Shi Shen Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
十神湯 · Shí Shén Tāng
An exterior-releasing formula for wind-cold with qi stagnation.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior wind-cold, move qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release exterior wind-cold and move qi
- Classical Source
- He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
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Formula Overview
An exterior-releasing formula for wind-cold with qi stagnation.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected for wind-cold with qi stagnation — chills with chest oppression — rather than pure exterior or pure qi stagnation.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Perillae Folium (Zi Su Ye)
- Puerariae Radix (Ge Gen)
- Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Sheng Ma)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi)
- Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuan Xiong)
- Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Bai Zhi)
- Ephedrae Herba (Ma Huang)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao). From He Ji Ju Fang. An exterior-releasing
- qi-moving formula.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Releases exterior wind-cold and moves qi.
Indications
- Wind-cold with qi stagnation.
- Chills, fever, headache, chest oppression, no sweat, white coating.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Wind-cold with qi stagnation.
- Exterior is not released and qi is constrained.
Clinical presentation
- Chills, fever, headache, chest oppression, no sweat, white coating, superficial pulse.
Treatment strategy
- Release exterior wind-cold, move qi.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Shi Shen Tang, Xiang Su San and Ma Huang Tang release the exterior. Xiang Su San moves qi with less exterior force. Ma Huang Tang releases wind-cold strongly. This formula releases exterior and moves qi.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for wind-cold with qi stagnation.
- Key points: chills with chest oppression.
- Distinct from pure wind-cold and pure qi stagnation.
Safety notes: Contains Ma Huang; not appropriate for yin deficiency heat or free sweating.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shi Shen Tang? Are Ma Huang Tang and Ge Gen Tang the same?
Shi Shen Tang (十神汤) is a classic formula, centered on releasing the flesh and the exterior, regulating qi and freeing yang for wind-cold common cold with fever, aversion to cold, headache, absence of sweating, cough and nasal congestion. Ma Huang Tang induces sweating and releases the exterior, leaning to wind-cold exterior excess. Ge Gen Tang releases the flesh and the exterior, leaning to taiyang disease with stiff nape and back. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Shi Shen Tang. Use caution in vacuity with copious sweating and hypertension.
What is the composition and traditional use of Shi Shen Tang?
Classic composition: Chen Pi, Ma Huang, Chuan Xiong, Zhi Gan Cao, Xiang Fu, Zi Su Ye, Bai Zhi, Sheng Ma, Ge Gen, Chi Shao, Sheng Jiang. It acts to release the flesh and the exterior, regulate qi and free yang. It is used for wind-cold common cold with fever, aversion to cold, headache, absence of sweating, cough and nasal congestion. Ma Huang, Ge Gen and Sheng Ma release the exterior; Zi Su, Bai Zhi and Chuan Xiong dispel wind and stop pain; Chen Pi and Xiang Fu regulate qi; Chi Shao harmonizes the nutritive; Gan Cao and Sheng Jiang harmonize.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Ma Huang Tang replace it?
Ma Huang is nodes-removed; Gan Cao is honey-fried. Ma Huang Tang lacks heavy regulation of qi and freeing of yang; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Shi Shen Tang: Releasing the Exterior and Regulating Qi
Xiang Su San: Releasing the Exterior and Moving Qi
Ma Huang Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold Excess & No Sweating
Shen Su Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Qi Deficiency & Phlegm
Browse all classical formulas →
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.