Cimicifuga Rhizome
Overview
The name shēngmá, "rising hemp," comes from what the Donguibogam records about the plant: its leaves look like hemp, and its function is to lift. The text describes the root in detail: scraped free of its black skin and any rot, thin like a chicken bone and blue-green in color, which is the sign of a good one. The cited theory is the most memorable part: where original qi is insufficient, it is the herb that "lifts yang qi upward within yin," and where yang qi has sunk down, it is the one to use.
In the Donguibogam
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Lifts yang qi that has sunk
- Resolves toxin and swelling
- Eases sore throat and mouth sores
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Mouth sores and sore throat
- Heavy, sinking feeling from low energy (classical)
- Wind-type swelling
Traditional preparation
Root harvested in the 2nd or 8th lunar month and sun-dried; scrape off the black skin and rotten parts. Thin, chicken-bone-like, blue-green roots are best.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called "rising hemp"?
The text says its leaves resemble hemp (麻) and the name 升 means to rise or lift, matching its function of lifting yang qi.
What does "lifting yang qi" mean?
A cited passage says it is used where original qi is insufficient or yang qi has sunk downward, to raise it up within yin.
Does processing change its use?
Yes: raw for dispersing, wine-fried for supplementing the middle, honey-fried for stopping sweat.
Sources
- 『동의보감』 탕액편, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조