Formula Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Xiāng Sū Sàn

香苏散

Also known as:

Cyperus & Perilla Formula , Cyperus and Perilla Leaf Powder , Xiang So San , Xiang So Tang

Formula Composition

Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
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King
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Regulates Qi
  2. Releases the Exterior

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold with Qi Stagnation in the Interior

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Xiāng Sū Sàn

Main Actions

Regulates Qi
Releases the Exterior

Key TCM Concepts

Xiang Su San is particularly valuable for patients who catch cold but have underlying Qi Stagnation—common in people with emotional stress, poor digestion, or sedentary lifestyles.

The classical texts describe it as ideal for early-stage cold with "weak GI and neurosis." Unlike purely exterior-releasing formulas (like Ma Huang Tang or Gui Zhi Tang), it specifically addresses the scenario where Qi stagnation complicates and prolongs what would otherwise be a simple Wind-Cold attack.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold with Qi Stagnation in the Interior

Common Applications

Wind-Cold common cold Influenza Acute gastroenteritis Gastric neurosis Urticaria Globus Pharyngeus Vertigo Neurasthenia Tinnitus Amenorrhea Aversion to cold Mild Fever Headache Anhidrosis Nasal congestion Stifling sensation in the chest and epigastrium Poor appetite Anorexia Belching Flatulence Nausea

Ingredients in Xiāng Sū Sàn

Detailed information about each herb in Xiāng Sū Sàn and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Zi Su Ye
Zi Su Ye

Perilla leaves

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried leaf (or bearing young branches)
Role in Xiāng Sū Sàn
The primary pathology is Wind-Cold attacking the Exterior with concurrent Qi stagnation.

Zi Su Ye addresses both: it's acrid and warm to release the Exterior while simultaneously moving Qi in the Middle Jiao, making it perfectly suited as the King for this dual-pattern presentation.
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Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Xiāng Sū Sàn
Xiang Fu powerfully reinforces the Qi-regulating action.

While Zi Su Ye focuses on releasing the Exterior with some Qi movement, Xiang Fu specifically addresses the internal Qi Stagnation causing chest oppression, epigastric distention, and emotional constraint.

Together, they create a synergistic pair: "With Xiang Fu, Zi Su Ye releases the Exterior in a patient with pre-existing Qi Stagnation."
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Xiāng Sū Sàn
Chen Pi regulates Qi and adjusts the Middle Burner, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm as well as descends Qi and relieves the diaphragm.
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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 Xiāng Sū Sàn
Gan Cao regulates Qi and adjusts the Middle Burner, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm as well as descends Qi and relieves the diaphragm
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Xiāng Sū Sàn

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

Contraindications

Wind-Heat patterns: Formula is warm; only for Wind-Cold Yin Deficiency with Heat: Warm, dispersing herbs injure Yin Profuse sweating: Diaphoretic action depletes Wei Qi and body Fluids Qi/Blood Deficiency (severe): Dispersing herbs may further weaken

Herb-Drug Interactions

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