Formulas that Release the Exterior (解表剂)

Formulas that Release the Exterior are used in the first stage of externally contracted disease — the acute phase when a pathogen (Wind-Cold, Wind-Heat or Wind-Damp) has invaded the surface of the body but has not yet penetrated to the Interior. These are the first-aid formulas of Chinese medicine for colds, flu and acute viral upper-respiratory infections.

Sub-categories

1. Wind-Cold — Ma Huang Tang, Gui Zhi Tang, Xiao Qing Long Tang
2. Wind-Heat — Yin Qiao San, Sang Ju Yin
3. Wind-Damp — Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
4. Exterior with Interior deficiency — Ren Shen Bai Du San

Representative formulas in this category

1. Ma Huang Tang — Wind-Cold excess with no sweating
2. Gui Zhi Tang — Wind-Cold deficiency with sweating
3. Yin Qiao San — Wind-Heat with sore throat
4. Sang Ju Yin — Wind-Heat with cough
5. Xiao Qing Long Tang — Wind-Cold with internal Cold-Phlegm
6. Cang Er Zi San — Wind invading the nose

Browse the full formula directory for over 260 individual formula pages.

When this category is used

Formulas that Release the Exterior are typically prescribed for: common cold, flu, acute sinusitis, acute hay fever, acute headache from Wind invasion, early-stage viral infections. The choice of specific formula within the category is determined by precise Eight Principles pattern differentiation in clinical consultation.

About prescribing

Chinese herbal formulas are dispensed by qualified practitioners following individual TCM diagnosis. The herbs I prescribe are pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan, tested to the highest international quality and safety standards. Online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide.

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