Shen Su Yin
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
参苏饮 · Shēn Sū Yǐn
A classical formula for exterior wind-cold in a Qi-deficient patient, with headache, nasal congestion, cough with phlegm and fatigue. Ren Shen supports the upright Qi while exterior-releasing and phlegm-resolving herbs disperse the pathogen.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Qi Deficiency
- Primary Function
- Tonify Qi, release exterior, resolve phlegm
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Support Qi while dispersing wind-cold and transforming phlegm
- Classical Source
- Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for exterior wind-cold in a Qi-deficient patient, with headache, nasal congestion, cough with phlegm and fatigue. Ren Shen supports the upright Qi while exterior-releasing and phlegm-resolving herbs disperse the pathogen.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Qi-deficient patients with exterior cold and phlegm cough — supporting the upright while dispersing, rather than pure exterior release or pure Yang-warming.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Shen Su Yin | Xing Su San | Bai Du San | Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Tonify Qi, release exterior, resolve phlegm | Disperse cool-dryness, regulate Lung Qi, transform phlegm | Release exterior, dispel wind-damp, benefit Qi | Release exterior, warm Yang, disperse cold |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Qi Deficiency | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold | Yang Deficiency |
| Main Conditions | Cough ·Nasal Congestion ·Fever ·Fatigue & Low Energy | Cough ·Excessive Mucus ·Nasal Congestion | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Headache ·Cough | Fever ·Cold Limbs ·Fatigue & Low Energy ·Nasal Congestion |
| Main Herbs | Ginseng Root ·Perilla Leaf ·Kudzu Root ·Peucedanum Root ·Pinellia Rhizome | Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Perilla Leaf ·Peucedanum Root ·Platycodon Root ·Bitter Orange | Notopterygium Root ·Pubescent Angelica Root ·Chuanxiong Rhizome ·Bupleurum Root ·Platycodon Root | Ephedra Herb ·Prepared Aconite Root ·Asarum / Wild Ginger |
| Classical Source | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song dynasty) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang / Xiao Er Yao Zheng Zhi Jue tradition | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Shen Su Yin tonifies Qi while releasing exterior cold with phlegm. Xing Su San disperses cool-dryness without strong tonification. Bai Du San releases wind-cold-damp with mild Qi support. Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang warms Yang for Yang-deficient exterior cold.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Shen Su Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Qi Deficiency & Phlegm
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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.