Yin Qiao San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
银翘散 · Yín Qiào Sǎn
The classic exterior-releasing formula for the early stage of Wind-Heat or warm-disease with fever, sore throat, headache and mild thirst. Stronger heat-clearing and toxicity-relieving action than Sang Ju Yin.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Heat
- Primary Function
- Disperse Wind-Heat, clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Disperse Wind-Heat, clear heat, relieve toxicity and soothe the throat
- Classical Source
- Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, 1798)
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
The classic exterior-releasing formula for the early stage of Wind-Heat or warm-disease with fever, sore throat, headache and mild thirst. Stronger heat-clearing and toxicity-relieving action than Sang Ju Yin.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected at the early stage of Wind-Heat when fever and sore throat predominate over cough — a stronger heat-clearing choice than the milder, cough-focused Sang Ju Yin.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Ma Huang Tang |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Disperse Wind-Heat, clear heat and relieve toxicity | Disperse Wind-Heat, stop cough | Clear Lung Heat | Release exterior Wind-Cold, stop wheezing |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Heat-Clearing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Heat | Wind-Heat | Lung Heat | Wind-Cold |
| Main Conditions | Sore Throat ·Fever ·Cough ·Dry Cough | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Sore Throat ·Fever | Cough ·Asthma & Wheezing | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Fever ·Cold Limbs |
| Main Herbs | Honeysuckle Flower ·Forsythia Fruit ·Platycodon Root ·Burdock Seed / Arctium Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint | Mulberry Leaf ·Chrysanthemum Flower ·Forsythia Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint ·Platycodon Root | Ephedra Herb ·Gypsum ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice | Ephedra Herb ·Cinnamon Twig ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Honey-fried Licorice |
| Classical Source | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, 1798) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) | Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han) |
Clinical Perspective
Yin Qiao San is preferred when systemic heat and sore throat are more pronounced. Sang Ju Yin is lighter and better when cough is the leading symptom with mild heat. Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang is for deeper Lung Heat with marked wheezing. Ma Huang Tang addresses Wind-Cold excess.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Related Articles
Yin Qiao San: Classic TCM Formula for Wind-Heat, Sore Throat & Early Stage Cold
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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.