Sheng Ma (Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome)

Submitted by yyh_staff on Mon, 2008-06-09 12:34.
Chinese Name: 
Sheng Ma
English Name: 
Black Cohosh Rhizome, Bugbane Rhizome
Functions and Usage: 
  • Releases the exterior, vents muscles - accelerates the early stages of skin rashes, headache from wind-heat (forehead - stomach channel).
  • Clears heat, relieves toxicity - toxins in the upper or superficial areas, swelling, painful, sore gums, lips, and/or throat.
  • Raises yang, lifts spleen qi sinking (strong than Ge Gen) - for middle qi deficiency leading to shortness of breath, fatigue, prolapse of stomach, uterus, or rectum.
  • Serves to guide other herbs upwards.
Functional Groupings (Click for Summary/Study Notes): 
Dosage and Preparation Notes: 
  • Dosage: 1.5-9g
  • Use honey-roasted version for collapsed conditions.
Channels Influenced: 
Temperature and Taste Properties: 
Contraindications: 
  • Avoid in cases of yin-deficient heat, upper-excesses and lower deficiencies.
  • Avoid with fully erupted measles.
  • Avoid in patients with breathing difficulties.
Notes: 
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