Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang沙参麦冬汤

Glehnia and Ophiopogon Decoction

Treating Dryness 治燥剂

Ingredients8 herbs

HerbDosageRoleWhat it does in this formula

北Sha Shen北沙参Glehniae Radix9 g君 ChiefNourishes Lung and Stomach yin and generates fluid 麦Mai Men Dong麦门冬Ophiopogonis Radix9 g君 ChiefMoistens the Lung, clears the Heart and relieves a dry throat 玉Yu Zhu玉竹Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma6 g臣 DeputyEnriches yin without cloying the Stomach 天Tian Hua Fen天花粉Trichosanthis Radix4.5 g臣 DeputyClears heat and generates fluid for thirst 桑Sang Ye桑叶Mori Folium4.5 g佐 AssistantLightly disperses the remaining dryness-heat from the Lung 白Bai Bian Dou白扁豆Lablab Semen Album4.5 g佐 AssistantSupports the Stomach so the moistening herbs are absorbed 地Di Gu Pi地骨皮Lycii Cortex9 g (the source text's addition for lingering heat and cough)佐 AssistantClears the empty heat behind a heat and cough that will not settle 甘Gan Cao甘草Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma3 g使 EnvoyHarmonizes the group and, with Bai Bian Dou, supports the middle

Indications

Clears and nourishes Lung and StomachGenerates fluids and relieves thirstMoistens dryness and stops a dry cough

Dryness having consumed the fluids of Lung and Stomach, typically in the later stage of a warm-dry illness. Some residual heat may remain, but the defining feature is emptiness of fluid rather than strength of pathogen.

Clinical Manifestations

Dry cough with scanty or no phlegm
Dry mouth and throat after a febrile illness
Low-grade lingering or afternoon heat in convalescence
Dry lips with thirst and a small appetite
Autumn dryness cough

TongueRed with scanty or peeled coating

PulseThin and rapid

Health Categories

Respiratory HealthEnergy & Fatigue

Modern Applications

Dry cough Post-viral cough Xerostomia Chronic pharyngitis Convalescence Sicca symptoms

Common adjustments

Heat and cough that have dragged on — add Di Gu Pi 地骨皮 — the addition the source text itself specifies
Stomach yin depletion with no appetite — add Shi Hu 石斛
Blood-streaked sputum — add Bai Mao Gen 白茅根 and Ou Jie 藕节
Marked residual Lung heat — add Sang Bai Pi 桑白皮 with Di Gu Pi 地骨皮

Contraindications

Not for a cough from wind-cold or from damp-phlegm — sweet, moistening herbs will hold that pathogen in place. Not appropriate while a strong exterior pattern is unresolved or while phlegm is copious.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Contains Tian Hua Fen, which is contraindicated in pregnancy — so this formula should not be taken while pregnant unless a practitioner has removed or substituted that herb. The remaining sweet, moistening herbs are otherwise gentle.

References

Source Wen Bing Tiao Bian 《温病条辨》 · Qing

「燥伤肺胃阴分，或热或咳者，沙参麦冬汤主之。」
— 《温病条辨·上焦篇》(classical source, public domain)

Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.