YU PING FENG SAN

Qi-Tonifying • Defensive Qi (Wei Qi)–Strengthening • Exterior-Stabilising Formula

Symptoms

Recurrent colds or infections

Spontaneous sweating

Aversion to Wind

Fatigue

Low vitality

Shortness of breath

Susceptibility to seasonal allergies

Tongue: pale
Pulse: floating, weak, or deficient

Ingredients

Huang Qi (Astragali Radix)

Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates : 38.4g

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)

Raw Herbs: 12g * Granulates : 30.8g

Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 15g * Granulates : 38.4g

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

Yu Ping Feng San, often translated as Windscreen Powder, is a foundational formula for strengthening the body’s external defence system. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wei Qi circulates at the surface of the body, regulating pores, controlling sweating, and protecting against external pathogens such as Wind. When Wei Qi is weak, the Exterior becomes unstable, leaving the body vulnerable to recurrent invasion.

Huang Qi is the chief herb, strongly tonifying Qi and specifically strengthening Wei Qi. It reinforces the Lung and Spleen, enhances immune resilience, and helps secure the Exterior, reducing spontaneous sweating. Its lifting and consolidating nature makes it central to restoring the body’s protective barrier.

Bai Zhu supports Huang Qi by strengthening the Spleen, the source of Qi and Blood. By improving transformation and transportation, it ensures a steady production of Qi while also helping to dry Dampness that can weaken defensive function. Bai Zhu further contributes to stabilising the Exterior and supporting overall vitality.

Fang Feng plays a unique dual role. While it is known for releasing the Exterior, in this formula it functions protectively—guarding the Exterior without dispersing Qi. Fang Feng prevents Wind pathogens from penetrating while allowing the tonifying herbs to strengthen the body without trapping pathogens inside.

Together, these three herbs create a balanced formula that tonifies without stagnation and protects without closing off the surface. Yu Ping Feng San does not attack pathogens directly; instead, it restores the body’s innate ability to defend itself, making it ideal for chronic susceptibility rather than acute illness. 

Contraindications

Not indicated during acute exterior excess patterns (e.g. active fever, chills, sore throat)

Use with caution in individuals with significant Heat signs, as strong Qi tonification may exacerbate Heat

Best avoided during active infection; resume use once acute symptoms have resolved