Shi Shen Tang (十神汤) — Ten Divine Ingredients Decoction

Shi Shen Tang (Ten Divine Ingredients Decoction) is the classical Chinese formula for the four-seasons cold in a constitutionally weak patient — wind-cold or wind-damp with underlying Qi and Blood deficiency, presenting with chills more than fever, body ache, and profound tiredness rather than sharp acute onset. Ten balanced herbs cover release-exterior, harmonise-Middle and gently support Qi and Blood.

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Ingredients
4. Actions and indications
5. Dosing
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. Related formulas
8. Treatment at my clinic
9. Frequently asked questions

1. Overview

Shi Shen Tang (十神汤) — Ten Divine Ingredients Decoction — is a classical Chinese herbal formula in the Release Exterior category. Source: He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era). I prescribe it as bespoke pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan at my clinic in Wokingham, Berkshire and via online herbal consultations.

2. TCM pattern

External Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp in a Qi and Blood-deficient constitution: chills predominant over fever, headache, body ache, nasal congestion, cough, fatigue, poor appetite, pale complexion, pale tongue with white coat.

3. Ingredients

1. Ma Huang — Ephedra sinica (3–6g) — releases exterior, disperses cold (regulated herb in the UK — qualified prescriber only)
2. Ge Gen — Pueraria lobata (9g) — releases exterior, generates fluids, eases neck stiffness
3. Chuan Xiong — Ligusticum chuanxiong (6g) — expels Wind, relieves headache
4. Zi Su Ye — Perilla frutescens (leaf) (6g) — releases exterior, harmonises Middle
5. Bai Zhi — Angelica dahurica (6g) — expels Wind, opens nose
6. Chen Pi — Citrus reticulata (6g) — regulates Qi
7. Xiang Fu — Cyperus rotundus (6g) — regulates Qi and mood
8. Zhi Gan Cao — Glycyrrhiza uralensis (honey-fried) (6g) — harmonises
9. Sheng Jiang — Zingiber officinale (fresh) (3 slices) — warms Middle, releases exterior
10. Cong Bai — Allium fistulosum (spring onion white) (3 stalks) — opens Yang, releases exterior

4. Actions and indications

Principal actions

1. Releases the exterior
2. Regulates Qi and Blood
3. Harmonises the Middle

Indications

1. Wind-Cold in a weak or elderly constitution
2. Prolonged low-grade viral illness with body ache and fatigue
3. Winter colds in patients with tendency to catch every bug
4. Convalescent phase of acute infection with lingering ache and tiredness

5. Dosing

As decoction, twice daily during acute illness. Granule 4–6g/day. Short course: 3–7 days typical.

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Contains Ma Huang — qualified prescriber only; UK-regulated herb.
2. Contraindicated in hypertension, glaucoma, hyperthyroidism.
3. Not for Wind-Heat patterns (sore throat, thirst, fever predominant).
4. Contraindicated in pregnancy without specialist supervision.

7. Related formulas

• Ren Shen Bai Du San — for early-stage Wind-Cold-Damp with Qi deficiency
• Jing Fang Bai Du San — for Wind-Cold-Damp without deficiency

8. Treatment at my clinic

I prescribe Shi Shen Tang where the TCM pattern above matches the patient’s presentation, typically as part of a wider prescription tailored to the individual. Return to the Chinese herbal formulas directory or the Chinese herbal medicine main page.

9. Frequently asked questions

What is Shi Shen Tang used for?

It is used in TCM for an external Wind-Cold or Wind-Damp “common cold” in someone with an underlying weak, Qi- and Blood-deficient constitution — chills more than fever, headache, body ache, blocked nose and marked tiredness rather than a sharp acute onset.

How is it different from Gui Zhi Tang or Ma Huang Tang?

Ma Huang Tang and Gui Zhi Tang release the exterior in an otherwise robust person. Shi Shen Tang is chosen when the same Wind-Cold sits on a depleted constitution, because it also regulates Qi and Blood and harmonises the Middle rather than only dispersing cold.

Does Shi Shen Tang contain ephedra (Ma Huang)?

Yes. Ma Huang is a UK-regulated herb, so the formula must be prescribed and supplied only by a qualified herbalist. It is contraindicated in high blood pressure, glaucoma and an overactive thyroid.

How long is it taken for?

It is a short course — typically 3–7 days during the acute illness — not a long-term tonic.

Can I use it for any cold?

No. It is for chills-predominant Wind-Cold in a weak constitution. It is not suitable for Wind-Heat colds (sore throat, thirst and fever predominant) or during pregnancy without specialist supervision.