Wu Yao Shun Qi San — Lindera Powder to Smooth the Flow of Qi

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Comparisons with related formulas
7. Modifications
8. Cautions

Overview

Wu Yao Shun Qi San — “Lindera Powder to Smooth the Flow of Qi” — is a Song-dynasty formula from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (1078). It addresses the unique pattern of external Wind combined with Qi stagnation — what classical texts called “Wind-Stroke” (zhong feng) where Wind invades the channels causing facial paralysis, hemiplegia or muscle stiffness and the patient’s Qi has stagnated, preventing the Wind from being dispersed normally.

The formula is built around the chief herb Wu Yao (Lindera aggregata), one of the most warming Qi-moving herbs in the materia medica. Combined with wind-dispersing herbs (Ma Huang, Bai Zhi, Chuan Xiong) and Phlegm-resolving herbs (Chen Pi, Bai Jiang Can), it disperses Wind from the upper body while moving the stagnated Qi that allowed the Wind to lodge.

In modern practice the formula is used for early-stage Bell’s palsy, post-stroke facial weakness in the early phase, and various wind-stroke presentations where the patient also has emotional or postural stagnation.

I prescribe Wu Yao Shun Qi San as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Wu Yao Shun Qi San is prescribed for external Wind combined with Qi stagnation in the channels:

• Sudden facial paralysis — one-sided drooping mouth, inability to close eye on the affected side
• Hemiplegia or facial weakness in early post-stroke recovery
• Stiff neck and shoulders with cold sensation
• Joint pain that moves — characteristic of wind invasion
• Numbness of limbs
• Chest fullness and emotional tension
• Sigh-breathing
• Onset after wind/cold exposure with stress overlay
• Tongue — pale to normal, white coat
• Pulse — floating, possibly wiry

Key herbs

1. Wu Yao (Lindera aggregata) — chief; warmly moves Qi; relaxes muscles; opens the channels
2. Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica) — releases the surface and disperses Wind-Cold
3. Chen Pi — regulates Qi and transforms Phlegm
4. Chuan Xiong — moves Blood and Qi; opens the head channels
5. Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) — disperses Wind from the face; opens nasal passages
6. Bai Jiang Can (silkworm, Bombyx batryticatus) — dispels Wind, transforms Phlegm, relaxes spasm
7. Zhi Ke — moves Qi in the chest
8. Jie Geng — opens the Lung
9. Gan Jiang — warms the middle
10. Gan Cao — harmonises

Formula actions

1. Disperses external Wind
2. Moves stagnated Qi in the channels
3. Transforms Phlegm
4. Releases facial and limb paralysis
5. Relaxes muscle spasm

Conditions treated

1. Bell’s palsy — early stage with Wind-Cold and Qi stagnation pattern
2. Early post-stroke facial weakness (alongside conventional rehabilitation)
3. Hemiplegia early stage with wind-stroke pattern
4. Wind-cold neck and shoulder pain — see neck pain
5. Trigeminal neuralgia early flare with Wind-Cold trigger — see trigeminal neuralgia
6. Frozen shoulder early stage with cold and Qi stagnation — see frozen shoulder
7. Migrating joint pain — see pain conditions
8. Postural pain in stressed patients — combining Qi stagnation with mild wind exposure

Comparisons with related formulas

• Qian Zheng San — the most specific Bell’s palsy formula; uses Bai Fu Zi, Quan Xie and Bai Jiang Can to dispel Wind-Phlegm.
• Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang — for the chronic phase of stroke recovery with Qi deficiency and Blood stasis.
• Xiao Xu Ming Tang — for acute wind-stroke with various combined patterns.
• Da Qin Jiao Tang — for Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold in channels with weakness.
• Yi Gan San — for Liver Wind with irritability and tension; not for facial paralysis.

Modifications

• For prominent facial paralysis, add Bai Fu Zi and Quan Xie (move toward Qian Zheng San)
• For prominent Blood stasis, add Tao Ren, Hong Hua and Dan Shen
• For chronic Bell’s palsy, add Huang Qi to tonify Qi (move toward Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang)
• For prominent Phlegm, add Ban Xia and Fu Ling
• For prominent emotional stagnation, add Xiang Fu and Yu Jin
• For severe Wind signs, add Tian Ma and Gou Teng

Cautions

This formula contains Bai Jiang Can (silkworm body), an animal product. Vegetarian patients can request substitution.

Contains Ma Huang (Ephedra) — not appropriate in pregnancy, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, prostate enlargement or those on MAO inhibitors or stimulants. Always declare to your medical team.

Acute stroke is a medical emergency — call 999. This formula is used in TCM hospital settings alongside conventional care for stroke rehabilitation, not as a substitute for emergency medical treatment.

Bell’s palsy should be assessed by a doctor on the day of onset; steroids started within 72 hours improve outcomes. Acupuncture and Chinese herbs are best added alongside this.

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient Heat patterns or for chronic Wind-Phlegm without Cold/Qi stagnation overlay.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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