Q2: Which modern conditions is Sang Piao Xiao San indicated for?

It is commonly used for patterns of dual heart-kidney deficiency and insecure kidney qi, including neurogenic urinary frequency, stress urinary incontinence, childhood enuresis, and overactive bladder.

Q3: Is Sang Piao Xiao San suitable for patients with frequent urination?

For patients with heart-kidney insufficiency signs such as frequent urination, increased nocturia, urgent need to urinate, enuresis, and accompanying poor memory, profuse dreaming, and insomnia, TCM practitioners commonly apply Sang Piao Xiao San through pattern differentiation to improve bladder control and related symptoms.

Astringent Formulas

桑螵蛸散 · Sāng Piāo Xiāo Sǎn

Sang Piao Xiao San

Formula for Kidney deficiency with insecurity of the Bladder and Essence, presenting with frequent urination, enuresis, spermatorrhea or cloudy urine, often with Heart-Kidney disharmony signs.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryAstringent Formulas

Primary PatternKidney Yang Deficiency

Primary FunctionTonify Kidney, astringe Essence, stop leakage

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleTonify Kidney, astringe Jing and stop leakage (urine/sperm)

Main HerbsMantis Egg-case · Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone · Tortoise Plastron · Ginseng Root · Poria with Pine Root · Polygala Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome

Classical SourceBen Cao Yan Yi (Song dynasty) / traditional

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when Kidney deficiency leakage is accompanied by Heart-Kidney disharmony, with frequent urination alongside forgetfulness and restlessness — broader than Suo Quan Wan, which addresses urinary leakage alone, and less Essence-focused than Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan.

Overview

What Is Sang Piao Xiao San?

1. Classical Literature

Sang Piao Xiao San (桑螵蛸散), or Mantis Egg-Case Powder, is a classical formula commonly cited from Chen Jiamo’s Ben Cao Meng Quan and later formula collections. It belongs to the category of formulas that stabilize the Kidney, astringe Essence, and calm the Heart.

This formula addresses deficiency of both Heart and Kidney in which Essence is not secured and the Heart spirit is unsettled. Typical signs include frequent urination or cloudy urine, nocturnal emission or spermatorrhea, forgetfulness, insomnia or dream-disturbed sleep, lower back weakness, a pale tongue, and a thin weak pulse.

Combining Sang Piao Xiao as the chief herb to tonify the Kidney and astringe Essence and urine, Long Gu and Gui Ban to stabilize, astringe, and nourish Yin, Ren Shen to tonify Qi, Dang Gui to nourish Blood, and Fu Shen, Yuan Zhi, and Shi Chang Pu to calm the spirit and restore communication between Heart and Kidney, Sang Piao Xiao San effectively secures Essence, reduces leakage, and calms the mind by treating both the Heart and the Kidney.

2. Andrological Conditions

Effectively treats frequent seminal emission or spermatorrhoea, especially when accompanied by heart-kidney non-interaction symptoms like mental fatigue, palpitations, and insomnia. It regulates, tonifies, and astringes essence, improving patient quality of life.

3. Gynaecological Conditions

Applicable for frequent urination and enuresis stemming from heart-kidney non-interaction. This includes postpartum or perimenopausal women presenting with such symptoms, where it is used based on specific pattern differentiation.

4. Other Conditions

Considered for insomnia, poor memory, and related symptoms caused by heart-kidney non-interaction, particularly when linked with seminal emission, spermatorrhoea, or frequent urination. The formula restores systemic balance, improving multiple symptoms concurrently.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Sovereign Herb: Sangpiaoxiao

As the principal herb, Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg-case) secures essence, reduces urination, tonifies the kidneys, and assists Yang. It effectively astringes the lower burner, consolidating essence and preventing involuntary loss, making it central to treating seminal emission and frequent urination.

2. Minister Herbs: Yuanzhi & Changpu

Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) calms the spirit, sharpens intellect, and facilitates Heart-Kidney communication. Changpu (Acorus Rhizome) opens orifices and dispels phlegm, further enhancing mental clarity. Together, they reinforce Sangpiaoxiao's action by stabilizing the spirit and improving Heart-Kidney connection.

3. Assistant Herbs: Longgu & Guijia

Longgu (Dragon Bone) and Guijia (Tortoise Plastron) powerfully astringe and consolidate, settling fright and calming the spirit. Guijia also nourishes Yin and anchors Yang, which is crucial for balancing the formula's astringent nature and preventing Yin damage, while strengthening consolidation.

4. Envoy Herbs: Renshen & Fushen

Renshen (Ginseng) greatly tonifies Qi and Blood, supporting overall vitality and calming the spirit. Fushen (Poria with Pine Root) quietly settles the Heart and tranquilizes the spirit. These envoy herbs guide the formula, ensuring its therapeutic effects are fully realized, particularly in balancing and invigorating the body's essential functions.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathomechanism: Heart-Kidney Non-Interaction

This formula targets the disruption of yin-yang balance between the Heart and Kidneys. When water and fire fail to nourish each other due to factors like excessive fatigue, emotional disturbance, or constitutional weakness, the spirit-mind becomes unsettled, and the kidneys lose their containing function, leading to essence leakage.

2. Actions: Regulate, Tonify, Astringe

Sang Piao Xiao San regulates and tonifies both the Heart and Kidneys, while simultaneously astringing essence to prevent involuntary loss. By facilitating proper communication between these vital organs, it stabilizes the spirit-mind and consolidates kidney qi, effectively addressing conditions of essence leakage.

Sang Piao Xiao San: Tonifying the Kidneys, Securing Essence and Calming the Spirit | HJMEDICAL

3. Indications: Seminal Emission & Frequent Urination

Primarily indicated for seminal emission and spermatorrhoea stemming from Heart-Kidney non-interaction. Symptoms include frequent leakage, fatigue, pallid complexion, palpitations, insomnia, poor memory, and frequent, clear urination. It is also effective for frequent urination and enuresis with the same underlying pattern.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. The Ingenuity of Heart-Kidney Communication

Sangpiaoxiao, the sovereign, directly addresses the Kidneys' loss of containing function by tonifying and consolidating essence. Minister herbs Yuanzhi and Changpu facilitate harmonious Heart-Kidney communication, stabilizing the spirit and will. Assistant herbs Longgu and Guijia reinforce this astringing and consolidating action. Finally, Renshen and Fushen, as envoy herbs, tonify Qi and Blood, support the upright Qi, and calm the spirit, guiding all components to synergistically consolidate essence and restore balance.

2. Synergistic Herb Interactions

The precise coordination among sovereign, minister, assistant, and envoy herbs creates an integrated whole. Sangpiaoxiao's essence-consolidating action works synergistically with the astringent power of Longgu and Guijia, amplifying their effect on seminal emission. The Heart-Kidney communication fostered by Yuanzhi and Changpu is enhanced by Fushen's spirit-calming properties, effectively addressing spirit-mind unsettlement. Renshen, through its robust Qi-tonifying action, provides foundational support for the entire formula, aiding the body's recovery and upright Qi.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Sang Piao Xiao San	Suo Quan Wan	Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan	Si Shen Wan
Primary Function	Tonify Kidney, astringe Essence, stop leakage	Warm Kidney, astringe urine, stop leakage	Secure Essence, astringe leakage, tonify Kidney	Warm Spleen-Kidney Yang, astringe intestines, stop diarrhea
Formula Category	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas	Astringent Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Kidney Yang Deficiency	Yang Deficiency
Main Conditions	Frequent Nocturia, Insomnia	Frequent Urination, Frequent Nocturia	Frequent Nocturia, Low Libido, Premature Ejaculation	Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain, Poor Appetite, Cold Limbs
Main Herbs	Mantis Egg-case · Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone · Tortoise Plastron · Ginseng Root · Poria with Pine Root · Polygala Root · Chinese Angelica Root · Grassleaf Sweetflag Rhizome	Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit · Lindera Root · Chinese Yam	Flatstem Milkvetch Seed · Euryale Seed · Lotus Stamen · Dragon Bone / Fossilized Bone · Oyster Shell · Lotus Seed	Psoralea Fruit · Nutmeg · Evodia Fruit · Schisandra Fruit
Classical Source	Ben Cao Yan Yi (Song dynasty) / traditional	Wei Sheng Bao Jian or traditional sources	Yi Fang Ji Jie (Qing dynasty)	Zheng Zhi Zhun Sheng or traditional (Ming dynasty sources)

How to tell them apart

Sang Piao Xiao San addresses leakage from Kidney deficiency with some Heart calming. Suo Quan Wan is simpler for enuresis/frequent urination. Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan focuses more on securing Essence. Si Shen Wan is for daybreak diarrhea from Kidney-Spleen Yang deficiency.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Sang Piao Xiao San

1. Pronounced Yin Deficiency

For patients with significant yin deficiency symptoms, add Shudihuang (Processed Rehmannia Root) and Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fruit). Shudihuang nourishes yin, enriches blood, replenishes essence, and fills the marrow. Shanzhuyu tonifies the liver and kidneys while astringing to secure against prolapse. These additions bolster the formula's yin-nourishing and kidney-supplementing actions, safeguarding against potential yin damage from excessive essence-consolidation.

2. Exuberant Heart Fire

When vexation and insomnia are worsened by exuberant heart fire, incorporate heart-clearing and fire-draining herbs like Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Lianzi Xin (Lotus Plumule). Huanglian clears heat, dries dampness, drains fire, and resolves toxins, while Lianzi Xin clears heart fire and calms the spirit. Their combined action effectively subdues heart fire, promoting smoother communication between the Heart and Kidneys.

3. Marked Qi Deficiency

In cases of evident qi deficiency, the dosage of Renshen (Ginseng) may be increased, or Huangqi (Astragalus Root) can be added to strengthen the qi-tonifying effect. Huangqi invigorates qi, raises yang, stabilizes the exterior, prevents sweating, and supports the body's upright qi. It synergizes with Renshen to fortify the formula's qi-tonifying and supportive actions, enhancing overall vitality.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Actions

Sang Piao Xiao San (Mantis Egg-Case Powder), also known as the Mantis Formula, is a classical herbal medicine formula used to tonify the kidneys, secure essence, and stabilize the bladder.

It is particularly effective for patterns of kidney deficiency leading to frequent pale urination, nocturnal emission, enuresis, and spermatorrhea. Key ingredients such as Sang Piao Xiao (Ootheca Mantidis), Ren Shen, fu shen, yuan zhi work together to strengthen the heart and kidney, calm the spirit, and consolidate the lower jiao. This formula helps restore control over urination and essence while supporting mental clarity and vitality in cases of chronic deficiency.

Research reveals that Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg Case) extracts may regulate the nervous system, improving neural function related to seminal emission. Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) exhibits sedative and anticonvulsant properties, balancing cerebral cortex activity. Longgu (Dragon Bone) and Guijia (Tortoise Plastron) offer sedative and astringing effects, while Renshen (Ginseng) enhances immune function and overall vitality.

2. Clinical Efficacy

Modern clinical observations consistently show Sang Piao Xiao San effectively reduces the frequency of seminal emission and spermatorrhoea. It significantly improves accompanying symptoms such as fatigue, palpitations, and insomnia. Compared to Western medical treatments, it offers fewer side effects and provides holistic regulation, enhancing patients' quality of life.

3. Dosage Form Innovation

Advancements in technology have led to the development of new dosage forms beyond traditional concentrated granules. Studies explore capsules and pills, which maintain the formula's therapeutic efficacy while improving stability and ease of administration, expanding clinical utility.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Restrictions & Emotional Regulation

While taking Sang Piao Xiao San, avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods (e.g., chili, deep‑fried foods) and alcohol, which may aggravate damp‑heat and reduce efficacy. Maintain a relaxed, positive mood and avoid excessive anxiety, tension, or depression, as adverse emotions can worsen heart‑kidney disharmony; use stress‑relief methods like music, walking, or talking with friends.

2. Special Populations

Use Sang Piao Xiao San with caution in pregnancy and consult a physician. Those with spleen‑stomach weakness or poor digestion should adjust dose or add spleen‑strengthening, stomach‑harmonizing herbs as needed to avoid impairing digestive function.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Nong's Sang Piao Xiao San Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Sang Piao Xiao San (Mantis Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $109.03

HJMEDICAL Nong's Suo Quan Wan (Shut the Sluice Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $70.51

Nong's Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan (Golden Lock Essence-Securing Pill) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $68.37

FAQ

Questions About Sang Piao Xiao San

Q1: What are the actions of Sang Piao Xiao San?

Sang Piao Xiao San has the actions of regulating and tonifying the Heart and Kidney, stabilizing Jing, and stopping leakage of urine and semen. It treats insecurity that comes from Heart and Kidney failing to communicate, not from Damp-Heat or empty Fire alone.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Sang Piao Xiao San suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Heart-Kidney deficiency, including pediatric enuresis of deficiency type, frequent or cloudy urination, seminal emission with forgetfulness, and neurasthenia or poor concentration accompanied by leakage of urine or Essence.

Q3: Is Sang Piao Xiao San suitable for improving frequent urination, cloudy urine, and poor memory together?

For presentations of frequent urination or urine that looks like rice-washing water, enuresis or seminal emission, absent-mindedness and poor memory, a pale tongue with white coating, and a thin weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Heart and Kidney deficiency — TCM commonly applies Sang Piao Xiao San as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of urinary infection, diabetes, or neurological disease.

Q4: Who should not take Sang Piao Xiao San?

Those with Damp-Heat lin syndrome (burning, dark, painful urination), Yin-deficiency empty Fire, or acute urinary infection are generally not suitable. Astringing while Heat or Damp-Heat is still present traps the pathogen. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why does this formula treat both leakage and forgetfulness?

The Heart stores the Spirit and the Kidney stores Jing. When they fail to communicate, the Spirit becomes scattered (forgetfulness, absent-mindedness) and the Jing gate fails to hold (urine and semen leak). The formula therefore both astringes with Sang Piao Xiao and Long Gu and reconnects Heart and Kidney with Yuan Zhi, Shi Chang Pu, Fu Shen, Ren Shen, Dang Gui, and Gui Ban.

Q6: How does Sang Piao Xiao San differ from Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan or Suo Quan Wan?

Jin Suo Gu Jing Wan mainly astringes Kidney Jing leakage and has little effect on the Heart-Spirit. Suo Quan Wan warms and astringes frequent urination from Kidney-Bladder Cold deficiency. Sang Piao Xiao San is chosen when leakage is accompanied by forgetfulness and poor concentration — the Heart-Kidney dual deficiency picture.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Sang Piao Xiao San?

The classical formula consists of Sang Piao Xiao to tonify the Kidney and astringe urine and Jing; Long Gu to settle the Spirit and secure leakage; Gui Ban to nourish Yin and stabilize the Kidney; Ren Shen and Dang Gui to tonify Qi and Blood; and Fu Shen, Yuan Zhi, and Shi Chang Pu to calm the Spirit and restore communication between Heart and Kidney.

Q8: Is Sang Piao Xiao San suitable for long-term use?

It may be used for a course of treatment in chronic Heart-Kidney deficiency leakage under professional supervision. Because it is securing and slightly cloying, it should not be continued if Heat or Damp-Heat signs appear. Pediatric enuresis often needs a defined course plus behavioral support rather than indefinite medication.

Q9: Can this formula be used for both children with bedwetting and adults with cloudy frequent urine plus poor memory?

Yes, when both presentations belong to Heart-Kidney deficiency rather than Damp-Heat. The same insecurity of the Jing gate and scattering of the Spirit can appear as pediatric enuresis or as adult cloudy frequent urination with forgetfulness. Pattern signs, not age alone, determine suitability.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Sang Piao Xiao San?

Reducing evening fluids in pediatric enuresis, keeping a regular sleep schedule, avoiding overstrain and excessive sexual activity in adults, and staying warm at the lower back all support the formula. Burning, painful, or bloody urine requires medical evaluation and is not an indication for this securing formula.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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