si miao san

Si Miao San is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula known as "Four Marvels Powder." It consists of four main herbs—Phellodendron bark (Huang Bai), White Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu), Achyranthes root (Niu Xi), and Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren)—and is traditionally used to clear heat and dry dampness in the body. In TCM practice, it is prescribed for conditions characterized by "damp-heat," such as arthritis (including gouty arthritis and osteoarthritis), skin disorders like eczema, urinary tract infections, and other inflammatory or swelling-related ailments[2][4][5][7]. Modern research has demonstrated that Si Miao San exerts anti-inflammatory effects by promoting polarization of macrophages toward the anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. It also lowers serum uric acid levels in hyperuricemic models[1]. The formula contains active compounds such as quercetin and berberine[8], which contribute to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While widely used in TCM clinics for joint pain relief and systemic symptoms associated with damp-heat syndromes[2][3], its efficacy has been supported by both clinical experience and emerging scientific studies.

Brand names

Si Miao SanSi Miao WanFour Marvels PowderSimiao Pills

Other names

四妙散四妙丸SMSSi-Miao-San