Sāng Zhī (桑枝), known in English as Mulberry twig (Morus alba (twig)), is a neutral, slightly bitter Chinese herb from the Expel wind-damp category. It enters the Liver channel. Its main action: expels Wind-Damp, benefits joints — especially the upper limbs.
| Pinyin | Sāng Zhī (Sang Zhi) |
|---|---|
| Chinese | 桑枝 |
| English | Mulberry twig |
| Botanical name | Morus alba (twig) |
| Category | Expel wind-damp |
| Nature | Neutral |
| Flavour | Slightly bitter |
| Channels | Liver |
| Dosage | 9–15g |
| Cautions | No significant cautions at standard doses |
Actions
- Expels Wind-Damp, benefits joints — especially the upper limbs
Indications
- Wind-Damp Bi with aching, numb shoulders, arms and joints
How to remember Sāng Zhī
Expel wind-damp herbs are mostly bitter, and most enter the Liver and Kidney channels.
- You can work these out
- Slightly bitter, Liver channel: like most Expel wind-damp herbs
- Learn by heart
- Neutral: Expel wind-damp herbs vary in nature
Formulas containing Sāng Zhī
Other Expel wind-damp herbs
- Dú Huó
- Qiāng Huó
- Wēi Líng Xiān
- Fáng Jǐ
- Mù Guā
- Sāng Jì Shēng
- Wǔ Jiā Pí
- Luò Shí Téng
- Xī Xiān Cǎo
- Qín Jiāo
- Hǎi Tóng Pí
- Gǒu Jǐ
- Bái Huā Shé
- Cǎo Wū
- Hǎi Fēng Téng
- Chuān Wū
Test yourself
What is the nature and flavour of Sāng Zhī?
Sāng Zhī is neutral and slightly bitter.
Which channels does Sāng Zhī enter?
Sāng Zhī enters the Liver channel.
What are the actions of Sāng Zhī?
Expels Wind-Damp, benefits joints — especially the upper limbs.
What is Sāng Zhī used for?
Wind-Damp Bi with aching, numb shoulders, arms and joints.
Which formulas contain Sāng Zhī?
Juān Bì Tāng.
Practise Sāng Zhī and the other 290 herbs
Recognise each herb from its picture, recall its nature, flavour, channels and actions, and review it again just before you would forget it.
Try the 5-question herb quizShen Study is a study tool. Doses and cautions are as taught in standard Chinese materia medica texts; they are not prescribing advice.