Sheng Ma, also known as Cimicifugae Rhizoma or Black Cohosh Rhizome, is a sweet, acrid, and slightly cold herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to release the exterior, vent rashes, clear heat, and raise Yang Qi. It is frequently used in early-stage febrile illnesses, measles, and prolapse conditions due to Spleen Qi sinking. Sheng Ma is both a dispersing and lifting herb, making it valuable in both acute and chronic deficiency settings.
Functions & Benefits
Releases the Exterior & Vents Rashes
Sheng Ma is commonly used in the early stages of wind-heat invasion to treat headache, fever, and sore throat. It is especially effective in venting measles and similar rashes that have not fully surfaced, promoting the eruption of pathogenic heat to the skin.
Clears Heat & Relieves Toxicity
This herb clears heat and fire toxins in the upper body, particularly in the head and throat. It is used for swollen or painful gums, ulcers in the mouth, or sore throat due to Stomach heat or accumulated toxicity.
Raises Yang Qi & Treats Prolapse
Sheng Ma is also used to raise the Yang Qi of the Spleen and treat prolapse of organs such as the uterus or rectum. It supports the upward movement of clear Qi and is often combined with herbs like Chai Hu and Huang Qi for Spleen Qi Deficiency.
Supports Recovery from Febrile Diseases
In post-febrile stages or when eruptions do not resolve completely, Sheng Ma helps clear residual heat and support the immune response. It can be included in formulas for incomplete rash resolution or lingering fever in children.
Indications
Early-stage wind-heat invasion with headache, fever, or sore throat
Incomplete eruption of measles or rashes with heat signs
Swollen, painful gums or mouth ulcers due to heat in the Stomach
Uterine or rectal prolapse due to Spleen Qi sinking
Delayed rash resolution or lingering heat after febrile disease
Tongue & Pulse Diagnosis in TCM
Tongue: Red tip or edges, or red with yellow coating if Stomach heat is present
Pulse: Floating and rapid in wind-heat; weak or deficient in Spleen Qi sinking patterns
Common TCM Patterns Treated by Sheng Ma
Sheng Ma treats Wind-Heat Exterior Syndrome, Toxic Heat in the Stomach and Lungs, Incomplete Rash Eruption, and Spleen Qi Deficiency with Yang Sinking. These patterns involve symptoms such as fever, rash, sore throat, prolapse, or residual heat after illness.
Precautions & Contraindications
Contraindicated in cases of fully erupted measles or rashes
Not suitable for Yin Deficiency with heat or Qi Deficiency with floating Yang
Avoid in excess heat rising without underlying Qi sinking
May cause headache or dizziness in excess conditions with rising fire
Conclusion
Sheng Ma is a versatile herb that disperses exterior heat, vents rashes, clears upper-body fire toxins, and raises Yang Qi in deficiency syndromes. It is especially valuable in treating incomplete rash eruption, febrile conditions, sore throat, and organ prolapse due to Qi sinking. Its dual ability to clear heat and lift Qi makes it effective in both acute infections and chronic deficiency patterns.
