Xing Su San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
杏苏散 · Xìng Sū Sǎn
Formula for cool-dryness attacking the Lungs. Characterised by dry cough or cough with thin white sputum, nasal congestion, slight headache and aversion to cold, without significant Heat signs.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Disperse cool-dryness, regulate Lung Qi, transform phlegm
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Gently disperse cool-dryness, regulate Lung Qi and transform thin phlegm
- Classical Source
- Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
Formula for cool-dryness attacking the Lungs. Characterised by dry cough or cough with thin white sputum, nasal congestion, slight headache and aversion to cold, without significant Heat signs.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for cool-dryness, where dryness is accompanied by chills, nasal congestion and thin sputum rather than heat signs — the counterpart to the warm-dryness formulas Sang Xing Tang and Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, and quite distinct from Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang's frank Lung Heat.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Xing Su San | Sang Xing Tang | Sang Ju Yin | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Disperse cool-dryness, regulate Lung Qi, transform phlegm | Disperse warm-dryness, moisten Lungs, stop cough | Disperse Wind-Heat, stop cough | Clear Dryness, moisten Lungs, rescue Lung Yin and Qi | Clear Lung Heat |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Heat | Wind-Heat | Lung Heat | Lung Heat |
| Main Conditions | Cough ·Excessive Mucus ·Nasal Congestion | Dry Cough ·Dry Mouth & Throat ·Sore Throat | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Sore Throat ·Fever | Dry Cough ·Sore Throat ·Dry Mouth & Throat | Cough ·Asthma & Wheezing |
| Main Herbs | Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Perilla Leaf ·Peucedanum Root ·Platycodon Root ·Bitter Orange | Mulberry Leaf ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Glehnia / Adenophora Root ·Thunberg Fritillaria Bulb ·Prepared Soybean | Mulberry Leaf ·Chrysanthemum Flower ·Forsythia Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint ·Platycodon Root | Mulberry Leaf ·Gypsum ·Ophiopogon Tuber ·Donkey-hide Gelatin ·Black Sesame Seed | Ephedra Herb ·Gypsum ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice |
| Classical Source | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) | Yi Men Fa Lu (Qing dynasty, Yu Chang) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Xing Su San addresses cool-dryness. Sang Xing Tang and Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang address warm-dryness. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is for Lung Heat with wheezing. Sang Ju Yin is for mild Wind-Heat cough.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Xing Su San: Classic TCM Formula for Cool Dryness, Dry Cough & Lung Dryness
Related Products
Hoi Tin Xing Su San (Apricot Kernel & Perilla Leaf Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Nong's Xing Su San (Apricot Kernel & Perilla Leaf Powder) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Browse all classical formulas →
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.