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
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
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- dissolves phlegm and relieves cough
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen to percolate dampness and promotes urination to guide dampness out
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- rectifies qi and unblocks the center
- moves qi to dissolve phlegm
枳殼Zhi Ke6g
Bitter Orange- moves qi in the middle jiao and relieves distension
桔梗Jie Geng6g
Platycodon Root- diffuses the lung and guides upward
木香Mu Xiang6g
Aucklandia / Costus Root- moves qi in the middle jiao and intestines and relieves pain
生薑Sheng Jiang6g
Fresh Ginger- assists su ye and ge gen to release the exterior
- combines with ren shen
- fu ling
- and gan cao to fortify the spleen
大棗Da Zao6g
Jujube / Chinese Date- harmonizes and nourishes
Classical Composition
- Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Ren Shen) 3 fen (6g)
- Perillae Folium (Zi Su Ye) 3 fen (6g)
- Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Ge Gen) 3 fen (6g)
- Pinelliae Rhizoma (Ban Xia) 3 fen (6g)
- Peucedani Radix (Qian Hu) 3 fen (6g)
- Poria (Fu Ling) 3 fen (6g)
- Aurantii Fructus (Zhi Qiao) 0.5 liang (4g)
- Platycodonis Radix (Jie Geng) 0.5 liang (4g)
- Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang) 0.5 liang (4g)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 0.5 liang (4g)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhi Gan Cao) 0.5 liang (4g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Boosts qi
- releases the exterior
- rectifies qi
- and dissolves phlegm.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for a pattern of qi deficiency with contraction of external wind-cold, complicated by interior phlegm-dampness.
- Signs and symptoms include aversion to cold, fever, absence of sweat, headache, stuffy nose, cough, white phlegm, distended and suppressed chest and abdomen, fatigue, lassitude, short of breath, dislike of speaking, a white tongue coating, and a weak pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is the result of spleen and lung qi deficiency with interior phlegm-dampness complicated by the contraction of wind-cold.
- Since phlegm-dampness obstructs the lung, the movement of qi is disturbed, so there is cough, white phlegm, distention and fullness in the chest and abdomen.
- The appropriate treatment is to boost qi, release the exterior, rectify qi, and dissolve phlegm.
Clinical presentation
- Aversion to cold, fever, absence of sweat, headache, and a stuffy nose are symptoms of wind-cold fettering the exterior flesh, causing blockage of the lung system.
- Fatigue, lassitude, shortness of breath, no interest to talk, and a superficial pulse indicate qi-deficient external contraction.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment principle is to support Qi while dispersing wind-cold and transforming phlegm.
How does this formula compare?
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Shen Su Yin is commonly used for the pattern of qi deficiency with externally contracted wind-cold, complicated by interior phlegm-dampness.
- This clinical pattern is marked by aversion to cold, fever, absence of sweat, headache, cough with white phlegm, distention and fullness in the chest and abdomen, fatigue and lassitude, white tongue coating, and weak pulse.
Safety notes: This formula is acrid and slightly warm. It is not appropriate for wind-heat exterior patterns.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Shen Su Yin?
Shen Su Yin has the actions of tonifying Qi and releasing the exterior, regulating Qi, and transforming Phlegm. It is specifically suited for Wind-Cold exterior invasion in patients who already have Qi deficiency and internal Phlegm-Damp.
Which modern diseases is Shen Su Yin suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Wind-Cold with Qi deficiency and Phlegm, including common cold or upper respiratory infection in Qi-deficient, elderly, or weak patients, chronic bronchitis exacerbations with white phlegm and fatigue, and post-illness or postpartum colds with cough and chest fullness.
Is Shen Su Yin suitable for improving chills, cough with white phlegm, and fatigue in a weak constitution?
For presentations of aversion to cold with mild fever, no sweating, headache, nasal congestion, cough with profuse white phlegm, chest or epigastric fullness, marked fatigue or shortness of breath, a pale tongue with white coating, and a weak or floating soft pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms exterior Wind-Cold with underlying Qi deficiency and Phlegm — TCM commonly applies Shen Su Yin as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment.
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Hoi Tin Shen Su Yin (Ginseng and Perilla Leaf Beverage) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
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Shen Su Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Qi Deficiency & Phlegm
Ma Huang Fu Zi Xi Xin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Cold with Yang Deficiency
Bai Du San: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold-Damp with Qi Deficiency
Xing Su San: Classic TCM Formula for Cool Dryness, Dry Cough & Lung Dryness
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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.