Largetrifoliolious Bugbane Rhizome

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

• Releases the exterior and vents rashes - Sheng Ma is classically used for early wind-heat, sore throat, and measles or eruptions that need to vent outward.
• Clears heat and resolves toxin - it is chosen for toxic heat in the throat, mouth, gums, or skin when redness, swelling, and fire are prominent.
• Raises clear yang and lifts sinking qi - traditional indications include chronic diarrhea, prolapse, and collapse of middle-burner lifting function.

Secondary Actions

• Sheng Ma has a dual nature that matters clinically: one side vents heat outward, while the other raises what has sunken inward.
• Prepared Sheng Ma is often used when the lifting function is emphasized, while raw Sheng Ma is more strongly venting and heat-clearing.

Classic Formulas

• Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang - classic middle-qi lifting formula in which Sheng Ma helps raise clear yang together with Huang Qi and Chai Hu.
• Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang - famous formula for venting early-stage measles and exterior heat while easing the neck and upper body.
• Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin - toxin-clearing throat and head formula in which Sheng Ma helps vent and disperse upper-burner fire toxin.

Classical References

• Traditional references describe Sheng Ma as acrid, slightly sweet, and slightly cold, entering the Lung, Spleen, Stomach, and Large Intestine.
• Its core classical functions are to release the exterior, vent eruptions, clear heat and toxins, and raise yang qi.
• The current pharmacopoeial drug includes several Cimicifuga sources, so correct sourcing matters even when the traditional action profile is shared.