San Jia San，*Treatise on Epidemic Fevers*, Volume 2.，This formula is indicated for cases where latent pathogenic factors of an epidemic have already erupted, but the patient’s vital energy is too weak to expel the external pathogens. The invading pathogens are firmly entrenched in the blood vessels, causing the host and pathogenic factors to intermingle. Symptoms include intermittent pain in the limbs, a rapid pulse, fever, and a stabbing pain beneath the ribs. If the condition persists beyond the expected recovery period and develops into a chronic illness, this formula is prescribed.
San Jia San
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Formulas Name : San Jia San
Chinese Name : 三甲散
Drug Formulation
1 qian of softshell turtle shell, 1 qian of tortoise shell (both fried with butter until yellow; if butter is unavailable, substitute with vinegar for each; grind into powder), 0.5 fen of pangolin scale (stir-fried with earth until yellow; grind into powder), 0.5 fen of cicada slough (washed and dried), 0.5 fen of stiff silkworm (white and hard; cut into pieces; use raw),Oyster shell 5 fen (calcined and ground into powder; use sparingly for those with a dry throat), 3 insects (dry ones crushed; fresh ones pounded into a paste; mix with a small amount of wine to extract the juice, then take with the decoction; add the residue to the other herbs for decoction), White peony root (wine-fried) 7 fen, Angelica root 5 fen, Licorice root 3 fen.
Source
*Treatise on Epidemic Fevers*, Volume 2.
Benefits
This formula is indicated for cases where latent pathogenic factors of an epidemic have already erupted, but the patient’s vital energy is too weak to expel the external pathogens. The invading pathogens are firmly entrenched in the blood vessels, causing the host and pathogenic factors to intermingle. Symptoms include intermittent pain in the limbs, a rapid pulse, fever, and a stabbing pain beneath the ribs. If the condition persists beyond the expected recovery period and develops into a chronic illness, this formula is prescribed.
Instructions for Use
Decoct 2 zhong of water until reduced to 8 fen; strain and take while warm.
Note
If the symptoms are reduced by half after taking this, discontinue the decoction and proceed with comprehensive restorative treatment.
Copyright: Excerpt from *Treatise on Epidemic Fevers*, Volume 2., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 30, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 30, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 30, 2026
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San Jia San,This formula is indicated for cases where latent pathogenic factors of an epidemic have already erupted, but the patient’s vital energy is too weak to expel the external pathogens. The invading pathogens are firmly entrenched in the blood vessels, causing the host and pathogenic factors to intermingle. Symptoms include intermittent pain in the limbs, a rapid pulse, fever, and a stabbing pain beneath the ribs. If the condition persists beyond the expected recovery period and develops into a chronic illness, this formula is prescribed.