Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang — Cimicifuga & Kudzu Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang — Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction — is from the Song-dynasty Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang. It is the classical formula for Yang Ming exterior pattern with incomplete rash eruption, especially early-stage measles where the rash is appearing slowly or unevenly with persistent fever.

Measles is now rare in countries with vaccination but the formula is also used for other rash-producing febrile illnesses (varicella, hand-foot-and-mouth, scarlet fever, atypical viral exanthems) where the rash needs to be brought out so the body can resolve the illness.

I prescribe Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang is prescribed for Yang Ming exterior Heat with rash failing to erupt:

• Fever, possibly with mild chills
• Rash that is slow to appear or comes unevenly
• Sneezing, cough, headache
• Red eyes, sensitivity to light
• Restlessness
• Tongue — red, thin white or yellow coat
• Pulse — floating, rapid

Key herbs

1. Sheng Ma (cimicifuga) — raises Yang and vents rash outward
2. Ge Gen — releases the Yang Ming exterior, generates fluids, vents rash
3. Chi Shao (red peony) — cools Blood and disperses rash
4. Zhi Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Releases the Yang Ming exterior
2. Vents rash outward
3. Clears Heat from the muscle layer
4. Generates fluids

Conditions treated

1. Early-stage measles with incomplete rash eruption
2. Varicella (chickenpox) with persistent fever and slow rash
3. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease
4. Scarlet fever
5. Roseola
6. Atypical viral exanthems
7. Drug-rash recovery phase

Cautions

Suspected measles, especially in immunocompromised, pregnant or unvaccinated individuals, needs immediate medical assessment. Measles can have serious complications.

Not appropriate after the rash has fully erupted — switch to Heat-clearing formulas at that stage.

Not appropriate for Heat-toxin syndromes that have already moved internally.

Use cautiously in pregnancy.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.