Sheng Hua Tang — Generation and Transformation Decoction

On this page

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

What is Sheng Hua Tang?

Sheng Hua Tang (“Generation and Transformation Decoction”) is the principal postnatal recovery formula in Chinese medicine. Devised by Fu Qing Zhu in the 17th century, the formula is taken in the first 7–10 days after birth across most of East Asia as standard postnatal care. It treats the dominant postpartum pattern of Blood deficiency with Cold and Blood stasis, simultaneously building Blood, expelling retained lochia and warming the uterus. Modern research demonstrates uterotonic and anti-inflammatory effects that support uterine involution.

Sheng Hua Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for postpartum Blood deficiency with Cold and Blood stasis in the uterus, characterised by: retained or scanty lochia, postnatal abdominal pain (especially crampy or fixed), feeling of cold around the lower abdomen, pale complexion and fatigue, a pale or purplish tongue, and a thin pulse.

Key herbs

1. Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis root) — 24 g; the chief herb; tonifies and moves Blood
2. Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong rhizome) — 9 g; strongly invigorates Blood and moves Qi
3. Tao Ren (peach kernel) — 6 g; breaks Blood stasis
4. Charred Sheng Jiang (pao jiang) — 2 g; warms the channels, disperses Cold and stops uterine bleeding
5. Zhi Gan Cao (honey-fried liquorice) — 2 g; harmonises and tonifies

The formula is traditionally taken with a small amount of yellow rice wine to enhance the Blood-moving effect.

Formula actions

1. Tonifies and invigorates Blood
2. Disperses Cold from the uterus
3. Expels retained lochia and Blood stasis
4. Stops postpartum pain

Conditions treated

1. Retained lochia (postpartum uterine bleeding that persists beyond expected duration or stops too quickly)
2. Postnatal abdominal pain
3. Delayed uterine involution
4. Postnatal recovery after vaginal delivery or caesarean section
5. Postpartum Blood deficiency contributing to fatigue, low milk supply or postnatal depression
6. Restoring menstrual cycle after birth or miscarriage

Cautions

Used only after delivery — not during pregnancy. Avoid in postpartum Heat patterns (yellow lochia with offensive smell, fever) — alternative formulas are indicated. 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.