Shengma Fabao Decoction，From *Six Treatises on Cold Damage*, Volume 4.，For a true case of shanghan occurring in the winter months, presenting with headache, fever, aversion to cold, stiffness of the spine, a floating and tight pulse, absence of sweat, a headache as if split by an axe, and the body feeling as if ablaze.
Shengma Fabao Decoction
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Formulas Name : Shengma Fabao Decoction
Chinese Name : 升麻发表汤
Drug Formulation
Ephedra 4 fen, Cinnamon Twig 3 fen, Licorice 3 fen, Apricot Kernel (without skin or tip) 8 fen, White Angelica 8 fen, Fangfeng 8 fen, Cimicifuga 5 fen, Notopterygium 1 qian, Sichuan Lovage 1 qian.
Source
From *Six Treatises on Cold Damage*, Volume 4.
Benefits
For a true case of shanghan occurring in the winter months, presenting with headache, fever, aversion to cold, stiffness of the spine, a floating and tight pulse, absence of sweat, a headache as if split by an axe, and the body feeling as if ablaze.
Instructions for Use
Boil 2 zhong of water with 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 stalks of scallion whites, and a pinch of fermented black beans; take while hot to induce sweating. Cover the head well with a thick blanket. If the cold invasion is severe and sweating does not occur after taking the decoction, take another 2–3 doses.
Note
Discontinue once the symptoms subside; do not take more than prescribed, as excessive use may lead to other ailments. Do not use if sweating has already occurred.
Copyright: Excerpt from From *Six Treatises on Cold Damage*, Volume 4., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 31, 2026
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Shengma Fabao Decoction,For a true case of shanghan occurring in the winter months, presenting with headache, fever, aversion to cold, stiffness of the spine, a floating and tight pulse, absence of sweat, a headache as if split by an axe, and the body feeling as if ablaze.