Hua Gai San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
華蓋散 · Huá Gài Sàn
A classical formula for Wind-Cold attacking the Lung with cough, wheezing and thin white phlegm.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, diffuse Lung, resolve phlegm, stop cough
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Diffuse Lung Qi, release Wind-Cold, and transform phlegm
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Wind-Cold attacking the Lung with cough, wheezing and thin white phlegm.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when Wind-Cold binds the Lung with cough, thin white phlegm and mild wheezing, without the severe fluid retention of Xiao Qing Long Tang or the post-exterior lingering focus of Zhi Sou San.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
杏仁Xing Ren9g
Bitter Apricot Kernel- descends lung qi
- stops cough and moistens the intestines
赤茯苓Chi Fu Ling9g
Red Poria- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Herba Ephedrae (Ma Huang) 6g
- Cortex Mori (Sang Bai Pi) 9g
- Perillae Fructus (Zi Su Zi) 9g
- Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xing Ren) 9g
- Poria Rubra (Chi Fu Ling) 9g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Diffuses the lung
- releases the exterior
- and transforms phlegm to stop cough.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for wind-cold fettering the exterior with phlegm in the lung.
- Signs and symptoms include cough, chest oppression, and thin white sputum.
Tongue & pulseThe pulse is superficial and tight.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Wind-cold fettering the exterior with phlegm in the lung produces cough, chest oppression and thin white sputum.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to diffuse Lung Qi, release Wind-Cold, and transform phlegm.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Hua Gai San, Xiao Qing Long Tang, Xing Su San and Zhi Sou San all treat Wind-Cold cough. Xiao Qing Long Tang is stronger for exterior cold with interior fluid retention and wheezing; Xing Su San is milder for dryish Wind-Cold; Zhi Sou San suits lingering cough after the exterior has largely resolved. Hua Gai San diffuses the Lung and resolves phlegm for Wind-Cold attacking the Lung with thin white sputum.
Clinical Differentiation
- Hua Gai San is used for wind-cold fettering the exterior with phlegm in the lung: cough, chest oppression and thin white sputum.
- It is distinguished from Zhi Sou San (cough after the exterior has largely gone) and from Xiao Qing Long Tang (more congested fluids and wheezing).
Safety notes: This formula is acrid and warm. It is not appropriate for lung-heat or phlegm-heat cough.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Hua Gai San?
Hua Gai San has the actions of diffusing Lung Qi, releasing the exterior, resolving phlegm, stopping cough, and calming wheezing. It is primarily used for Wind-Cold invading the Lungs with phlegm accumulation.
Which modern conditions is Hua Gai San commonly applied to?
In modern TCM clinical practice it is frequently used for patients whose pattern differentiation matches Wind-Cold attacking the Lungs with phlegm, including acute bronchitis, cold-induced cough and wheezing, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis with clear or white phlegm.
Is Hua Gai San suitable for improving cough and wheezing?
For presentations of cough with copious white or clear phlegm, wheezing or breathlessness, chest tightness, nasal congestion, and aversion to cold — when pattern differentiation confirms Wind-Cold invading the Lungs with phlegm — TCM commonly applies Hua Gai San as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
Related Products
Nong's Hua Gai San (Canopy Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Hua Gai San: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Cough, Phlegm & Wheezing
Zhi Sou San: Classic TCM Formula for Persistent Cough after Exterior Invasion
Xing Su San: Classic TCM Formula for Cool Dryness, Dry Cough & Lung Dryness
Xiao Qing Long Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Interior Water & Cough
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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.