Sheng Mai San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
生脉散 · Shēng Mài Sàn
A classical three-herb formula for Qi and Yin deficiency with shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and a weak thin pulse, often after summer-heat or chronic illness.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Qi-Tonifying Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, generate fluids, astringe Yin
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Augment Qi, nourish Yin and secure leaking fluids
- Classical Source
- Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan) / Yi Xue Qi Yuan
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical three-herb formula for Qi and Yin deficiency with shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and a weak thin pulse, often after summer-heat or chronic illness.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for clear Qi-Yin dual deficiency with sweating and thirst — a pure generating and astringing formula rather than summer-clearing or Middle-raising ones.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Sheng Mai San | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang | Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Tonify Qi, generate fluids, astringe Yin | Clear summer-heat, benefit Qi, generate fluids | Clear heat, generate fluids, benefit Qi, harmonise the Stomach | Tonify Middle Qi, raise Yang, lift the sunken |
| Formula Category | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Qi Deficiency | Summer Heat | Yin Deficiency | Spleen Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Palpitations | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Poor Appetite | Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Nausea ·Fatigue & Low Energy | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Spontaneous Sweating ·Poor Appetite ·Diarrhea |
| Main Herbs | Ginseng Root ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Schisandra Fruit | American Ginseng ·Dendrobium ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Coptis Rhizome ·Lophatherum | Lophatherum ·Gypsum ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Ginseng Root | Astragalus Root ·Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Chinese Angelica Root ·Tangerine Peel |
| Classical Source | Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan) / Yi Xue Qi Yuan | Wen Re Jing Wei (Wang Mengying, Qing dynasty) / Li Dongyuan tradition variants | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Pi Wei Lun / Nei Wai Shang Bian Huo Lun (Li Dongyuan, Jin dynasty, ~1247–1249) |
Clinical Perspective
Sheng Mai San tonifies Qi-Yin and astringes. Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang clears summer-heat while benefiting Qi. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang clears residual heat and generates fluids. Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang raises Middle Qi without strong fluid generation.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Sheng Mai San: Classic TCM Formula for Qi & Yin Deficiency, Fatigue & Shortness of Breath
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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.