Sāng Jì Shēng (桑寄生) — Mulberry Mistletoe / Loranthus

On this page

1. Overview
2. Properties
3. Actions and indications
4. Key formulas
5. Modern research
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Treatment at my clinic

1. Overview

Sāng Jì Shēng (桑寄生) — Taxillus chinensis — is known in English as Mulberry Mistletoe / Loranthus. It belongs to the category of Herbs that expel Wind-Damp in the Chinese Materia Medica and is one of the important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). It is used in Chinese herbal medicine as a component of classical herbal formulas and in tailored prescriptions.

I prescribe Sāng Jì Shēng as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan. Herbs are always combined with other herbs selected to match the patient’s individual TCM pattern. Online consultations are available for patients who cannot attend my clinic in person.

2. Properties

3. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Tonifies Liver and Kidney and expels Wind-Damp — simultaneously tonifying and dispelling
2. Strengthens sinews and bones
3. Calms the fetus and prevents miscarriage — the most important herb for Kidney-deficiency miscarriage
4. Nourishes Blood and benefits the mother during pregnancy

Indications

1. Recurrent miscarriage from Liver and Kidney deficiency
2. Threatened miscarriage with lower back pain and uterine bleeding
3. Joint pain and weakness with Liver and Kidney deficiency — arthritis in elderly or deficient patients
4. Low back and knee ache from Kidney deficiency with Wind-Damp
5. Hypertension from Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency

4. Key formulas containing Sāng Jì Shēng

Sāng Jì Shēng appears in the following key formulas:

• Du Huo Ji Sheng Wan

See the full Chinese herbal medicine formula directory for detailed information on all 70 classical formulas.

5. Modern research

Taxillus chinensis (Sang Ji Sheng) is one of the most important herbs in Chinese fertility and obstetric practice. Key bioactive constituents include quercetin, avicularin, hyperoside and oleanolic acid. Research confirms significant antihypertensive effects (clinical trials confirm its efficacy for hypertension), anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, immunomodulatory activity, uterine-stabilising effects and anti-platelet aggregation. The formula Shou Tai Wan (Foetus Longevity Pill) — Sang Ji Sheng combined with Tu Si Zi, Xu Duan and E Jiao — is the most important classical formula for preventing miscarriage from Kidney deficiency.

6. Cautions and contraindications

Generally very safe. One of the few Wind-Damp herbs safe to use throughout pregnancy. Use with caution in excess patterns without underlying deficiency.

Important: Chinese herbs should always be prescribed by a fully qualified herbalist who is a member of the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Never self-prescribe or self-administer Chinese herbs without professional guidance. Dr (TCM) Attilio D’Alberto is a member of the RCHM with over 25 years of clinical experience.

7. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Sāng Jì Shēng as part of tailored herbal formulas for a range of conditions including Miscarriage, Fertility, Back pain, High blood pressure. Every prescription is individually formulated following a full TCM assessment and adjusted throughout treatment as the pattern responds.

I see patients in person at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire. Online Chinese herbal medicine consultations are available throughout the UK and internationally. Visit the prices page for consultation fees.

Return to the Chinese herb directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.