Sheng Yu Tang — Sage-like Healing 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

Sheng Yu Tang — the “Sage-like Healing Decoction” — is essentially Si Wu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) plus Ren Shen and Huang Qi. It addresses combined Qi and Blood deficiency particularly following blood loss, heavy menstruation, postpartum or chronic chronic illness. The formula nourishes Blood (Si Wu base) and tonifies Qi (added Ren Shen, Huang Qi) simultaneously.

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

TCM pattern

Sheng Yu Tang is prescribed for Qi and Blood deficiency:

• Pale complexion
• Fatigue, weakness
• Dizziness on standing
• Palpitations
• Shortness of breath on exertion
• Heavy menstrual bleeding with subsequent weakness
• Postpartum depletion
• Spontaneous sweating
• Tongue — pale, possibly with teethmarks
• Pulse — thin, weak

Key herbs

1. Shu Di Huang — nourishes Blood
2. Dang Gui — nourishes and moves Blood
3. Bai Shao — nourishes Blood
4. Chuan Xiong — moves Blood
5. Ren Shen — tonifies Yuan Qi
6. Huang Qi — tonifies Spleen and Lung Qi

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Qi
2. Nourishes Blood
3. Restores energy after blood loss or chronic depletion

Conditions treated

1. Recovery from heavy menstrual bleeding — see irregular cycle
2. Postpartum recovery
3. Recovery after surgery or trauma
4. Anaemia with Qi-Blood deficiency picture
5. Chronic fatigue with pale complexion and palpitations — see chronic fatigue
6. Subfertility with Qi-Blood deficiency
7. Recovery from chemotherapy with anaemia

Comparisons with related formulas

• Ba Zhen Tang — the classical Qi-Blood tonifying formula; similar action.
• Gui Pi Tang — for Heart-Spleen deficiency with insomnia and palpitations.
• Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang — simpler two-herb formula for Qi tonifying generating Blood.

Cautions

Not appropriate during acute infection or in Heat patterns — the rich tonifying herbs can entrench pathogens.

Use cautiously in patients with weak digestion — reduce dose or add Qi-moving herbs.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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