✵This article documents the herb Jiao San Xian (Charred Triplet), including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, as well as a brief overview of its composition, morphological and pharmaceutical characteristics, pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Charred Triplet
Pinyin Name: Jiāo Sān Xiān
English Name: Charred Triplet
Properties and Flavor: Warm; pungent and sweet
Brief Introduction: Jiao San Xian is a traditional herbal combination comprising equal parts of charred medicated leaven (Shen Qu), charred hawthorn fruit (Shān Zhā), and charred germinated barley (Mài Yá). It exhibits enhanced digestive effects compared to any single constituent alone. It is commonly referred to as "Charred Triplet" or "Jiāo Sān Xiān."
Classical TCM works describe Jiao San Xian not as a single herb but as a standardized formula composed of equal proportions of charred Shen Qu, charred Shān Zhā, and charred Mài Yá. It does not appear as an independent monograph in classical herbals.
Pharmacological Actions: Among the constituent herbs:
(1) Charred Shān Zhā strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite, promotes digestion, and resolves food retention—particularly effective for meat- or greasy-food-induced stagnation;
(2) Charred Shen Qu invigorates the spleen and aids digestion, releases the exterior, and transforms dampness—primarily indicated for starch- or grain-based food retention (e.g., from excessive rice or wheat consumption);
(3) Charred Mài Yá regulates Qi flow and aids digestion, strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite—commonly used for food retention, indigestion, spleen-qi deficiency, and anorexia. Together, these three herbs address diverse patterns of food retention, especially those arising during seasonal transitions or dietary irregularities.
Medicinal Efficacy: Strengthens the spleen and stimulates appetite; promotes digestion and resolves food retention; transforms dampness; regulates Qi flow; invigorates the spleen. Indicated for food retention due to overconsumption of meat or greasy foods; starch- or grain-induced indigestion; and food stagnation accompanied by spleen-qi deficiency and poor appetite. Overall, it is indicated for various patterns of food retention, particularly those associated with seasonal changes or dietary excess.
Administration of Charred Triplet (Jiāo Sān Xiān):
Reference:
Administration Guide for Charred Triplet (Jiāo Sān Xiān)
TCM Books:
(1) Internally: water decoction; typical dosage: 15–30 grams.
✵This article documents the herb Jiao San Xian (Charred Triplet), including its English name, Latin name, Pinyin name, properties and flavor, as well as a brief overview of its composition, morphological and pharmaceutical characteristics, pharmacological actions, medicinal efficacy, and administration guidelines.
Pinyin Name: Jiāo Sān Xiān
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