Sang Zhi: The TCM Herb for Joint Pain Relief and Mobility
- Hongji Medical
- Jun 8
- 3 min read
Sang Zhi, the dried branches of the mulberry tree (Morus alba) from the Moraceae family, is a valued herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is known for relieving rheumatism, improving joint mobility, and unblocking energy channels. Its earliest mention appears in the Tang Bencao (Tang Materia Medica), though its uses were only briefly described at the time.
Over the centuries, Chinese medical scholars expanded on Sang Zhi’s benefits. In the Ming Dynasty, Li Shizhen’s Compendium of Materia Medica detailed its appearance, growing regions, and effects, such as dispelling wind-dampness, easing joint pain, and strengthening muscles and bones.
Later texts like Bencao Beiyao and Bencao Zhengyi further refined its applications, making Sang Zhi a widely used remedy in clinical practice.
Properties of Sang Zhi
Nature and Channels
Taste: Bitter
Nature: Neutral
Channel: Liver
Key Components
Sang Zhi contains compounds like morusin, polysaccharides, and other active substances that contribute to its medicinal effects.
Main Benefits
Relieves wind-dampness
Unblocks energy channels
Improves joint function
Pharmacological Effects
Modern studies suggest Sang Zhi has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and blood pressure-lowering properties.
Clinical Uses of Sang Zhi
Sang Zhi is widely used in TCM to treat various conditions:
Relieving Wind-Dampness: Sang Zhi dispels wind and dampness, helping with joint pain, stiffness, and limited movement caused by rheumatism.
Unblocking Energy Channels: It clears blockages in the body’s energy pathways, addressing numbness or partial paralysis, such as in stroke-related symptoms.
Improving Joint Function: Sang Zhi reduces joint pain and enhances mobility, especially in cases of restricted movement.
Specific Benefits
Easing Upper Limb Pain: Sang Zhi is particularly effective for upper limb joint pain and stiffness, improving mobility in the arms and shoulders.
Supporting Blood Pressure Control: Modern research shows Sang Zhi can help lower blood pressure, making it useful for managing hypertension.
Sang Zhi in Classic TCM Formulas
Sang Zhi is often combined with other herbs in TCM formulas to boost its effects. Here are some examples:
Juan Bi Tang (Decoction to Relieve Pain): Contains Sang Zhi, Notopterygium, Angelica Pubescens, Saposhnikovia, Gentiana, Dang Gui, Ligusticum, Peony, Astragalus, and Licorice. It relieves wind-dampness, nourishes qi and blood, and stops pain, used for rheumatic joint pain and swelling.
Sang Zhi Tang (Mulberry Branch Decoction): Includes Sang Zhi, Cinnamon Twig, Turmeric, Kadsura Pepper Stem, and Millettia. It clears wind-dampness, unblocks channels, and relieves pain, often used for shoulder or neck pain from conditions like frozen shoulder or cervical spondylosis.
Comparison with Similar Herbs
Sang Zhi shares effects with other TCM herbs but has unique strengths:
Kadsura Pepper Stem (Hai Feng Teng): Relieves wind-dampness and pain but is warmer in nature, better for cold-damp conditions compared to Sang Zhi’s neutral properties.
Millettia (Ji Xue Teng): Promotes blood flow and nourishes blood, focusing more on blood circulation than Sang Zhi’s wind-damp relief.
Notopterygium (Qiang Huo): Dispels cold, relieves pain, and clears wind-dampness, with a stronger focus on head and body aches compared to Sang Zhi’s joint-specific action.
Modern Applications and Research
Modern research highlights Sang Zhi’s diverse benefits:
Anti-Inflammatory: Sang Zhi reduces inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators.
Analgesic: It alleviates pain, offering natural pain relief.
Blood Pressure Reduction: Sang Zhi dilates blood vessels, helping lower blood pressure.
Blood Sugar Control: It may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Antioxidant: Sang Zhi neutralizes free radicals, supporting anti-aging.
In clinical settings, Sang Zhi is used for joint conditions like frozen shoulder, cervical spondylosis, and osteoarthritis, as well as for cardiovascular and endocrine disorders such as hypertension and diabetes.
How to Use Sang Zhi Safely
Dosage
Typical dose: 10–15 grams, adjusted based on condition and doctor’s advice.
Precautions
Contraindications: Use cautiously in cases of yin deficiency or blood deficiency.
Drug Interactions: No major known interactions.
Usage Tips: Can be boiled in decoctions, soaked in wine for external use, or used as a wash for affected areas.
Conclusion
Sang Zhi is a versatile TCM herb prized for relieving joint pain, improving mobility, and clearing wind-dampness. Its applications range from treating rheumatic pain and stiffness to supporting blood pressure management. With a growing body of modern research and a long history in TCM formulas, Sang Zhi is a valuable remedy. Always consult a TCM practitioner for proper dosage and use to ensure safety and effectiveness.
