YIN QIAO SAN

Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder

Yin Qiao San is a classical formula used to release the Exterior, clear Heat, and resolve toxicity, particularly in the early stages of Wind-Heat invasion. It is one of the primary formulas for acute febrile conditions where Heat predominates and defensive Qi is affected.

This formula is especially appropriate at the onset of illness, before Heat penetrates more deeply, when symptoms are still primarily exterior in nature.

Key actions

• Releases the Exterior

• Clears Wind-Heat

• Resolves toxin

• Benefits the throat

• Stops cough

Herbal composition

• Jin Yin Hua (金银花) – Lonicerae Flos

• Lian Qiao (连翘) – Forsythiae Fructus

• Bo He (薄荷) – Menthae Haplocalycis Herba

• Jing Jie (荆芥) – Schizonepetae Herba

• Dan Dou Chi (淡豆豉) – Sojae Semen Praeparatum

• Niu Bang Zi (牛蒡子) – Arctii Fructus

• Jie Geng (桔梗) – Platycodi Radix

• Zhu Ye (竹叶) – Lophatheri Herba

• Lu Gen (芦根) – Phragmitis Rhizoma

• Gan Cao (甘草) – Glycyrrhizae Radix

Clinical indications

Traditionally used in presentations such as:

• Fever

• Mild chills

• Sore throat

• Headache

• Cough

• Thirst

• Red tongue tip

• Floating, rapid pulse

Pattern focus

This formula treats Wind-Heat at the Exterior level, often with early toxic Heat involvement.
Symptoms arise from Heat attacking the Wei level, rather than Cold, Dampness, or deficiency.

Cautions

• Not indicated for Wind-Cold patterns

• Use with caution if symptoms have progressed to the Interior

• Discontinue once the Exterior pattern has resolved