为何取名“枇杷清肺”？

核心在于方中君药枇杷叶，其性微寒，主入肺经，是清肺热、降肺气的要药；“清肺”二字，则直指方剂核心功效——清泻肺经实热，契合“肺主皮毛”的中医理论，肺热得清，肌肤问题自然迎刃而解。

枇杷清肺饮（颗粒）的核心组方有哪些药材？

枇杷清肺饮（颗粒）由蜜枇杷叶、桑白皮、黄连、黄柏、人参、甘草六味药材组成，遵循君臣佐使配伍原则，做到清热而不伤脾、泻火而不耗气，适合长期内热、体质偏虚人群。

枇杷清肺饮（颗粒）的核心病机是什么？

肺胃热盛，血热郁滞，熏蒸头面。肺热为表、胃热为本、血热瘀滞为果，共同构成痤疮的核心病机。

枇杷清肺颗粒适用于哪些皮肤问题？

专治肺胃热盛型痤疮（粉刺），且经辨证加减还可用于治疗酒渣鼻、脂溢性皮炎、肺热咳嗽、胃火型口腔溃疡等多种肺胃热盛引发的皮肤及呼吸道问题。

枇杷清肺颗粒的用法用量是怎样的？

规格多为每袋6g或10g，餐前或餐后两小时温水冲服，避免与进食间隔过近，疗程一般为连续服用2-4周，症状缓解后可减量或停药，不宜长期连续服用，以免损伤脾胃。

枇杷清肺颗粒有哪些禁忌人群？

痰瘀互结型痤疮患者、对本品成分过敏者禁止使用；孕妇慎用，哺乳期女性需医师指导使用。

服用枇杷清肺颗粒期间需要注意什么？

服用期间宜清淡饮食，忌辛辣油腻甜食，戒烟戒酒，避免熬夜，需遵医嘱使用，不宜自行盲目服用，尤其不可用于非肺胃热盛型痤疮。出现不适反应应停药并就医。

枇杷清肺颗粒有哪些常见误区需要纠正？

误区包括：1) 不适用于所有痤疮，仅肺胃热盛型有效；2) 不可长期服用根治痤疮；3) 不是万能祛痘神药，需连续服用1-2周以上见效；4) 服用期间需忌口，不能照常吃辣吃油；5) 未成年人需医师指导下服用，不可随意服用。

Heat-Clearing Formulas

枇杷清肺飲 · Pí Pá Qīng Fèi Yǐn

Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin

A classical formula for Lung heat venting to the face as acne, pimples and red papules.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryHeat-Clearing Formulas

Primary PatternLung Heat

Primary FunctionClear Lung heat, resolve toxin, benefit skin

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleClear Lung heat that vents to the skin

Main HerbsGinseng Root · Coptis Rhizome · Phellodendron Bark · Licorice Root · Mulberry Root Bark · Loquat Leaf

Classical SourceClassical TCM formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for Lung heat venting to the face as acne, rather than boils, Lung-heat cough, or Stomach fire toothache.

Overview

What Is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?

1. Ancient Classics Inheritance

Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (枇杷清肺饮), or Loquat Leaf Drink to Clear the Lungs, is a classical Qing-dynasty formula commonly cited from the Yi Zong Jin Jian (Golden Mirror of Medicine). It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Lung Heat, drain Damp-Heat, and cool the Blood.

This formula addresses Lung Heat steaming the skin, a pattern classically linked to facial sores and acne as well as Heat-Phlegm cough. Typical signs include red, inflamed facial papules or pustules, oily skin, possible cough with yellow phlegm, thirst, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a rapid pulse.

Combining Pi Pa Ye as the chief herb to clear Lung Heat and descend rebellious Qi, Sang Bai Pi to drain Heat from the Lungs, Huang Lian and Huang Bai to drain Fire and Damp-Heat from the Upper and Lower Burners, and a small amount of Ren Shen with Gan Cao to protect Qi and generate fluids so the bitter-cold herbs do not damage the Middle, Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin clears Heat from the Lungs and is especially well known for Heat-type acne and other skin eruptions that follow the Lung’s outward-opening to the skin.

2. Acne Treatment

Targeting Skin Heat: Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Lung-Clearing Decoction) is widely used to help manage acne. In TCM, breakouts are often linked to excess wind-heat or damp-heat trapped in the lung and stomach pathways. By cooling this internal heat, the formula addresses a key underlying cause of the breakouts.
Ideal Candidates: It is traditionally used for early-stage acne, especially when breakouts appear as a flushed red face, inflamed pimples, or pustules.
Supporting Symptoms: Practitioners often look for supporting signs like a dry mouth, a bitter taste, or dry stools. With consistent use, clearing this internal heat can help reduce inflammation, minimize breakouts, and support a smoother, clearer complexion over time.

3. Managing Respiratory Issues

Soothing the Airways: Beyond skin health, this formula is also used to soothe mild respiratory issues, such as coughing and wheezing caused by the same wind-heat or damp-heat imbalances.
When to Use It: It is often considered when a cough is accompanied by thick, yellow phlegm, a mild fever, thirst, and dry stools.
How It Helps: By clearing the heat trapped in the lungs and stomach, Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Lung-Clearing Decoction) helps open the airways, calms the cough, and makes it easier to thin and clear phlegm, supporting a smooth and natural recovery process.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. King Herb: Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf)

Pi Pa Ye acts as the "King" or chief herb in Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it has a bitter taste and a slightly cold nature, targeting the lung and stomach meridians.

Core Function: It is highly valued for clearing lung heat, stopping coughs, and directing stomach energy downward to relieve nausea.
Why it helps: In this formula, Pi Pa Ye takes the lead role in cooling the lungs. By directly clearing the trapped internal heat, it acts as the master key to resolving lung-related discomforts.

2. Minister Herb: Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark)

As the "Minister," this sweet and cold herb primarily targets the lung meridian to support the King herb.

Core Function: It drains lung heat, calms wheezing, and promotes water metabolism to reduce swelling.
Why it helps: Sang Bai Pi strongly reinforces the heat-clearing power of the King herb. Additionally, by helping the body flush out excess fluids through urination, it reduces the overall burden on the lungs, making the formula much more effective.

3. Assistant Herbs: Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome)

These two herbs work as a team to balance the formula and tackle stubborn internal fire.

Huang Qin: Bitter and cold, this herb is a powerful tool for clearing heat, drying dampness, and resolving toxicity. It acts as a heavy hitter to stop internal fire from spreading, heavily supporting the King and Minister herbs.
Zhi Mu: Bitter, sweet, and cold. While it also clears heat, its unique job is to nourish Yin (the body's natural cooling moisture). It protects the body's essential fluids from being dried out by the other bitter, cold herbs, ensuring the formula clears heat without causing damage.

4. Courier Herb: Gan Cao (Licorice Root)

Gan Cao is the sweet, neutral harmonizer that ties the whole formula together.

Core Function: It gently boosts energy, moistens the lungs, and clears heat.
Why it helps: As a courier, it acts as a peacemaker, ensuring all the different herbs in Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin work together smoothly without clashing. It also helps soothe coughs directly and reduces any harsh side effects from the stronger herbs.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis (Underlying Causes)

In TCM, the lungs manage breathing and are directly connected to the skin and hair. Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin targets a specific imbalance known as Wind-Heat in the Lung Meridian or Damp-Heat in the Lungs and Stomach.

The Chain Reaction: When external wind-heat or internal damp-heat gets trapped in the lungs, the lungs lose their ability to circulate energy properly. This trapped energy turns into "fire" or excess heat.
The Symptoms: Since the lungs control the skin, this heat often travels upward to the face, causing acne and breakouts. Internally, if the lung energy moves upward instead of downward, it leads to coughing and wheezing.

2. Traditional Benefits

Based on these TCM principles, the formula is designed to cool things down and clean the system out.

Clearing Heat and Toxicity: It strongly cools the heat trapped in the lungs and stomach while clearing out accumulated toxins.
Restoring Balance: By resolving the internal fire, it helps the lungs return to their normal, healthy function. It tackles both the root cause (trapped heat) and the visible symptoms, offering a comprehensive balancing effect.

3. Common Indications (What It is Used For)

Traditionally, Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin is a go-to remedy for heat-related skin and respiratory issues. Common signs that this formula might be a good fit include:

Skin Issues: A flushed face, early-stage acne, pimples, or blemishes that are red and inflamed.
Digestive/Internal Heat Signs: Dry mouth, a bitter taste in the mouth, dry stools, and dark, scanty urine.
Respiratory Discomfort: Mild coughing or wheezing linked to the same lung heat imbalance.
Overall: It is most traditionally used when a practitioner identifies that stubborn acne or mild respiratory issues are stemming from excess heat in the lung and stomach pathways.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Synergy of the Herbs

Teamwork for the Lungs: Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) and Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark) team up to strongly enhance the formula's ability to clear lung heat, soothe coughs, and calm wheezing. While Pi Pa Ye focuses on venting the heat outward, Sang Bai Pi drains the "fire" and helps the lung energy flow properly. Together, they tackle the trapped heat from all angles, opening up the airways.
Balancing the Fire: Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) step in as essential assistants. Huang Qin specifically targets excess heat in the upper body. Meanwhile, Zhi Mu clears heat while also nourishing Yin (the body's cooling moisture), ensuring that the strong cooling herbs do not dry out the body's natural fluids.
The Harmonizer: Finally, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) brings everything together. It harmonizes the ingredients so they work smoothly as a cohesive unit, directly helps to soothe coughs, and protects the body's foundational energy.

2. Holistic Approach

Treating the Root Cause: This formula takes a big-picture approach, targeting the root causes of the discomfort: Wind-Heat in the Lung Meridian or Damp-Heat in the Lungs and Stomach.
Whole-Body Balance: By clearing this deep-seated heat, it addresses the underlying imbalances rather than just masking the symptoms. It does not just focus on the lungs; it also helps regulate related systems, like the stomach. This reflects the core philosophy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)—looking at the body as an interconnected whole and treating the specific pattern of disharmony.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin	Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin	Xie Bai San	Qing Wei San
Primary Function	Clear Lung heat, resolve toxin, benefit skin	Clear heat, resolve toxin, disperse sores	Clear Lung heat, stop cough and wheezing	Clear Stomach heat, cool blood, relieve fire toxin
Formula Category	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Lung Heat	Damp-Heat	Lung Heat	Stomach Heat
Main Conditions		Fever, Sore Throat	Cough, Dry Cough, Fever	Headache
Main Herbs	Ginseng Root · Coptis Rhizome · Phellodendron Bark · Licorice Root · Mulberry Root Bark · Loquat Leaf	Honeysuckle Flower · Wild Chrysanthemum · Viola · Semiaquilegia Root · Dandelion	Mulberry Root Bark · Wolfberry Root Bark · Licorice Root · Non-glutinous Rice	Coptis Rhizome · Raw Rehmannia Root · Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark · Chinese Angelica Root · Cimicifuga Rhizome
Classical Source	Classical TCM formulary	Yi Zong Jin Jian (Qing dynasty)	Li Dongyuan school / classical	Li Dongyuan school / classical

How to tell them apart

Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin, Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, Xie Bai San and Qing Wei San clear heat related to Lung or face. Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin clears heat toxin for boils; Xie Bai San clears constrained Lung heat cough; Qing Wei San clears Stomach fire toothache. Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin clears Lung heat venting to the face as acne and red papules.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin

1. For Severe Lung Heat

Cooling the Fire: If the heat trapped in the lungs is especially intense, a practitioner might add Shi Gao (Gypsum) and extra Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) to the formula.
Why it helps: Shi Gao is a very cold-natured mineral that is highly effective at clearing severe heat and easing intense thirst. When paired with Zhi Mu, it creates a powerful combination that quickly cools down "fire" in the respiratory system, providing faster relief.

2. For Heavy Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach

Aiding Digestion: When a patient has signs of sluggish digestion or heavy dampness along with the heat, herbs like Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) are often included.
Why it helps: Huang Lian is excellent at clearing heat and drying up excess dampness in the gut. Meanwhile, Hou Po helps move trapped energy, ease bloating, and resolve phlegm. Together, they help "reboot" the digestive system and clear out the sticky damp-heat.

3. For Severe Skin Rashes and Itching

Soothing the Skin: If the skin breakouts are accompanied by intense redness and itching, Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Root Bark) and Di Fu Zi (Kochia Fruit) can be added to the mix.
Why it helps: In Traditional Chinese Medicine, both of these herbs are renowned for their ability to clear heat, dispel "wind" (which often causes itching), and soothe irritated skin. They work together to calm the itch and make the patient much more comfortable.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Actions

Active Compounds: Modern research suggests that the herbs in Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Lung-Clearing Decoction) contain various active ingredients that support the body's healing process. For example, Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf) contains flavonoids and triterpenes, which studies show can help reduce inflammation, calm coughs, and clear phlegm.
Supporting the Lungs and Immunity: Research indicates that Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Bark) can help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract. Furthermore, assistant herbs like Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) have demonstrated antibacterial and antiviral properties in lab settings, helping to support the immune system and clear out internal irritants.

2. Clinical Efficacy Validation

Evidence for Acne: Numerous clinical observations have backed up the traditional use of this formula for skin health. Studies show that Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Lung-Clearing Decoction) can noticeably improve acne symptoms, reducing both the severity of the blemishes and how often they appear.
Evidence for Respiratory Health: For respiratory issues, clinical data supports its use as a generally safe and effective option for easing mild coughs and wheezing. These modern findings help validate centuries of traditional wisdom, giving practitioners a solid, evidence-based foundation for using this formula today.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary and Special-Population Precautions

While taking Pipa Qingfei Decoction, avoid spicy, greasy, stimulating foods and alcohol. Maintain a light diet. Pregnant women, children, and people with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold should use it only under medical supervision, as its cooling properties may cause adverse effects or weaken digestion.

2. Monitoring and Medication Use

Monitor symptoms closely and seek medical attention if they do not improve or if new discomfort occurs. Take the decoction as prescribed and do not change the dosage or stop treatment without professional advice.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Hoi Tin Pi Pa Qing Fei Ke Li Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Leaf Lung-Clearing) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $34.67

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (Five-Ingredient Toxin-Dispersing Drink) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $23.54

Nong's Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (Five-Ingredient Toxin-Dispersing) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $50.18

Hoi Tin Xie Bai San Xie Bai Ke Li Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Xie Bai San (Drain the White Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $26.32

HJMEDICAL Nong's Xie Bai San (Drain the White Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $44.83

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Qing Wei San (Clear the Stomach Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $64.09

FAQ

Questions About Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin

Q1: What are the actions of Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?

Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin has the actions of clearing Lung Heat and draining Fire. It is a classical external-medicine formula for Lung-Heat sores on the face as well as Lung-Heat cough, using Pi Pa Ye to clear and descend Lung Heat.

Q2: Which modern conditions is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Lung Heat, including inflammatory facial acne of Lung-Heat type, some rosacea-like redness of this pattern, and cough with heat in the Lung after medical skin or respiratory causes have been assessed.

Q3: Is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin suitable for improving red, inflamed facial acne from Lung Heat?

For presentations of red papules or pustules on the face (especially the forehead and cheeks), possible thirst, dry stool, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lung Heat steaming the skin — TCM commonly applies Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin as an adjunct. Cystic or scarring acne still needs dermatologic care.

Q4: Who should not take Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?

Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency Cold, pale oily acne of Phlegm-Damp type without Heat, or Yin-deficiency empty Fire without Lung Heat are generally not suitable. Huang Lian and Huang Bai are bitter and cold. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why clear the Lung to treat the face?

The Lung governs the skin and opens to the nose; Lung Heat rises and steams the face. Pi Pa Ye and Sang Bai Pi clear and descend Lung Heat. Huang Lian and Huang Bai drain Fire from the Upper and Lower Jiao so Heat does not keep steaming upward. A small amount of Ren Shen and Gan Cao protects Qi so bitter-cold draining does not collapse the Middle. Clearing the Lung lets the facial Heat settle.

Q6: How does Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin differ from Qing Fei Tang or Yin Qiao San?

Qing Fei Tang more broadly clears Lung Heat and transforms Phlegm for cough. Yin Qiao San releases early Wind-Heat in the exterior. Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin is the smaller, more focused formula for Lung Fire steaming the face (acne, redness) and is less a general exterior-releasing prescription.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?

The widely used composition consists of Pi Pa Ye to clear and descend Lung Heat; Sang Bai Pi to drain Lung Heat and calm wheezing; Huang Lian and Huang Bai to drain Fire; and a small amount of Ren Shen and Gan Cao to protect Qi and harmonize. The fuzzy coating of Pi Pa Ye should be removed before decoction.

Q8: Is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin suitable for long-term use?

No. It is a short-course formula for active Lung Heat. Prolonged bitter-cold draining injures the Spleen. Once redness and inflamed lesions settle, treatment often shifts toward a milder Lung- or Spleen-supporting strategy and skin care.

Q9: Can this formula help both facial acne and a dry Heat cough of the same pattern?

Yes. The same Lung Heat can steam the face as red lesions and rebel as a dry or yellow-phlegm cough. Clearing and descending Lung Heat can improve both when they share one pattern. Isolated Phlegm-Damp pale acne or Wind-Cold cough is a different formula.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?

Reducing spicy, fried, and dairy-heavy foods that generate Lung-Stomach Heat, avoiding picking inflamed lesions, keeping a simple skincare routine, and seeking dermatology care for nodular or scarring acne all support correct use. This formula treats a TCM Lung-Heat pattern; it is not a replacement for indicated acne medication.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin