Formula Composition

Hua Shi

Gan Cao

Qing Dai

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King

Main ingredient

Deputy

Assists main

Formula Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness

Bi Yu San

碧玉散

Also known as:

Jasper Powder

Formula Properties

Main Actions

Clears Heat, cools Blood and relieves toxicity
Promotes urination
Eliminates Summer-Heat
Stops convulsions

Patterns Treated

Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder

Historical Origin

Formulas from the Discussion Illuminating the Yellow Emperor's Basic Questions (1172 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bi Yu San

Main Actions

Clears Heat, cools Blood and relieves toxicity

Promotes urination

Eliminates Summer-Heat

Stops convulsions

Key TCM Concepts

Bi Yu San is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Talc (Hua Shi) as a principal ingredient.

Invented in 1172 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness. Its main actions are: 1) clears Heat, cools Blood and relieves toxicity and 2) promotes urination.

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

In this case Bi Yu San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as heatstroke for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

Summer Heat with Heat Stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder

Ingredients in Bi Yu San

Detailed information about each herb in Bi Yu San and their roles

Kings

Deputies

Hua Shi

Talc

Temperature Cold

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Stomach

Parts Used The mineral itself

Role in Bi Yu San

Hua Shi cold and clears Summer Heat so as to facilitate the resolution of Dampness. Its nature is heavy so as to directs downward. It is also slippery and able to facilitate passage through the apertures, be they the pores of the skin above or the urinary orifices below. It is believed to clear pathogenic Heat from the entire Triple Burner and promoting urination. Together with Liquorice, they not only promotes urination, but also generates Body Fluids, thereby enabling the formula to perform its tasks without injuring the Qi or Body Fluids.

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Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral

Taste Sweet

Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach

Parts Used Dried root and rhizome

Role in Bi Yu San

Gan Cao harmonizes the Middle Burner and has a mild ability to clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Together with Talc, they not only promotes urination, but also generates Body Fluids, thereby enabling the formula to perform its tasks without injuring the Qi or Body Fluids.

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Qing Dai

Natural indigo

Temperature Cold

Taste Salty

Organ Affinity Stomach, Liver, Lungs

Parts Used Dried powder or mass prepared from the leaf and/or the stem

Role in Bi Yu San

Qing Dai treats Summer Heat with concurrent Heat accumulated in the Liver and Gallbladder manifesting with red eyes, sore throat or sore mouth and tongue.

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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bi Yu San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for cases with copious, clear urine or with Summer Heat without Dampness. This formula may injure Body Fluids and Qi, therefore need to be cautious when treating weak, elderly, or Yin Deficient patients.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Bi Yu San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.