CANG ER ZI SAN

Dispel Wind & Open the Orifices • Sinus-Clearing & Nasal Formula

Symptoms:

Nasal Discharge: Copious, purulent (thick), or foul-smelling mucus (often yellow or green).

Nasal Obstruction: Chronic congestion and inability to breathe through the nose.

Frontal Headache: Pain or pressure specifically over the forehead and sinuses.

Loss of Smell: Reduced olfactory function due to chronic blockage.

Dizziness: A "heavy-headed" feeling caused by the accumulation of damp-heat in the sinus cavities.

Key Indicator: A "Deep Source" nasal pattern where the pathogen has moved beyond the simple exterior and is now "lodged" in the cavities of the head.

Tongue: Usually a thin, white coating (if Wind-Cold) or yellow (if Heat has developed);

Pulse: Floating and wiry.

Ingredients

Cang Er Zi (Xanthii Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 30.0g

Bai Zhi (Angelicae dahuricae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granulates: 30.0g

Xin Yi (Magnoliae Flos)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granulates: 20.0g

Bo He (Menthae haplocalycis Herba)

Raw Herbs: 6g | Granulates: 20.0g

Posology

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

Raw Plants: Boil in 800ml to 1000ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day. Traditionally, the steam from the decoction can also be inhaled gently to help open the passages.

Description

Cang Er Zi San is a focused, "aromatic" formula designed to penetrate the narrowest orifices of the head. In TCM, the nose is the opening of the Lungs. When Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold is not fully expelled, it "roasts" the fluids in the sinuses, turning them into the thick, foul-smelling discharge characteristic of this pattern.

Cang Er Zi is the Chief herb. It is specifically "toxic" to the damp-wind pathogens that cause nasal obstruction. It enters the Lung channel to open the nose and relieve the frontal headache.

Xin Yi (Magnolia Bud) acts as a Deputy. Its hairy, light nature allows it to "rise" to the highest points of the head. It is excellent at "unblocking" the nose and dispersing cold-dampness.

Bai Zhi is an Essential Assistant. It has a special affinity for the Yang Ming (Frontal) area. It dries dampness, pus, and discharge while specifically treating the "brow" headache often associated with sinusitis.

Bo He (Mint) is the Envoy. It is light, cooling, and aromatic. It helps clear the head and eyes, ensures the other warm herbs don't become too drying, and guides the formula's actions to the sensory orifices.

Together, these four herbs work like a "chimney sweep" for the sinuses, drying up the discharge and restoring the clear flow of Qi through the nose.

Contraindications

Use with caution in cases of nasal discharge caused by Blood Deficiency (where there is dryness rather than copious mucus). Cang Er Zi is slightly toxic in its raw state; ensure the herb is properly processed (stir-fried/parched) to remove the small spines. Not for long-term use; discontinue once the nasal passages are clear. Consult a practitioner before use.