This elegantly designed formula achieves these objectives by combining the treatment approaches of two classical formulas:
1. Cang er zi San (Xanthium Powder Formula), which was first recorded in the Formulary of Life Benefiting Formulas, 1253. This formula dispels pathogenic Wind (both Wind-Heat and Wind-Cold) that has lodged in the nasal passages and thus alleviates both nasal discharge and nasal obstruction.
2. Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Screen Formula), which was first recorded in ‘Effective Prescriptions from Generations of Physicians’ (shi yi de xiao fang) by Wei Yi-lin, 1345. It is a simple formula consisting of three ingredients only. It was designed to promote resistance against attack by exogenous pathogens by tonifying the defence Qi (wei qi) and strengthening the Exterior. Thus it strengthens the immune system and promotes resistance to infections.
This combination has a potent anti-allergic action, through its effects on immune function. In order to enhance the actions of strengthening and balancing the immune system, two groups of herbs have been added:
a) Rehmannia root (gan di huang), Morus fruit (sang zhen zi), Lycium fruit (gou qi zi) and Pseudostellaria heterophylla, root (tai zi shen)
b) Scutellaria root (huang qin), Pueraria root (ge gen), Atractylodes rhizome (cang zhu)
The former consists of tonic and adaptogenic herbs, which enhance various aspects of immune function, e.g. macrophage phagocytosis, lymphocyte transformation, non-specific immunity, etc. The latter consists of pathogen-dispelling herbs, which have an anti-inflammatory action in addition to decongestant and antimicrobial actions.
Signs & Symptoms
- Rhinitis, chronic
- Sinusitis, chronic
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal discharge (yellow or green)