arm. Mulberry leaf is sweet-bitter and cold: disperses wind-heat, clears the Lung, moistens dryness, clears the Liver and brightens the eyes—wind-heat cough and red eyes. Mulberry root bark is sweet-cold: drains the Lung, calms panting, promotes urination and reduces swelling—Lung-heat panting and edema. Mistletoe is bitter-sweet and neutral: dispels wind-damp, supplements the Liver and Kidney, strengthens sinew and bone and calms the fetus—wind-damp with vacuity and fetal stirring. Cinnamon twig is acrid-sweet and warm: induces sweat, releases the flesh, warms and frees the channels and assists yang to transform qi—wind-cold and cold-congealed shoulder pain. Upper-limb wind-damp favors Sang Zhi; wind-heat favors Sang Ye; Lung-heat edema favors Sang Bai Pi; Liver-Kidney insufficiency favors Sang Ji Sheng; cold congealing favors Gui Zhi. They may be paired after pattern differentiation; yin vacuity and Blood depletion forbid large Sang Zhi and Gui Zhi.

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

Shoulder and arm impediment joins notopterygium, stephania, clematis and gentian. It may be boiled to a paste, but a practitioner still names the formula. Write Sang Zhi 9–15 g; do not replace benefiting the joints with mulberry leaf by equal weight.

How do you choose and store Sang Zhi?

Choose sliced young twigs, a thin bark, yellow-white wood, radiating rays, a white or yellow-white pith, a faint odor and a bland taste. Moldy, old pithless or dirty lots are discarded. Store dry. Buy pharmacopoeial Sang Zhi; do not replace dispelling wind-damp and benefiting the joints with mulberry leaf or mistletoe by equal weight.

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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.