Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
枇杷清肺飲 · Pí Pá Qīng Fèi Yǐn
A classical formula for Lung heat venting to the face as acne, pimples and red papules.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Lung Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear Lung heat, resolve toxin, benefit skin
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear Lung heat that vents to the skin
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Lung heat venting to the face as acne, pimples and red papules.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Lung heat venting to the face as acne, rather than boils, Lung-heat cough, or Stomach fire toothache.
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
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Cortex Mori (Sang Bai Pi) 12g
- Folium Eriobotryae (Pi Pa Ye) 12g
- Rhizoma Coptidis (Huang Lian) 6g
- Cortex Phellodendri (Huang Bai) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Ginseng (Ren Shen) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears lung heat and cools the blood to treat facial sores and acne.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for lung heat steaming the face.
- Signs and symptoms include acne or red papules, oily skin, and heat in the upper jiao.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red, and the pulse is rapid.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern arises when heat obstructs the lung and the lung fails to diffuse and descend.
- Lung heat steaming the face produces acne, red papules and oily skin with heat in the upper jiao.
Clinical presentation
- Heat scorches fluids and forces qi upward, producing cough, labored breathing, thirst and a rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear lung heat, diffuse the lung, and descend counterflow qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to clear Lung heat that vents to the skin.
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin | Xie Bai San | Qing Wei San |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Clear Lung heat, resolve toxin, benefit skin | Clear heat, resolve toxin, disperse sores | Clear Lung heat, stop cough and wheezing | Clear Stomach heat, cool blood, relieve fire toxin |
| Formula Category | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Lung Heat | Damp-Heat | Lung Heat | Stomach Heat |
| Main Conditions | Fever·Sore Throat | Cough·Dry Cough·Fever | Headache | |
| Main Herbs | Ginseng Root·Coptis Rhizome·Phellodendron Bark·Licorice Root·Mulberry Root Bark | Honeysuckle Flower·Wild Chrysanthemum·Viola·Semiaquilegia Root·Dandelion | Mulberry Root Bark·Wolfberry Root Bark·Licorice Root·Non-glutinous Rice | Coptis Rhizome·Raw Rehmannia Root·Moutan Bark / Tree Peony Bark·Chinese Angelica Root·Cimicifuga Rhizome |
| Classical Source | Classical TCM formulary | Yi Zong Jin Jian (Qing dynasty) | Li Dongyuan school / classical | Li Dongyuan school / classical |
Clinical Perspective
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin, Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, Xie Bai San and Qing Wei San clear heat related to Lung or face. Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin clears heat toxin for boils; Xie Bai San clears constrained Lung heat cough; Qing Wei San clears Stomach fire toothache. Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin clears Lung heat venting to the face as acne and red papules.
Clinical Differentiation
- Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin is used for lung heat steaming the face as acne or red papules.
- It is distinguished from Qing Wei San (stomach fire in the gums) and from Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin (heat-toxin sores rather than lung-heat facial papules).
Safety notes: This formula clears lung heat. It is not appropriate for cold-type or blood-stasis facial lesions without heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin?
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin has the actions of clearing Lung Heat and draining Fire. It is a classical external-medicine formula for Lung-Heat sores on the face as well as Lung-Heat cough, using Pi Pa Ye to clear and descend Lung Heat.
Which modern conditions is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Lung Heat, including inflammatory facial acne of Lung-Heat type, some rosacea-like redness of this pattern, and cough with heat in the Lung after medical skin or respiratory causes have been assessed.
Is Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin suitable for improving red, inflamed facial acne from Lung Heat?
For presentations of red papules or pustules on the face (especially the forehead and cheeks), possible thirst, dry stool, a red tongue with yellow coating, and a rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lung Heat steaming the skin — TCM commonly applies Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin as an adjunct. Cystic or scarring acne still needs dermatologic care.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin (Loquat Leaf Lung-Clearing Beverage) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Lung Heat, Acne, Cough & Facial Eruptions
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Heat Toxin, Boils, Carbuncles & Skin Infections
Qing Wei San: Classic TCM Formula for Stomach Heat, Toothache, Gum Swelling & Bad Breath
Xie Bai San: Classic TCM Formula for Lung Heat, Cough, Wheezing & Steaming Heat in the Skin
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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.