【Source】

《Treatise on Distinguishing Internal and External Injuries and Confused Diseases》

 【Composition】

Ginseng, Ophiopogon root, Schisandra fruit
(3)

 【Categorization】

<Nourishing Yin>: Ophiopogon root

<Tonifying Qi>: Ginseng

<Astringing>: Schisandra fruit

【Formula Explanation】

《Yī Fāng Jí Jiě》: A formula for Hand Taiyin (Lung Meridian) and Hand Shaoyin (Heart Meridian). The Lung governs Qi; when Lung Qi is vigorous, the Qi of the four Zang-organs (excluding Lung and Heart) also thrives. Deficiency leads to a weak pulse and shortness of breath. (1) Ginseng: Sweet and warm, it powerfully tonifies Lung Qi, serving as the chief ingredient. (2) Ophiopogon root: Stops sweating, moistens the Lung and nourishes fluids, clears Heart heat, serving as the deputy ingredient. (3) Schisandra fruit: Sour and warm, it astringes the Lung, generates fluids, and prevents the dissipation of Qi, serving as the assistant ingredient. The Heart governs the blood vessels, and the Lung supervises all vessels. By tonifying the Lung and clearing the Heart, Qi is abundant and the pulse becomes full. Therefore, it is named “Sheng Mai” (generate pulse). In the scorching heat of summer, when Fire (heat) is vigorous and restrains Metal (Lung), preserving Lung function is paramount. Taking this formula in the morning can replenish Qi and dispel summer heat. 《Shān Bǔ Yī Fāng Kǎo》: In this formula, Ginseng is the chief ingredient for tonifying Qi, which means tonifying the Lung. Ophiopogon root is the deputy ingredient for clearing Qi, which means clearing the Lung. Schisandra fruit is the assistant ingredient for astringing Qi, which means astringing the Lung. Wu Kun said: “One to tonify, one to clear, and one to astringe – the complete method for nourishing Qi.” It is named Sheng Mai (generate pulse) because when the pulse obtains Qi, it becomes full; when it loses Qi, it becomes weak.

 【Functions】

Replenishes Qi and restores the pulse, nourishes Yin and generates fluids, astringes Yin and stops sweating.

 【Indications】

Summer heat injuring Qi, with both Qi and Yin deficiency, excessive sweating, body fatigue, mental exhaustion, depletion of Qi and injury to fluids, palpitations, shortness of breath, thirst, or chronic cough due to Lung deficiency, dry cough with little sputum, shortness of breath, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and tongue, and a weak pulse. 《Yī Fāng Jí Jiě》: Heat damaging the primordial Qi, leading to shortness of breath and fatigue, thirst and profuse sweating, and cough due to Lung deficiency.

 【Modern Applications】

Febrile diseases, myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, various types of shock, arrhythmia, heart failure, hypotension, insomnia, consumptive diseases, post-surgical recovery.

 【Contraindications】

This formula treats deficiency syndromes. It is contraindicated for those with excess syndromes, pathogenic heat such as severe summer heat, or cough accompanied by unresolved exterior syndromes.

 【Mnemonic】

Scholar selling an umbrella (Shēng Mài Sǎn) — No one buys it (Wǔ Rén Mài, referring to Wǔwèizǐ, Rénshēn, Màiméndōng)#

 【Modifications】

《Shān Bǔ Yī Fāng Kǎo》:
(1) Li Gao stated: For summer use, Sheng Mai Yin combined with Astragalus and Licorice is named Sheng Mai Bao Yuan Tang, which makes one’s strength surge.
(2) Further adding Angelica sinensis and White Peony is named <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Ren Shen Yin Zi/’>Ren Shen Yin Zi, which treats Qi deficiency with wheezing cough, hematemesis, and epistaxis, also an example of tonifying deficient fire.
(1) If there is accompanying blood deficiency, Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) should be added to nourish Yin and enrich blood.
(2) If there is accompanying cough with profuse, yellow, thick, sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate, asthma, and constipation, Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction), Houttuynia, Scutellaria, and Fritillaria should be added to clear the Lung, relieve asthma, and clear the Lung to resolve phlegm.
(3) If there is accompanying joint pain and lack of appetite, Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Coix, and Licorice Decoction), Aconite, and Asarum should be added to release the exterior, eliminate dampness, disperse cold, and relieve pain.
(4) If there is accompanying constipation, Astragalus, Angelica sinensis, Apricot Kernel, and Tangerine Peel should be added to replenish Qi, generate fluids, nourish blood, descend Lung Qi, and moisten the intestines to promote bowel movements.
(5) If there is accompanying palpitations, chest tightness, a dark purple tongue or with ecchymosis/stasis spots, and a thready, choppy, or intermittent pulse, <a href='https://whatsintcm.com/dt_articles/Dan Shen Yin/’>Dan Shen Yin (Salvia Drink) should be added to activate blood and resolve stasis.
(6) If there is accompanying palpitations, chest tightness, profuse phlegm, poor appetite, dizziness and heavy head, and a pale tongue with a slightly yellow, greasy coating, Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) should be added to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and descend turbidness.

 【Pharmacological Effects】

Improves cardiac function, increases coronary blood flow, resists myocardial ischemia, regulates myocardial metabolism, reduces oxygen consumption, protects myocardial cells, improves microcirculation, resists shock, regulates blood pressure, prevents arrhythmia, anti-inflammatory, enhances immune function, improves hemorheology, improves liver function, anti-mutagenic, anti-cancer, etc.