Formula Toxic-Heat

Shī Zhěn Fāng

湿疹方

Also known as:

Lonicera & Smilax Combination , Eczema formula , Against Eczema formula

Formula Composition

Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua
Tu Fu Ling
Tu Fu Ling
Huang Lian
Huang Lian
Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren
Fang Feng
Fang Feng
Chan Tui
Chan Tui
Ju Hua
Ju Hua
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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From $40.00

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Resolves Wind-Heat and transforms Dampness
  2. Relieves skin rashes and itchy eczema skin
  3. Clears Toxic-Heat from the skin
  4. Vents rashes to the surface for resolution

Patterns Treated

Toxic-Heat in skin, Wind-Damp-Heat in the skin

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Shī Zhěn Fāng

Main Actions

Resolves Wind-Heat and transforms Dampness
Relieves skin rashes and itchy eczema skin
Clears Toxic-Heat from the skin
Vents rashes to the surface for resolution

Key TCM Concepts

This modern formula is used to address patterns such as Wind-Dampness, which causes eczema. It manifests as skin rash, burning sensation, itching, blisters, and skin erosion in the acute stage, and dryness, scabbing, and flaking in the subacute stage. 

This formula can be used both internally (oral) and externally (topical wash/soak).

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Toxic-Heat in skin
  • Wind-Damp-Heat in the skin

Common Applications

Eczema Atopic dermatitis Contact dermatitis Skin allergies Red skin rashes Inflamed Skin Rashes Burning sensation Intense skin itching Blisters Vesicles Skin erosion Weeping lesions Oozing lesions Skin dryness Scabbing Flaking skin Scaling skin Skin crusting Urticaria Psoriasis Allergic skin reactions Seborrheic dermatitis Fungal skin infections with inflammation

Ingredients in Shī Zhěn Fāng

Detailed information about each herb in Shī Zhěn Fāng and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Jin Yin Hua
Jin Yin Hua

Honeysuckle flowers

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried flower bud
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Jin Yin Hua clears Toxic-Heat, cools Blood and vents rashes. It powerfully addresses the toxic heat component underlying inflammatory skin conditions. It has documented anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiallergic properties.
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Tu Fu Ling
Tu Fu Ling

Smilax glabra roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and root
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Tu Fu Ling clears Toxic-Heat, eliminates Dampness, relieves joint pain and treats skin lesions. It is a specific affinity for Damp-Heat skin conditions with oozing, weeping lesions. It is historically used for syphilitic sores and chronic skin ulcers. It is excellent for stubborn, recurrent eczema.
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Huang Lian
Huang Lian

Goldthread rhizomes

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Large Intestine, Liver, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Huang Lian, bitter and cold, it directly targets the heat component. It clears Heat, dries Dampness, drains Fire and resolves toxins. It is one of the most powerful Heat-clearing, Dampness-drying herb in the materia medica.

It strongly addresses the Damp-Heat causing inflammation, redness, and oozing.
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Yi Yi Ren
Yi Yi Ren

Job's tears

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe kernel
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Yi Yi Ren clears Heat, drains Dampness, strengthens spleen and expels pus. It addresses the Dampness underlying weeping, oozing lesions while supporting spleen function to resolve the root cause of Dampness production. It is gentler than Huang Lian and it balances the formula.
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Fang Feng
Fang Feng

Saposhnikovia roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Urinary Bladder, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Fang Feng expels Wind, releases the Exterior and relieves itching. It addresses the Wind component that causes skin lesions to migrate, spread, and itch intensely. It also guides pathogenic Wind out of the skin.
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Chan Tui
Chan Tui

Cicada sloughs

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Salty
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dry Cicada slough
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Chan Tui, light and ascending, it reaches the skin surface to dispel Wind and stop itching. It disperses Wind-Heat, relieves itching, vents rashes. It is the premier anti-itch herb for skin conditions. It also clears Heat from the Liver Channel affecting the skin.
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Ju Hua
Ju Hua

Chrysanthemum flowers

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried capitulum
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Ju Hua clears Heat, disperses Wind-Heat, calms the Liver and benefits eyes. It addresses Wind-Heat affecting the upper body and skin. It also clears Liver Heat which often manifests as skin irritation and redness.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Shī Zhěn Fāng
Gan Cao harmonizes all herbs and coordinates the formula's actions. It also clears Toxic-Heat, moistens skin and alleviates pain. It moderates the bitter and cold nature of Huang Lian. It has its own anti-inflammatory and antiallergic effects.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Shī Zhěn Fāng

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

Contraindications

Avoid in Cold-type or dry eczema without redness/oozing, weak digestion with cold signs, and Yin/Blood Deficiency with dry cracked skin. Caution in pregnancy. Not for prolonged use—the bitter cold herbs (especially Huang Lian) can damage Spleen Yang over time. Best suited for acute, hot, weeping eczema only.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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