Sang Ju Yin — Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Sang Ju Yin — Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink — is the principal Chinese herbal formula for the early stage of Wind-Heat invasion, specifically where the Lung is most affected and cough is the predominant symptom. Created by the Qing Dynasty physician Wu Jutong and recorded in his Wen Bing Tiao Bian, it is a light, gentle formula designed to disperse Wind-Heat from the Lung and Liver channels without over-purging or damaging the Yin. It is one of a pair of formulas — its companion, Yin Qiao San, is more appropriate when fever and systemic symptoms dominate; Sang Ju Yin is preferred when cough is the primary complaint.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Wind-Heat attacking the Lung (early stage), characterised by: cough (the defining symptom), mild fever, mild thirst, slight sore throat, red eyes, a thin white or slightly yellow tongue coating, and a floating, rapid pulse. The relatively mild nature of the systemic symptoms (in contrast to Yin Qiao San) reflects the early stage and Lung-focused nature of the pattern.

Key herbs

1. Sang Ye (Morus alba leaf / mulberry leaf) — the principal herb; disperses Wind-Heat from the Lung and Liver; the most important herb for Wind-Heat cough
2. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum morifolium flower) — disperses Wind-Heat and clears the head and eyes; particularly targets the Liver channel and the eyes
3. Xing Ren (Prunus armeniaca seed) — descends Lung Qi and stops cough; the key herb for addressing the cough symptom
4. Lian Qiao (Forsythia suspensa fruit) — clears Heat and resolves toxicity; extends the formula’s action beyond the surface
5. Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx herb) — disperses Wind-Heat from the exterior and throat
6. Jie Geng (Platycodon grandiflorus root) — opens the Lung, stops cough and directs herbs upward to the throat and Lung
7. Lu Gen (Phragmites communis rhizome) — clears Heat, generates fluids and alleviates thirst
8. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root) — harmonises the formula and soothes the throat

Conditions treated

1. Acute cough from Wind-Heat — the formula’s primary indication; particularly dry or slightly productive cough in the early stages of a cold or flu
2. Early-stage colds and flu where cough and mild sore throat are the predominant symptoms
3. Acute conjunctivitis and red, irritated eyes from Wind-Heat invading the Liver channel
4. Allergic rhinitis with acute onset from Wind-Heat exposure, particularly with itchy, red eyes
5. Acute bronchitis in the early stages from Wind-Heat

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.