Sheng Mai San (生脉散) — Generate the Pulse Powder
Sheng Mai San is a classical Chinese herbal formula used primarily for chronic fatigue[9] syndrome and long covid with lung and heart qi and yin depletion. It is prescribed for Lung and Heart Qi and Yin deficiency, characterised by: chronic cough[10] with scanty sputum, shortness of breath and fatigue on exertion, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and throat, palpitations, a pale or slightly red tongue with little coating, and a thin, weak or faint pulse.
On this page
- Overview
- TCM pattern
- Key herbs
- Formula actions
- Conditions treated
- Cautions
- Frequently asked questions
Overview
Sheng Mai San — Generate the Pulse Powder — is a three-herb formula that simultaneously tonifies Qi, nourishes Yin and astringes leakage of vital fluids and energy. Its name refers to its classical indication of a pulse so depleted that it has nearly disappeared. First recorded in the Jin Dynasty, it is one of the most important formulas for acute and chronic depletion of both Qi and Yin — particularly Lung and Heart Qi and Yin — that arises from prolonged illness, excessive sweating, overexertion or post-viral depletion. It has been extensively studied in contemporary cardiac research.
TCM pattern
Prescribed for Lung and Heart Qi and Yin deficiency, characterised by: chronic cough with scanty sputum, shortness of breath and fatigue on exertion, spontaneous sweating, dry mouth and throat, palpitations, a pale or slightly red tongue with little coating, and a thin, weak or faint pulse.
Key herbs
- Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root, 3-15g) — powerfully tonifies Yuan Qi, Lung and Heart Qi; the primary Qi-restoring herb
- Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus root, 5-30g) — nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin, moistens the Lung and generates fluids
- Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis fruit, 2-10g) — astringes the Lung Qi to prevent further leakage; retains the Essence and prevents sweating; has adaptogenic properties
Formula actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Nourishes Yin
- Generates Body Fluids
- Preserves the pulse
Conditions treated
- Chronic fatigue syndrome and long COVID with Lung and Heart Qi and Yin depletion
- Palpitations and cardiac weakness from Qi and Yin deficiency
- Breathlessness and poor exercise tolerance from Lung Qi and Yin deficiency
- Excessive spontaneous sweating from Qi and Yin deficiency leaving the pores ungoverned
- Post-viral fatigue with dry cough, dry throat and exhaustion
- Recovery from surgery or illness where Qi and Yin have been depleted
Cautions
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.
Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.
Frequently asked questions about Sheng Mai San
What is Sheng Mai San used for?
Sheng Mai San is used for chronic fatigue syndrome and long covid with lung and heart qi and yin depletion, palpitations and cardiac weakness from qi and yin deficiency, breathlessness and poor exercise tolerance from lung qi and yin deficiency, excessive spontaneous sweating from qi and yin deficiency leaving the pores ungoverned, post-viral fatigue with dry cough, dry throat and exhaustion. The formula targets the underlying TCM pattern producing these symptoms rather than the symptom in isolation, which is why pattern diagnosis by a qualified herbalist is essential.
How does Sheng Mai San work?
The herbs in Sheng Mai San work together: Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root, 3 15g) — powerfully tonifies yuan qi, lung and heart qi; the primary qi-restoring herb; Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus root, 5 30g) — nourishes lung and stomach yin, moistens the lung and generates fluids; Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis fruit, 2 10g) — astringes the lung qi to prevent further leakage; retains the essence and prevents sweating; has adaptogenic properties. The synergy of these actions addresses the underlying TCM pattern.
How long does Sheng Mai San take to work?
For most patients, an improvement is typically noticed within 2–4 weeks of daily granule treatment. Full benefit usually requires 6–12 weeks, depending on how long-standing the underlying pattern is. Sheng Mai San is typically prescribed as part of an individualised treatment plan that may include other herbs or adjustments over time.
Is Sheng Mai San safe in pregnancy?
Use of Sheng Mai San in pregnancy should only be considered under the supervision of a qualified RCHM herbalist with pregnancy training, and only when the TCM pattern specifically calls for it.
Who should not take Sheng Mai San?
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs. Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door. Sheng Mai San must be prescribed only after full pattern diagnosis by a qualified RCHM herbalist; self-prescription is not appropriate.
References
[9] Wang YY, Li XX, Liu JP, Luo H, Ma LX, Alraek T. Traditional Chinese medicine for chronic fatigue syndrome: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials. Complement Ther Med. 2014 Aug;22(4):826-33. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2014.06.004. PMID: 25146086.
[10] Lee B, Kwon CY, Suh HW, Kim YJ, Kim KI, Lee BJ, Lee JH. Herbal medicine for the treatment of chronic cough: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2023 Oct 17;14:1230604. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2023.1230604. PMID: 37920213.
