Sheng Ma is a common Chinese herb that is mainly found in Tibet, Yunnan, Sichuan, Gansu, and other regions in China. It has the function of clearing heat and detoxifying. When combined with other Chinese herbs, its medicinal effects are enhanced!
【The Efficacy and Function of Sheng Ma】
1. Promoting the eruption of rashes
Sheng Ma has a pungent taste and a cool nature. Its pungency can promote dispersion, and its coolness can clear heat. This herb rises lightly and moves upward, which can promote the eruption of rashes and facilitate dispersal and purgation.
2. Clearing heat and detoxifying
Sheng Ma has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. It is mentioned in the "Shen Nong's Herbal Classic": "It treats wind swelling, various toxins, and throat and mouth sores." It is referred to as the "holy medicine for sores" in the "Compendium of Materia Medica". Therefore, it can be used to treat various diseases caused by heat toxins.
3. Promoting the rise of Yang and lifting the sinking
Sheng Ma can be applied to various diseases caused by the sinking of Qi, and it is an essential herb for promoting the rise of Yang and lifting the sinking. The effect of Sheng Ma in promoting the rise and lifting the sinking can be seen in the use of the "Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang" (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction).
【Toxic Reactions of Sheng Ma】
Sheng Ma contains Sheng Ma alkaloids, salicylic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, tannins, and other substances. The toxic substances it contains are mainly alkaloids. Poisoning is mostly caused by misuse or excessive consumption. Sheng Ma toxins can irritate the skin, stimulate the digestive tract, and primarily act on the central nervous system. In severe cases, it can inhibit the respiratory center and cause difficulty in breathing.
Symptoms of poisoning include headache, tremors, tetanic contractions of the limbs, and abnormal penile erection. Skin contact can cause congestion and even ulceration. Ingestion can cause gastroenteritis, and in severe cases, it can lead to respiratory distress, delirium, and other symptoms.
Treatment for poisoning:
1. Induce vomiting, perform gastric lavage, and administer cathartics. Orally administer general detoxifying agents or activated charcoal.
2. Intravenous infusion to dilute the toxins.
3. Treatment for central nervous system poisoning can refer to "Aconite Poisoning".
4. Symptomatic treatment.
Prevention of poisoning: Sheng Ma has the property of ascending and floating. It should be avoided in cases of Yin deficiency with floating Yang, asthma and fullness with Qi counterflow, and when measles has already erupted.
【Applications of Sheng Ma in Prescriptions】
1. Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang
Ingredients: Ge Gen, Sheng Ma, Shao Yao, Gan Cao. Dosage: Grind the above ingredients into coarse powder, take four qian (16 grams) per serving, add half a cup of water, and adjust the amount accordingly. Take it warm without specific timing. Efficacy: Relieving muscle tension and promoting the eruption of rashes. It is used to treat typhoid fever, warm epidemic diseases, wind-heat febrile diseases, headache, limb pain, and rashes that have already erupted or not yet erupted.
2. Xuan Du Fa Biao Tang
Ingredients: Sheng Ma, Ge Gen, Qian Hu, Xing Ren, Jie Geng, Zhi Qiao, Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Bo He, Mu Tong, Lian Qiao, Niu Bang Zi, Dan Zhu Ye, Sheng Gan Cao. Preparation: Decoct and take orally. Efficacy: Relieving muscle tension and promoting the eruption of rashes. It is used to treat early-stage measles, when there is a desire to erupt but unable to do so, with feverish body and no sweating, cough, and sore throat.
3. Sheng Ma Bie Jia Tang
Ingredients: Sheng Ma, Dang Gui, Shu Jiao, Gan Cao, Xiong Huang, Bie Jia. Preparation: Grind the above six ingredients into powder, add four liters of water, boil down to one liter, and take it in one go. Repeat the process for the elderly and children, and induce sweating. Efficacy: Used for diseases caused by Yang toxins, with reddish and striped face, sore throat, and purulent bloodstained vomiting.
