Yu Ping Feng San — Jade Windscreen Powder

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Research evidence
6. Cautions

Overview

Yu Ping Feng San — Jade Windscreen Powder — is the classical Chinese herbal formula for strengthening Wei Qi (defensive Qi) — the body’s first line of immune defence — and consolidating the body’s exterior to prevent invasion by external pathogenic factors including Wind, Cold and environmental allergens. With over 700 years of clinical use, it is one of the most important preventive and immune-supporting formulas in Chinese herbal medicine. Composed of only three herbs, it is a model of elegant TCM formula design.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Lung and Spleen Qi deficiency with Wei Qi insufficiency and unstable exterior, characterised by: spontaneous sweating (particularly during the day without exertion), susceptibility to frequent colds and infections that are slow to resolve, pallor, fatigue, breathlessness, a pale tongue with thin white coating, and a floating, weak pulse.

Key herbs

1. Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus root) — the principal herb (in the largest dose); the most important single herb in TCM for tonifying Wei Qi and Lung Qi; extensive modern research confirms immune-modulating properties
2. Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome) — tonifies Spleen Qi, the root of Wei Qi production; dries Dampness
3. Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata root) — expels Wind and releases the exterior; allows Huang Qi and Bai Zhu to tonify without trapping pathogens

Conditions treated

1. Hay fever and allergic rhinitis — widely used for allergy prevention; taken in the weeks before pollen season to build Wei Qi
2. Recurrent colds, upper respiratory tract infections and low immune resilience from Wei Qi deficiency
3. Spontaneous sweating from Qi deficiency and unstable exterior
4. Post-viral immune weakness — including after COVID-19 infection
5. Chronic fatigue with recurrent infections from Lung and Spleen Qi deficiency
6. Perennial allergic rhinitis (dust mite, pet hair) from Wei Qi deficiency

Research evidence

Yu Ping Feng San is one of the more thoroughly researched Chinese herbal formulas in modern immunology. Studies have confirmed that it modulates the Th1/Th2 immune balance underlying allergic conditions, regulates immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels that drive allergic responses, stimulates the production and activity of natural killer cells, macrophages and T-lymphocytes, and demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties relevant to both allergy and immune deficiency conditions.

Should not be taken during the acute phase of an active infection or cold with fever — its consolidating action can trap the pathogen. Best used between infections or as a preventive measure.

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.