Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang: A Gentle Remedy for Dryness and Thirst
Health Lab- Jan 30
- 4 min read
Updated: May 2
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang, or Adenophora and Ophiopogon Decoction, is a classic Chinese medicine recipe from the Treatise on Febrile Diseases. Known for hydrating the lungs and stomach, it relieves dryness, eases coughs, and boosts energy.
Perfect for those with dry throat, low sputum cough, or fever from dry weather, this formula nourishes the body’s fluids and restores balance. In this guide, we’ll explore its ingredients, benefits, and how to pair it with a soothing soup in a clear, easy-to-understand way.
What’s in Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang?
This decoction blends seven herbs to hydrate and nourish:
Adenophora Root: Sweet and cooling, it moistens the lungs and clears heat, perfect for dry coughs.
Ophiopogon Root: Sweet and cold, it hydrates the lungs and stomach, easing thirst and dryness.
Mulberry Leaves: Clears lung heat and disperses dryness for better breathing.
Polygonatum Root: Gently nourishes fluids, keeping the body hydrated without being heavy.
Trichosanthes Root: Boosts body fluids and clears heat to relieve thirst.
Lentils: Strengthens digestion, supporting the stomach to aid lung health.
Licorice: Soothes the throat and blends the herbs for a balanced effect.
Together, these herbs hydrate, cool, and energize, targeting dryness in the lungs and stomach.
How to Use It
Traditional Method: Boil the herbs in water to make a decoction, then sip warm multiple times daily.
Modern Method: Follow a doctor’s dosage, typically decocting the herbs in water and drinking warm. Adjust based on symptoms.
What Does It Do?
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang clears dryness and nourishes the body, helping with:
Hydrating Lungs and Stomach: Relieves dry mouth, throat, and thirst.
Easing Coughs: Soothes dry coughs with little or no phlegm.
Cooling Heat: Reduces fever or hot flashes from dryness.
Boosting Fluids: Restores the body’s natural moisture for better energy.
Common symptoms it addresses:
Dry mouth or thirst
Dry cough with minimal phlegm
Sore throat or chest tightness
Fever or hot flashes
Red tongue with little coating
Rapid, weak pulse
Swallowing issues, nosebleeds, or sweaty hands/feet
It’s ideal for autumn or dry climates when the lungs and stomach lose moisture, causing discomfort.
Why Does It Work?
In Chinese medicine, dryness can harm the lungs and stomach, depleting their fluids (yin) and energy (qi). This leads to dry coughs, thirst, and chest pain. Adenophora and ophiopogon hydrate and nourish, mulberry and trichosanthes clear heat, and lentils and licorice support digestion to aid fluid production.
The formula restores the lungs’ ability to breathe freely and the stomach’s role in hydration, balancing the body.
Who Can Benefit?
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang is perfect for:
Dry Lung Conditions: Pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis with dry cough or thirst.
Chronic Diseases: Sjögren’s syndrome (dry mouth/eyes), diabetes, or gastritis with low fluids.
Seasonal Dryness: Dry throat, fever, or cough in dry weather.
Children’s Issues: Measles, lumps, or hot palms/soles from dryness.
Women’s Health: Nosebleeds during menstruation linked to dry heat.
It’s best for those with signs of lung/stomach dryness (red tongue, weak pulse) rather than wet, phlegmy coughs.
Customizing the Formula
A doctor may adjust the recipe based on symptoms:
Severe Cough: Add fritillaria or almonds to calm the lungs.
Coughing Blood: Include epimedium, bletilla, or donkey-hide gelatin to stop bleeding.
Constipation: Add melon seeds or hemp seeds for smoother digestion.
Extreme Thirst: Pair with pear juice to boost hydration.
Modern Uses
Modern research supports Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang for:
Respiratory Issues: Pneumonia, bronchitis, or tuberculosis with dry coughs.
Autoimmune Conditions: Sjögren’s syndrome with dry mouth or eyes.
Digestive Problems: Gastritis or duodenitis with low fluids.
Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes with thirst or dryness.
Its hydrating and cooling effects make it effective for conditions driven by lung or stomach dryness, improving comfort and quality of life.
Try It with a Soup: Dendrobium and Adenophora Soup
Pair Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang with this nourishing soup to hydrate and support lung health.
Ingredients
Dendrobium (10g)
Adenophora root (10g)
Ophiopogon root (10g)
Mulberry leaves (5g)
Licorice (3g)
Coix seeds (30g, soaked for 2 hours)
Water (1000ml)
Instructions
Rinse dendrobium, adenophora, ophiopogon, mulberry leaves, and licorice.
Add all ingredients, including soaked coix seeds, to a pot with 1000ml water.
Bring to a boil, then simmer on low for 40 minutes.
Strain the soup, add a pinch of rock sugar to taste, and stir until melted.
Sip warm, once daily for several days.
Benefits
This soup hydrates the lungs, clears heat, and strengthens digestion. Coix seeds reduce dampness, while dendrobium and adenophora boost fluids, easing dry mouth, cough, or fever. It’s a tasty way to support the decoction’s effects.
Tips
Pregnant, breastfeeding, or cold-sensitive people should consult a doctor.
Stop and seek medical advice if you feel unwell.
Drink regularly with a balanced diet for best results.
Precautions
Not for Wet Coughs: Avoid if you have phlegmy coughs or excess mucus.
Constitution Check: Unsuitable for those with cold constitutions (feeling chilly, loose stools).
Medical Guidance: Consult a doctor if pregnant, breastfeeding, or on medications, as herbs may interact.
Final Thoughts
Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang is a gentle, effective remedy for dry lungs, thirst, and low energy, rooted in centuries of Chinese medicine wisdom. With herbs like adenophora, ophiopogon, and mulberry leaves, it hydrates, soothes coughs, and restores balance.
Pair it with Dendrobium and Adenophora Soup for extra hydration and comfort. Whether you’re managing bronchitis, Sjögren’s, or seasonal dryness, this formula offers relief. Always consult a doctor before starting to ensure it’s right for you. Stay hydrated and breathe easy with Sha Shen Mai Dong Tang!
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