Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
辛夷清肺汤 · Xīn Yí Qīng Fèi Tāng
A classical formula for nasal congestion and sinus-type obstruction from Lung heat, with yellow discharge, dry nose or mouth and heat signs, rather than pure wind-cold orifice blockage.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Lung Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear Lung heat, open the nasal orifices
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat from the Lung and unblock nasal passages
- Classical Source
- Wai Ke Zheng Zong (Chen Shigong, Ming dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for nasal congestion and sinus-type obstruction from Lung heat, with yellow discharge, dry nose or mouth and heat signs, rather than pure wind-cold orifice blockage.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for heat-type nasal congestion with yellow discharge — orifice-opening plus Lung-heat clearing, rather than pure wind-cold orifice formulas.
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
知母Zhi Mu9g
Anemarrhena Rhizome- clears heat and enriches yin
麥冬Mai Dong9g
Ophiopogon Tuber- nourishes yin and generates fluids
白芷Bai Zhi6g
Angelica Dahurica Root- releases the exterior
- opens the nose and dries dampness
升麻Sheng Ma3g
Cimicifuga Rhizome- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
枇杷葉Pi Pa Ye9g
Loquat Leaf- clears lung heat and directs qi downward
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Flos Magnoliae (Xin Yi) 9g
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao) 15g
- Rhizoma Anemarrhenae (Zhi Mu) 9g
- Radix Ophiopogonis (Mai Dong) 9g
- Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bai Zhi) 6g
- Rhizoma Cimicifugae (Sheng Ma) 3g
- Folium Eriobotryae (Pi Pa Ye) 9g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears lung heat and unblocks the nasal orifices.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for lung heat steaming the nasal orifices.
- Signs and symptoms include nasal congestion or polyps with yellow discharge, heat in the upper jiao, and a rapid pulse.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern arises when heat obstructs the lung and the lung fails to diffuse and descend.
- Lung heat steaming upward into the nose produces nasal congestion or polyps with yellow discharge and heat signs.
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 heat from the Lung and unblock nasal passages.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang clears Lung heat for nasal congestion. Cang Er San and Xin Yi San open orifices for wind-cold. Xie Bai San drains Lung heat for cough without the same nasal focus.
Clinical Differentiation
- Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang is used for lung heat steaming the nasal orifices, with yellow discharge or polyps and heat in the upper jiao.
- It is distinguished from Xin Yi San and Cang Er San, which treat wind-cold or deep-source obstruction without clearing lung heat.
Safety notes: This formula clears lung heat. It is not appropriate for wind-cold nasal congestion.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang?
Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang has the actions of clearing Lung Heat, opening the nasal orifices, moistening the Lungs, and dispersing stagnation. It addresses Heat in the Lung channel that rises to obstruct the nasal passages, producing congestion, thick discharge, and related symptoms.
Which modern diseases is Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Lung Heat affecting the nasal orifices, including chronic sinusitis (especially Heat type with yellow discharge), chronic or hypertrophic rhinitis, nasal polyps, allergic rhinitis of Heat pattern, and post-nasal drip with thick yellow mucus.
Is Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang suitable for improving nasal congestion with thick yellow discharge and a sensation of heat in the nose?
For presentations of nasal blockage, thick yellow or purulent nasal discharge, reduced sense of smell, dryness or heat sensation in the nasal cavity, possible thirst or dry throat, and a red tongue with yellow coating — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lung Heat steaming the nasal orifices — TCM commonly applies Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical treatment of sinus or nasal conditions.
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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.