Shengmai Powder: a classic prescription for replenishing qi and nourishing yin

Shengmai San is a classic traditional Chinese medicine prescription, which is composed of three medicinal herbs: ginseng (or Codonopsis pilosula), Ophiopogon japonicus and Schisandra chinensis.Replenishing qi and promoting fluid production, astringing yin and antiperspirantIts efficacy is mainly used to treat Qi and Yin deficiency syndrome. This article will focus on the five aspects of prescription composition, efficacy principle, applicable symptoms, modern application and precautions, focusing on analyzing its compatibility characteristics and clinical value of "double tonifying Qi and Yin".

1. Exquisite composition and compatibility of prescriptions

Shengmai Powder only has three herbs, but it embodies the synergistic effect of "tonifying, moistening and astringing":GinsengReplenish your vitality,Ophiopogon japonicusNourishes yin and moisturizes the lungs,Schisandra chinensisConvergence and solidification. The combination of the three medicines can not only replenish qi and prevent dehydration, but also produce fluid and moisturize dryness. It is especially suitable for those who are damaged by summer heat or who are weak due to long-term illness. Wang Ang, a famous doctor in the Qing Dynasty, praised its core function in "Collected Interpretations of Medical Prescriptions": "Qi is restored and fluid is regenerated, sweat is stopped and yin persists".

2. Efficacy principle and applicable symptoms

This recipe improves by replenishing Qi and solidifying the surfaceSpontaneous sweating, fatigue, relieve by nourishing yin and promoting body fluidDry mouth, palpitations. Modern research shows that Shengmai Powder can regulate immune function and improve myocardial hypoxia (see table). It is often used clinically as an auxiliary treatment for chronic fatigue and cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, but it needs to be used based on syndrome differentiation. It should not be used in patients with damp-heat syndrome.

3. Modern applications and precautions

Shengmai Powder has been derived into Shengmai injection, oral liquid and other dosage forms forEarly shock, coronary heart diseaseWait for emergencies. But please note: People with yin deficiency and excessive fire should replace ginseng with American ginseng; avoid spicy and greasy food during the period of taking it. Professor Wang Qi from Beijing University of Chinese Medicine pointed out: “Shengmai Powder is a basic prescription for Qi and Yin deficiency, but it needs to be modified based on your physical constitution.”

Summary: The wisdom of Qi and Yin dual nourishment passed down for thousands of years

Shengmai Powder uses simplicity to control complexity, and through the linkage of the three methods of nourishing qi, nourishing yin, and consolidating the body, it has become a representative prescription of traditional Chinese medicine for "preventing disease". While modern research has verified its scientific nature, it also suggests the need for strict dialectical use. Its formulation ideas still have important implications for sub-health conditioning and the prevention and treatment of geriatric diseases.

Quote sources:
1. "Collection of Medical Prescriptions" by Wang Ang, Qing Dynasty
2. "Chinese Pharmacopoeia" 2020 Edition
3. Wang Qi "Physique of Traditional Chinese Medicine" People's Health Publishing House 2019