Sheng Ma Ge Gen Tang升麻葛根汤
Cimicifuga and Pueraria Decoction
Ingredients4 herbs
Indications
Measles in the initial stage, unerupted or incompletely erupted: heat-toxin is pressing outward but cannot break through the surface.
Clinical Manifestations
- Measles that has begun but is not erupting fully
- Early febrile rash with red eyes and tearing
- Fever with cough and thirst before a rash appears
- Other eruptive fevers where the rash is slow to surface
Health Categories
Modern Applications
Common adjustments
- Rash slow and heat-toxin marked — add Niu Bang Zi 牛蒡子, Chan Tui 蝉蜕 and Jing Jie 荆芥
- Cough prominent — add Xing Ren 杏仁 and Qian Hu 前胡
- Great thirst with a dry tongue — add Tian Hua Fen 天花粉 and Lu Gen 芦根
Contraindications
Stop once the rash is fully out — continuing to vent from that point serves no purpose and drains fluids. Do not use when the rash has already sunk inward with laboured breathing and collapse, which is a serious turn needing urgent care, nor when the pattern is one of qi and yin exhaustion rather than a pathogen straining to get out. Measles is a notifiable illness in most countries and requires medical care alongside any herbal treatment.
For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.
Pregnancy
Use with caution in pregnancy and only under supervision. There is no Ma Huang, but Sheng Ma lifts strongly and the formula is meant to push outward; a febrile eruptive illness in pregnancy is a matter for urgent medical assessment first.
Related Formulas
References
Source Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang 《太平惠民和剂局方》 · Northern Song
大人、小儿时气温疫，头痛发热，肢体烦疼，及疮疹已发及未发。
- Classical source as given in the source fields (pre-1900, public domain).
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.