Xin Yi San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
辛夷散 · Xīn Yí Sàn
A classical formula for nasal congestion and sinus-type obstruction from wind-cold, with loss of smell and frontal or vertex headache.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Disperse wind, unblock the nasal orifices
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Disperse wind-cold and open blocked nasal passages
- Classical Source
- Ji Sheng Fang (Yan Yonghe, Song dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for nasal congestion and sinus-type obstruction from wind-cold, with loss of smell and frontal or vertex headache.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for nasal blockage and loss of smell from wind-cold — focused orifice-opening rather than general exterior release or heat-clearing sinus 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/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
防風Fang Feng6g
Saposhnikovia Root- dispels wind
藁本Gao Ben6g
Ligusticum Root- dispels wind and reaches the vertex
川芎Chuan Xiong6g
Chuanxiong Rhizome- moves blood and qi and reaches the head and channels
細辛Xi Xin3g
Asarum / Wild Ginger- warms the channels
- releases the exterior and opens the orifices
升麻Sheng Ma6g
Cimicifuga Rhizome- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
木通Mu Tong6g
Akebia Stem- clears heart fire and promotes urination
Classical Composition
- Flos Magnoliae (Xin Yi) 9g
- Radix Angelicae Dahuricae (Bai Zhi) 9g
- Radix Saposhnikoviae (Fang Feng) 6g
- Rhizoma Ligustici (Gao Ben) 6g
- Rhizoma Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong) 6g
- Herba Asari (Xi Xin) 3g
- Rhizoma Cimicifugae (Sheng Ma) 6g
- Caulis Akebiae (Mu Tong) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Disperses wind-cold and unblocks the nasal orifices.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for wind-cold obstructing the nose.
- Signs and symptoms include nasal congestion, loss of smell, and frontal headache without marked interior heat.
- The coating is thin and white.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is due to externally contracted wind-cold that fetters the exterior and constrains lung qi.
- Wind-cold obstructing the nose produces nasal congestion, loss of smell and frontal headache without marked interior heat.
Clinical presentation
- Wei yang is obstructed, the interstices close, and the lung fails to diffuse, producing aversion to cold, absence of sweating, body aches and a superficial tight pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to induce sweating to release the exterior and diffuse the lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to disperse wind-cold and open blocked nasal passages.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Xin Yi San opens the nasal orifices for wind-cold. Cang Er San is a closely related orifice-opening formula. Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang clears Lung heat for nasal congestion with heat signs. Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San disperses wind for headache with less nasal focus.
Clinical Differentiation
- Xin Yi San is used for wind-cold obstructing the nose with loss of smell and frontal headache, without marked interior heat.
- It is distinguished from Cang Er San (deep-source turbidity) and from Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang (lung heat in the nose).
Safety notes: This formula is warm and dispersing. It is not appropriate for nasal congestion from lung heat or from yin-deficiency dryness.
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 San?
Xin Yi San has the actions of dispersing Wind-Cold and unblocking the nasal orifices. It is a representative formula for nasal congestion and loss of smell when Wind-Cold obstructs the nose rather than when Lung Heat produces yellow discharge.
Which modern diseases is Xin Yi San suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Wind-Cold blocking the nasal orifices, including acute rhinitis or sinusitis with clear or white discharge, chronic nasal congestion that worsens in cold weather, allergic rhinitis of Wind-Cold type, and frontal or sinus headache accompanying a stuffed nose.
Is Xin Yi San suitable for improving a blocked nose, clear runny discharge, and loss of smell?
For presentations of nasal congestion, persistent clear or white discharge, inability to smell, frontal or vertex headache, mild aversion to cold, a thin white coating, and a floating pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Wind-Cold obstructing the nose — TCM commonly applies Xin Yi San as an adjunct. It cannot replace ENT evaluation of chronic sinus disease or polyps.
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Related Articles
Xin Yi San: Classic TCM Formula for Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis & Wind-Cold in the Nose
Cang Er Zi San: Classic TCM Formula for Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis & Wind-Heat in the Nose
Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San: Classic TCM Formula for Headache due to Exterior Wind
Xin Yi Qing Fei Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Nasal Congestion, Sinusitis & Lung Heat
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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.