Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
藿香正气散 · Huò Xiāng Zhèng Qì Sǎn
A classical formula for external Wind-Cold combined with internal dampness or summer-damp, presenting with chills, fever, headache, chest tightness, epigastric fullness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Widely used for gastrointestinal upset from external contraction or damp turbidity.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Dampness-Draining Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Dampness
- Primary Function
- Release exterior, transform dampness, regulate Qi, harmonize Middle
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Release the exterior, transform dampness, regulate Qi and harmonize the Middle Jiao
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty, 1107)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for external Wind-Cold combined with internal dampness or summer-damp, presenting with chills, fever, headache, chest tightness, epigastric fullness, nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Widely used for gastrointestinal upset from external contraction or damp turbidity.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when external Wind-Cold coincides with internal dampness — chills, fullness, nausea and loose stools — combining exterior release with aromatic damp-transforming action, broader than the purely interior Ping Wei San.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
- Agastache / Patchouli 👑 Sovereign
- Perilla Leaf Minister
- Angelica Dahurica Root Minister
- Pinellia Rhizome Assistant
- Areca Peel / Betel Husk Assistant
- Magnolia Bark Assistant
- Atractylodes Rhizome Assistant
- Tangerine Peel Assistant
- Poria / Hoelen Assistant
- Platycodon Root Assistant
- Fresh Ginger Assistant
- Jujube / Chinese Date Assistant
- Licorice Root Envoy
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Ping Wei San | Bao He Wan | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Release exterior, transform dampness, regulate Qi, harmonize Middle | Dry Damp, strengthen Spleen, move Qi | Promote digestion, resolve food stagnation | Tonify Spleen Qi, resolve phlegm-damp, move Qi |
| Formula Category | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas | Digestive Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Dampness | Dampness | Food Stagnation | Spleen Qi Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort ·Poor Appetite | Bloating ·Poor Appetite ·Stomach Discomfort ·Diarrhea | Indigestion ·Bloating ·Poor Appetite ·Stomach Discomfort | Poor Appetite ·Bloating ·Diarrhea ·Stomach Discomfort |
| Main Herbs | Agastache / Patchouli ·Perilla Leaf ·Angelica Dahurica Root ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Areca Peel / Betel Husk | Atractylodes Rhizome ·Magnolia Bark ·Tangerine Peel ·Fresh Ginger ·Jujube / Chinese Date | Hawthorn Fruit ·Medicated Leaven ·Radish Seed ·Pinellia Rhizome ·Tangerine Peel | Ginseng Root ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Tangerine Peel ·Pinellia Rhizome |
| Classical Source | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty, 1107) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Dan Xi Xin Fa (Zhu Danxi, Yuan dynasty) | Gu Jin Ming Yi Fang Lun (citing Ke Yunbo, Qing dynasty, ~1675) |
Clinical Perspective
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San addresses exterior Cold with internal dampness and Qi stagnation. Ping Wei San is more purely interior damp turbidity without exterior release. Bao He Wan focuses on food stagnation. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang tonifies Spleen Qi while moving Qi.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San: Classic TCM Formula for Summer-Heat, Dampness & Gastrointestinal Upset
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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.