Sang Xing Tang — Mulberry Leaf & Apricot Kernel Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Cautions

Overview

Sang Xing Tang — Mulberry Leaf and Apricot Kernel Decoction — is from Wu Jutong’s Wen Bing Tiao Bian (1798). It addresses warm-dryness invading the Lung in early autumn — the picture of dry cough with little phlegm, dry throat, slight thirst and mild fever that appears in dry hot weather or in centrally-heated indoor environments.

The formula is the warm-dryness counterpart to Xing Su San (which treats cool-dryness in late autumn). Together they cover the two seasonal dryness patterns that Wu Jutong distinguished.

I prescribe Sang Xing Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Sang Xing Tang is prescribed for warm-dryness invading the Lung:

• Dry, hacking cough with little or no phlegm
• Dry, scratchy throat and mouth
• Slight thirst
• Mild fever, no chills or very mild
• Headache
• Onset in late summer or early autumn
• Tongue — red tip, thin dry coat
• Pulse — floating, slightly rapid

Key herbs

1. Sang Ye (mulberry leaf) — clears Lung Heat and disperses Wind
2. Xing Ren (apricot kernel) — descends Lung Qi and stops cough
3. Sha Shen — nourishes Lung Yin
4. Zhe Bei Mu (fritillaria) — transforms Phlegm-Heat
5. Dou Chi — aromatic, helps disperse
6. Zhi Zi (small dose) — clears Lung Heat
7. Li Pi (pear peel) — moistens Lung Yin

Formula actions

1. Disperses Wind
2. Clears Lung Heat
3. Moistens Lung Yin
4. Transforms light Phlegm-Heat
5. Stops cough

Conditions treated

1. Acute dry cough in dry hot weather
2. Mild acute bronchitis with dry cough
3. Cough from central heating or air conditioning
4. Acute pharyngitis with dry throat
5. Post-viral dry cough in dry conditions
6. Smoker’s dry irritated cough in dry weather

Comparisons with related formulas

• Xing Su San — for cool-dryness in late autumn; warming counterpart.
• Sang Ju Yin — for Wind-Heat with cough and mild fever; less focus on dryness.
• Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang — for stronger warm-dryness with Lung Yin damage; deeper action.
• Yin Qiao San — for Wind-Heat with sore throat; less drying.

Cautions

Not appropriate for Wind-Cold cough (white phlegm, chills, no thirst).

Not appropriate for Lung Yin deficiency chronic dry cough — this is a Wind-clearing formula, use Yin-tonifying formulas for chronic Yin deficiency.

Generally well-tolerated, safe in pregnancy with qualified supervision.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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