Cang Er San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
苍耳子散 · Cāng Ěr Zǐ Sàn
A classical formula for nasal congestion and runny nose due to wind obstruction of the orifices, commonly used for sinus-type presentations with thick or clear discharge and frontal headache.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Disperse wind, unblock the nose
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Disperse wind-cold and open the nasal orifices
- Classical Source
- Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for nasal congestion and runny nose due to wind obstruction of the orifices, commonly used for sinus-type presentations with thick or clear discharge and frontal headache.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when nasal congestion and loss of smell are the leading complaints from wind obstruction — a focused orifice-opening formula rather than a general exterior-releasing prescription.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Cang Er San | Xin Yi San | Yu Ping Feng San | Gui Zhi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Disperse wind, unblock the nose | Disperse wind, unblock the nasal orifices | Tonify Qi, consolidate the exterior, stop sweating | Release exterior Wind-Cold (deficiency type), harmonize Ying-Wei |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Qi Deficiency | Wind-Cold |
| Main Conditions | Nasal Congestion ·Headache ·Allergic Rhinitis | Nasal Congestion ·Headache ·Allergic Rhinitis | Spontaneous Sweating ·Susceptible to Colds ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Allergic Rhinitis | Spontaneous Sweating ·Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Nasal Congestion |
| Main Herbs | Xanthium Fruit ·Magnolia Flower ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Mentha / Peppermint | Magnolia Flower ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Saposhnikovia Root ·Ligusticum Root ·Cimicifuga Rhizome | Astragalus Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Saposhnikovia Root | Cinnamon Twig ·White Peony Root ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date ·Honey-fried Licorice |
| Classical Source | Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty) | Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty) | Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) / Ji Sheng Fang tradition | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Cang Er San specifically unblocks the nasal orifices. Xin Yi San is a related orifice-opening formula. Yu Ping Feng San consolidates the exterior for recurrent episodes with Qi deficiency. Gui Zhi Tang releases exterior wind-cold more systemically without a nasal focus.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Cang Er Zi San: Classic TCM Formula for Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis & Wind-Heat in the Nose
Related Products
Nong's Cang Er San (Xanthium Formula) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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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.