BAI DU SAN

Exterior-Releasing & Qi-Augmenting • Wind-Cold-Damp Resolving Formula

Symptoms:

High fever and severe chills (shivering) with an absence of sweating

Pain, stiffness, and soreness of the joints and muscles

Severe headache and nasal congestion

Productive cough with white phlegm or a sensation of fullness in the chest

Key Indicator: A sense of generalized weakness or fatigue during the onset of an exterior illness

Pale tongue with a white, greasy coating and a pulse that is floating and soggy or weak

Ingredients

Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Chuan Xiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

 Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix)

Raw Herbs: * | Granules: 9.1g

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 9.1g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granules: 6.1g

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens)

Raw Herbs:      | Granules: 3.0g

Bo He (Menthae Herba)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granules: 3.0g

Posology

Granules: 3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Plants: Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Bai Du San, known as “Sichuan Lovage Powder” or "Toxin-Vanquishing Powder," is a classic formula specifically engineered for patients who are constitutionally weak or Qi-deficient but have contracted an exterior Wind-Cold-Damp invasion. While most exterior-releasing formulas require a strong constitution to trigger sweating, Bai Du San uses a "reverse-pressure" strategy—bolstering the internal Qi to push the pathogen out of the body.

The formula is a sophisticated combination of "Chief" herbs and "Supportive" tonics:

Qiang Huo and Du Huo act as the primary engines, dispelling Wind, Cold, and Dampness from both the upper and lower body and relieving the intense muscle aches associated with "damp-flu" symptoms.

Chuan Xiong and Chai Hu assist in releasing the exterior. Chuan Xiong specifically targets the "Wind" headache, while Chai Hu regulates the pivot between the exterior and interior, moving Qi to prevent stagnation.

Jie Geng, Qian Hu, and Zhi Ke focus on the Lungs. They regulate the ascending and descending of Lung Qi, effectively clearing phlegm, soothing the throat, and easing chest congestion.

Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) is the strategic heart of this formula. It augments the Qi, providing the necessary strength for the body to perform the "sweating" function and preventing the exterior pathogen from sinking deeper into the interior.

Fu Ling and Gan Cao support the Spleen and harmonize the formula, ensuring the digestive system remains stable while processing the stronger moving herbs.

Sheng Jiang and Bo He act as catalysts to assist in the gentle release of the exterior and harmonize the temperature of the formula.

Together, these ingredients make Bai Du San the premier choice for "Strong Man’s Diaphoretic" therapy—treating those who are too exhausted to fight off a persistent cold or flu on their own.

Contraindications

Not recommended for cases of pure Heat (high fever with thirst and a red tongue) or Yin deficiency with internal Heat. Because this formula is drying, it should be discontinued once the exterior symptoms (chills and body aches) have resolved. Consult a practitioner before use.