Yu Zhen San — True Jade Powder

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Yu Zhen San — the “True Jade Powder” — is a Ming-dynasty formula classically used for tetanus, lockjaw and other forms of severe wind-induced spasm. Although tetanus is now rare in countries with vaccination programmes, the formula is still used in TCM hospital settings in China for tetanus and for other rigid-muscle syndromes, and modifications of it are used for facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), stroke recovery and other wind-stroke conditions.

The formula combines Wind-dispersing herbs (Fang Feng, Bai Zhi, Tian Ma), Phlegm-resolving herbs (Tian Nan Xing, Bai Fu Zi) and animal Wind-stopping herbs (Bai Jiang Can = silkworm, Quan Xie = scorpion). The combination breaks the spasms and dispels Wind and Phlegm from the channels.

This formula is included for completeness but is rarely needed in modern outpatient practice. Acute tetanus is a medical emergency.

I prescribe Yu Zhen San as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Yu Zhen San is prescribed for Wind invasion with severe spasm:

• Lockjaw (trismus)
• Severe muscle rigidity and spasm
• Opisthotonos — backward arching of the body
• Convulsions
• Risus sardonicus (fixed grin from facial spasm)
• History of recent wound, particularly puncture or contamination
• Tongue — difficult to examine; usually white coat
• Pulse — wiry, tight

Key herbs

1. Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema, prepared) — dries Damp, transforms Phlegm, calms Wind
2. Bai Fu Zi (Typhonium giganteum, prepared) — dispels Wind from the face and head
3. Fang Feng — disperses Wind
4. Bai Zhi — disperses Wind from the face
5. Tian Ma (Gastrodia elata) — calms Wind and stops spasm
6. Qiang Huo — disperses Wind
7. Bai Jiang Can (silkworm body) — dispels Wind, transforms Phlegm, stops spasm
8. Quan Xie (scorpion) — powerfully extinguishes Wind and stops spasm

Formula actions

1. Dispels Wind
2. Transforms Phlegm
3. Stops spasm and convulsions
4. Opens the channels

Conditions treated

1. Tetanus (alongside emergency medical care — never as monotherapy)
2. Severe muscle spasm from wind-stroke patterns
3. Bell’s palsy (modified) — see Bell’s palsy
4. Trigeminal neuralgia with Wind-Phlegm pattern — see trigeminal neuralgia
5. Hemifacial spasm
6. Dystonia and tic disorders with Wind-Phlegm pattern
7. Tourette’s syndrome with Wind pattern
8. Stroke recovery with persistent facial weakness or spasm

Cautions

Tetanus is a medical emergency. Suspected tetanus requires immediate hospital admission for tetanus immunoglobulin, antibiotics, wound care and respiratory support. This formula is used in TCM hospital settings as an adjunct to conventional treatment, never as monotherapy.

Contains animal products: Bai Jiang Can (silkworm) and Quan Xie (scorpion). Vegetarian patients can request modification.

Contains Tian Nan Xing and Bai Fu Zi which are mildly toxic and must be properly prepared. Use only pharmaceutical-grade preparations.

Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy.

Not appropriate for Yin-deficient internal Wind (calming nourishment is needed, not dispelling).

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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