Exterior-Releasing Formulas

桑菊饮 · Sāng Jú Yǐn

Sang Ju Yin

A light, gentle exterior-releasing formula for the early stage of Wind-Heat invading the Lung where cough is the predominant symptom, with only mild fever and thirst.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryExterior-Releasing Formulas

Primary PatternWind-Heat

Primary FunctionDisperse Wind-Heat, stop cough

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleDisperse Wind-Heat, diffuse Lung Qi and stop cough

Main HerbsMulberry Leaf · Chrysanthemum Flower · Forsythia Fruit · Mentha / Peppermint · Platycodon Root · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Reed Rhizome · Licorice Root

Classical SourceWen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected when cough is the leading complaint and systemic heat remains mild, at the earliest stage of Wind-Heat — a lighter, more dispersing choice than Yin Qiao San, which suits more pronounced fever and sore throat, and far gentler than Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang's deeper Lung Heat with wheezing.

Overview

What Is Sang Ju Yin?

1. Background of Sang Ju Yin

Sang Ju Yin (桑菊饮), or Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction, is a classical Qing-dynasty formula from Wu Jutong’s Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases). It belongs to the category of formulas that release the exterior with acrid-cool herbs and restore the Lung’s descending function.

This formula addresses early-stage Wind-Heat attacking the Lungs, a milder pattern than the more intense Heat-toxin presentation treated by Yin Qiao San. Typical signs include a slight fever, cough, mild sore throat, slight thirst, a thin white or slightly yellow tongue coating, and a floating rapid pulse.

Combining Sang Ye and Ju Hua as the chief herbs to disperse Wind-Heat and benefit the Lungs and eyes, Xing Ren and Jie Geng to descend and disseminate Lung Qi and stop cough, Lian Qiao and Bo He to further release the exterior and clear mild Heat, Lu Gen to generate fluids and stop thirst, and Gan Cao to harmonize and soothe the throat, Sang Ju Yin effectively disperses Wind-Heat, restores the Lung’s descending function, and stops the early cough of a warm-disease exterior pattern.

2. Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Sang Ju Yin demonstrates efficacy across various common respiratory conditions, particularly those characterized by external wind-heat invasion affecting the lungs. Its targeted action helps resolve symptoms and accelerate recovery.

It's effective for initial-stage wind-warm syndrome URIs with symptoms like fever, mild aversion to wind and cold, cough, and sore throat. It disperses wind-heat, relieving fever and cough, promoting recovery within 3-5 doses. For example, a patient with a 38°C fever, itchy throat, red tongue tip, and rapid pulse often sees rapid symptom resolution.

3. Acute Bronchitis

Provides significant therapeutic benefits for early acute bronchitis caused by wind-heat invading the lung, presenting with cough and expectoration. The formula disperses wind-heat, clears lung qi, and facilitates smooth sputum discharge. Patients often experience reduced cough frequency and thinner sputum after 5-7 doses.

4. Mild Influenza

Acts as an adjuvant treatment for mild influenza with wind-heat symptoms such as fever (37.5-38.5°C), headache, cough, and runny nose. It expels external wind-heat and clears internal heat, alleviating influenza symptoms and shortening the disease course, with discomfort typically relieved within 3 days.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. Sovereign Herbs

These are the primary herbs that dictate the formula's main action, focusing on dispersing wind-heat and clearing lung conditions.

Mulberry Leaf (Mori Folium): Disperses wind-heat, moistens lung dryness, calms hyperactive liver yang.
Chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemi Flos): Disperses wind, clears heat, soothes liver, and improves eyesight.

2. Minister Herbs

These herbs support the monarch herbs, treating concomitant symptoms like cough and further enhancing heat-clearing effects.

Bitter Almond (Armeniacae Semen Amarum): Lowers qi to arrest cough and asthma, moistens intestines.
Forsythia (Forsythiae Fructus): Clears heat, detoxifies, and strongly disperses wind-heat.

3. Assistant Herbs

These herbs enhance the effects of the monarch and minister, address minor associated symptoms, and harmonize the formula.

Mint (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba): Disperses wind-heat, clears the head, and benefits the throat.
Platycodon (Platycodonis Radix): Promotes the lung's dispersing function, resolves phlegm, and benefits the throat.
Licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma): Tonifies spleen, moistens lung, and harmonizes all other herbs.
Reed Rhizome (Phragmitis Rhizoma): Clears heat, promotes body fluids, and relieves thirst.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis Analysis

Sang Ju Yin is specifically formulated to address the initial stages of wind-warm syndrome, focusing on dispersing external pathogens and restoring healthy lung function.

Wind-heat enters through the mouth and nose, attacking the Lung and defensive Qi. This leads to qi stagnation, impaired lung dispersion, and symptoms like fever, cough, headache, and sore throat. The condition remains superficial at this stage.

2. Therapeutic Efficacy

Pungent-cool herbs like Mulberry Leaf, Chrysanthemum, Mint, and Forsythia disperse wind-heat. Apricot Kernel and Platycodon Root regulate Lung Qi and relieve cough. Licorice harmonizes, while Reed Rhizome clears heat and promotes fluids, ensuring effective pathogen removal and symptom resolution.

3. Indications

Used for early wind-warm disease with pathogenic factors invading the Lung and defensive Qi. Key symptoms include:

Fever with mild aversion to wind and cold
Cough and slight thirst
Red tongue tip/edges, thin white or yellowish coating
Floating and rapid pulse

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Diaphoresis & Heat Clearing

Sang Ju Yin's effectiveness stems from its balanced formulation, targeting both external pathogens and internal lung imbalances through strategic herb combinations.

Herbs like Mulberry Leaf and Forsythia disperse wind-heat from the exterior while simultaneously clearing lung heat, adhering to the principle of "inducing sweating in the defensive phase" to prevent deeper invasion.

2. Dispersing Lung Qi & Relieving Cough

Bitter Apricot Seed and Platycodon promote the proper flow of lung qi, regulating its ascent and descent to effectively alleviate cough. Other herbs indirectly support this function by clearing wind-heat.

3. Synergistic Herb Compatibility

Specific pairs like Mulberry Leaf with Chrysanthemum, and Forsythia with Mint, enhance their individual actions. Licorice harmonizes the entire formula, maximizing therapeutic effects against wind-heat and lung issues.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Sang Ju Yin	Yin Qiao San	Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang	Ma Huang Tang
Primary Function	Disperse Wind-Heat, stop cough	Disperse Wind-Heat, clear heat and relieve toxicity	Clear Lung Heat	Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing
Formula Category	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Heat-Clearing Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Wind-Heat	Wind-Heat	Lung Heat	Wind-Cold
Main Conditions	Cough, Dry Cough, Sore Throat, Fever	Sore Throat, Fever, Cough, Dry Cough, Nasal Congestion, Headache	Cough, Asthma & Wheezing	Cough, Dry Cough, Fever, Cold Limbs, Nasal Congestion
Main Herbs	Mulberry Leaf · Chrysanthemum Flower · Forsythia Fruit · Mentha / Peppermint · Platycodon Root · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Reed Rhizome · Licorice Root	Honeysuckle Flower · Forsythia Fruit · Platycodon Root · Burdock Seed / Arctium Fruit · Mentha / Peppermint · Prepared Soybean · Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip · Lophatherum / Bamboo Leaf · Reed Rhizome · Licorice Root	Ephedra Herb · Gypsum · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Honey-fried Licorice	Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Honey-fried Licorice
Classical Source	Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798)	Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, 1798)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Sang Ju Yin is preferred when cough is primary and systemic heat is mild. Yin Qiao San is stronger for more pronounced fever and sore throat. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is used for deeper Lung Heat with marked wheezing and thirst. Ma Huang Tang addresses Wind-Cold excess.

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

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Sang Ju Yin

1. High Fever

Enhancement: Add Gypsum and Anemarrhena Rhizome to powerfully clear heat and purge fire. Gypsum is pungent, sweet, and extremely cold, clearing heat, purging fire, removing vexation, and quenching thirst. Anemarrhena Rhizome is bitter, cold, and moist, clearing heat, purging fire, nourishing yin, and moistening dryness. This combination effectively reduces body temperature.

Example: For body temperature above 39°C, add 30g Gypsum and 15g Anemarrhena Rhizome to the base Sang Ju Yin.

2. Severe Cough

Enhancement: Add Peucedanum Root and Stemona Root to significantly enhance cough relief. Peucedanum Root lowers qi, resolves phlegm, and relieves cough and asthma. Stemona Root moistens the lung, lowers qi, relieves cough, and has an antiparasitic action. These herbs provide more effective cough symptom relief.

Example: If the patient experiences frequent coughing that disrupts sleep, add 12g Peucedanum Root and 10g Stemona Root to Sang Ju Yin.

3. Obvious Sore Throat

Enhancement: Add Scrophularia Root and Isatis Root to clear heat, detoxify, and relieve sore throat and swelling. Scrophularia Root clears heat, cools blood, nourishes yin, and detoxifies. Isatis Root clears heat, detoxifies, cools blood, and alleviates sore throat. This helps effectively relieve throat discomfort.

Example: When the patient has a severe sore throat with difficulty swallowing, add 15g Scrophularia Root and 15g Isatis Root to Sangju Decoction.

4. Extreme Thirst

Enhancement: Add Trichosanthis Root and Radix Ophiopogonis to clear heat, promote body fluid production, and relieve thirst. Trichosanthis Root clears heat, purges fire, generates fluids, and alleviates thirst. Radix Ophiopogonis nourishes yin, moistens the lung, promotes fluids to benefit the stomach, clears the heart, and removes vexation. These additions effectively address thirst.

Example: If the patient exhibits significant thirst and consumes large quantities of water, add 15g Trichosanthis Root and 12g Ophiopogon japonicus to the Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Beverage (Sang Ju Yin) combines herbs with anti‑inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, antipyretic, expectorant, antitussive, and phlegm‑resolving actions: mulberry leaf flavonoids reduce pulmonary inflammation; chrysanthemum constituents provide antipyretic and anti‑inflammatory effects; bitter apricot and platycodon amygdalin/platycodin suppress cough and resolve phlegm; forsythia, mint, reed rhizome, and licorice contribute antibacterial/antiviral, cooling, moistening, and anti‑allergic effects—together explaining its efficacy in early wind‑warm lung disorders.

2. Clinical Efficacy

Clinical studies show Sang Ju Yin effectively relieves fever, cough, and sore throat in upper respiratory infections, acute bronchitis, and mild influenza, shortens illness duration, and is well tolerated. Combined use with Western therapies can improve outcomes, reduce antibiotic use, and lower resistance risk, supporting broad application in respiratory infectious disease management.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Indications & Precautions

Mulberry and Chrysanthemum Beverage is for early-stage wind‑heat affecting the lung‑defense; do not use in wind‑cold (severe aversion to cold, no sweat, clear runny nose, floating tense pulse) as its cool nature may worsen the condition. Differentiate accurately before use. During treatment follow a light diet, avoid spicy/greasy/raw/cold foods, keep warm, rest, and drink warm water as needed. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention to adjust treatment.

2. Special Populations & Allergies

Use cautiously in pregnancy under physician guidance. Reduce dose and monitor closely in children, the elderly, and those with weak constitutions. Check formula components if you have a history of drug allergies to avoid allergic reactions.

Available Products

Where to Get It

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf & Chrysanthemum) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Sang Ju Yin (Mulberry Leaf & Chrysanthemum) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $44.83

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle & Forsythia Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

HJMEDICAL Nong's Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle & Forsythia) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $52.32

Hoi Tin Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum & Licorice Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang (Ephedra, Apricot, Licorice & Gypsum) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $38.41

FAQ

Questions About Sang Ju Yin

Q1: What are the actions of Sang Ju Yin?

Sang Ju Yin has the actions of dispersing Wind, clearing Heat, disseminating Lung Qi, and stopping cough. It is a light acrid-cool formula for the earliest stage of Wind-Heat or Wind-Warmth when cough is the leading symptom.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Sang Ju Yin suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within early Wind-Heat attacking the Lung, including the onset of a common cold or influenza with prominent cough, early acute bronchitis of Wind-Heat type, and mild Wind-Heat conjunctivitis or red itchy eyes accompanying a light exterior pattern.

Q3: Is Sang Ju Yin suitable for improving an early cough with only mild fever?

For presentations of cough as the main complaint, mild body heat, slight thirst, a faintly sore or itchy throat, a thin white tongue coating, and a floating rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms early Wind-Heat in the Lung — TCM commonly applies Sang Ju Yin as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of worsening respiratory infection.

Q4: Who should not take Sang Ju Yin?

Those with Wind-Cold cough (chills, clear runny nose, tight pulse), high fever and marked Heat-toxin, or chronic dry cough from Yin deficiency without an exterior pathogen are generally not suitable. The formula is light and cooling; it is too weak for deep Heat and the wrong temperature for Cold. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why are Sang Ye and Ju Hua the chief herbs?

Sang Ye is light, cool, and enters the Lung; it clears Heat from the Lung collaterals and helps stop cough. Ju Hua is light and cool, disperses upper-Jiao Wind-Heat, and also benefits the eyes. Together they release a mild Wind-Heat pathogen without the heavier Heat-toxin emphasis of formulas such as Yin Qiao San.

Q6: How does Sang Ju Yin differ from Yin Qiao San?

Both are acrid-cool formulas from Wen Bing Tiao Bian for early Warm disease. Yin Qiao San is stronger for fever, sore throat, and Heat-toxin. Sang Ju Yin is lighter and is preferred when cough is the main symptom and fever and throat pain are only mild. Wu Jutong designed them as a pair for different presentations of the same early stage.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Sang Ju Yin?

The classical formula consists of Sang Ye and Ju Hua to disperse Wind-Heat; Bo He to assist in releasing the upper Jiao; Xing Ren and Jie Geng to restore the Lung’s ascending and descending functions and stop cough; Lian Qiao to clear mild Heat; Lu Gen to clear Heat and generate fluids; and Gan Cao to harmonize and soothe the throat. The herbs should not be over-decocted.

Q8: Is Sang Ju Yin suitable for long-term use?

No. It is a short-course exterior-releasing formula for the first one to a few days of a mild Wind-Heat cough. Once the exterior is released and the cough eases, the formula should be stopped. If Heat deepens or the cough persists, a different prescription is required.

Q9: Can Sang Ju Yin also help mild red or itchy eyes during an early Wind-Heat cold?

Yes, when the pattern matches. Ju Hua and Sang Ye both enter the Lung and Liver channels and can disperse Wind-Heat that also reaches the eyes. Mild conjunctival redness or itch accompanying an early Wind-Heat cough is a supporting indication, not a reason to choose a heavier Heat-clearing formula.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Sang Ju Yin?

Resting, drinking warm fluids, avoiding Wind exposure, and not using acrid-warm “cold-chasing” remedies that would further dry the Lung help this light formula release Wind-Heat and restore Lung Qi. Rising fever, productive yellow sputum, or breathing difficulty means the pattern has changed and needs reassessment.

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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