☯️Traditional Chinese Medicine

Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma)

Actaea heracleifolia

About Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma)

Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) (Actaea heracleifolia) is a herb used in the Traditional Chinese Medicine tradition to help with Fever, Inflammation, Headache, and Digestive Issues. The aerial parts and leaves are the parts traditionally used, taken internally.

Botanical background

Actaea heracleifolia is a species of plant in the family Ranunculaceae, native to Asia where it is found from the Russian Far East to Korea and Central China.

Source: Wikipedia, via iNaturalist

Parts used

Aerial Parts · internalLeaves · internal
🍵

Tea / Infusion

1–3 cups daily
  • Steep 1–2 tsp of dried Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) in freshly boiled water for 5–10 minutes.
  • Cover while steeping.
  • Strain and drink.
💧

Tincture

20–40 drops in water, 2–3× daily
  • Pack dried Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) into a jar and cover with 40–60% alcohol.
  • Seal and steep for 4–6 weeks, shaking daily.
  • Strain and store in a dark dropper bottle.
💊

Powder / Capsule

500 mg – 1 g, 1–3× daily
  • Grind dried Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) into a fine powder.
  • Fill size 00 capsules or stir into smoothies or honey.

Pregnancy, Breastfeeding & Children

No herb-specific pregnancy/child safety research is documented for Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) in our references — the guidance below is based on its general effect category, not research on Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) itself. Always confirm with a midwife, doctor, or pediatrician.

Pregnancy

Insufficient Data

No specific pregnancy safety research is documented for this herb in our references. This doesn't mean it's unsafe — it means it hasn't been well studied. Treat as unstudied and avoid unless a midwife or doctor familiar with your pregnancy advises otherwise.

Breastfeeding

Insufficient Data

No specific breastfeeding safety research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a lactation consultant, midwife, or doctor before use.

Children

Insufficient Data

No specific pediatric safety/dosage research is documented for this herb in our references. Treat as unstudied and consult a pediatrician or pediatric herbalist before giving to a child.

Contraindications

    Warnings

    ⚠️ Allergic Reactions

    Discontinue immediately if you experience rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing.

    ⚠️ Not Medical Advice

    This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using herbal remedies.

    Drug & herb interactions

    No specific drug or herb interactions are documented for Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) in our references. This doesn’t mean none exist — always check with a pharmacist or doctor before combining any new herb with prescription medication.

    Where to find in nature

    Native region

    China, Taiwan, Korea, Japan

    Climate

    Temperate to subtropical

    Habitat

    Mountain forests, river valleys, and cultivated herb farms throughout East Asia

    🌿 To see Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma) growing, visit botanical gardens, university plant collections, or specialist herb nurseries near you. If foraging in the wild, always work with an expert identifier — never consume a plant you are not 100% certain of.

    Where to buy

    In store

    • Chinese herbal medicine shops and TCM clinics
    • Chinatown herbal stores and Asian supermarkets with herbal sections
    • Health food stores (Whole Foods, Natural Grocers, Holland & Barrett, GNC)
    • Naturopathic clinics and integrative medicine practices
    • Specialist herbal apothecaries and herbalist practices

    Online

    iHerb

    Wide selection of standardised extracts, capsules, and powders with lab testing

    Mountain Rose Herbs

    Premium bulk dried herbs — certified organic, ethically sourced

    Starwest Botanicals

    Large selection of certified organic bulk herbs and powders

    Herb Pharm

    High-quality liquid extracts and tinctures, rigorous quality standards

    Amazon

    Convenient — verify brand certifications and check third-party testing

    Etsy

    Small-batch artisan herbalists, hand-harvested and wildcrafted herbs

    Quality tips

    When buying Cimicifuga (Sheng Ma), look for: certified organic labelling, clearly stated country of origin, third-party lab testing for heavy metals and pesticides, and a batch expiry date. Standardised extracts offer consistent dosing; bulk dried herbs are more economical for regular use. Avoid very cheap, unlabelled products — quality varies enormously.