Liu Yi San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
六一散 · Liù Yī Sàn
A simple classical powder of talcum and licorice (6:1) for summer-heat with dampness, presenting with fever, thirst, irritability and scanty urine in hot weather.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Summer Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear summer-heat, drain dampness
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear summer-heat and promote urination to drain dampness
- Classical Source
- Shang Han Zhi Ge Fang / attributed to Liu Wansu tradition
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A simple classical powder of talcum and licorice (6:1) for summer-heat with dampness, presenting with fever, thirst, irritability and scanty urine in hot weather.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected as a light, foundational formula for summer-heat with damp and scanty urine — often combined or used early before stronger Qi-tonifying summer formulas are needed.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Liu Yi San | Xiang Ru Yin | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang | Wu Ling San |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear summer-heat, drain dampness | Release exterior, dispel summer-damp, harmonise the Middle | Clear summer-heat, benefit Qi, generate fluids | Promote urination, drain Dampness, warm Yang |
| Formula Category | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Qi-Tonifying Formulas | Dampness-Draining Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Summer Heat | Summer Heat | Summer Heat | Dampness |
| Main Conditions | Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Frequent Urination ·Fatigue & Low Energy | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Diarrhea ·Abdominal Pain | Fatigue & Low Energy ·Fever ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Poor Appetite | Edema ·Frequent Urination ·Damp Constitution |
| Main Herbs | Talcum ·Licorice Root | Mosla ·White Hyacinth Bean ·Magnolia Bark | American Ginseng ·Dendrobium ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Coptis Rhizome ·Lophatherum | Alisma Rhizome ·Poria / Hoelen ·Polyporus ·White Atractylodes Rhizome ·Cinnamon Twig |
| Classical Source | Shang Han Zhi Ge Fang / attributed to Liu Wansu tradition | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Wen Re Jing Wei (Wang Mengying, Qing dynasty) / Li Dongyuan tradition variants | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Liu Yi San is the basic summer-heat and damp clearing powder. Xiang Ru Yin releases exterior summer-damp with chills. Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang tonifies Qi while clearing summer-heat for deficiency presentations. Wu Ling San drains damp and promotes urination without a summer-heat focus.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Liu Yi San: Classic TCM Formula for Summer-Heat, Thirst & Mild Dampness
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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.