There are two base formulas in the ‘Expel Wind’ category:
Formulas that Release Wind from the Skin and Channels
- Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder)
Formulas that Extinguish Internal Wind
- Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastridia and Uncaria Decoction)
1. Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder)
[copy2cart name=”Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder)” formula=”JJE(6)|FFG(6)|NBZC(6)|CT(6)|CZU(6)|KS(6)|mu-tong(3)|SGS(6)|ZMU(6)|SDH(6)|DGI(6)|HZM(6)|GC(3)” mode=”2″]
| Jing Jie | 6 | Herba Schizonepetae |
| Fang Feng | 6 | Radix Saposhnikoviae |
| Niu Bang Zi | 6 | Fructus Arctii Tostus |
| Chan Tui* | 6 | Periostracum Cicadae* |
| Cang Zhu | 6 | Rhizoma Atractylodes lancea |
| Ku Shen | 6 | Radix Sophorae Flavescentis |
| Mu Tong* | 3 | Caulis Aristolochiae Seu Clematis* |
| Shi Gao* | 6 | Gypsum Fibrosum* |
| Zhi Mu | 6 | Rhizoma Anemarrhenae asphodeloidis |
| Sheng di Huang | 6 | Gypsum Fibrosum |
| Dang Gui | 6 | Radix Angelicae sinensis |
| Hei Zhi Ma | 6 | Semen Sesami Nigrum |
| Gan Cao | 3 | Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis |
Actions
Disperses Wind, eliminates Dampness, clears Heat and cools the Blood
Indications
- Weepy, itchy, red or bleeding skin lesions over a large part of the body
- A white or yellow tongue coating
- A forceful, floating and rapid pulse
Formula
- Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Niu Bang Zi and Chan Tui (chiefs) unblock the interstices and pores and disperse Wind to stop itching.
- Cang Zhu, Ku Shen and Mu Tong (deputies) drain Dampness and Damp-Heat.
- Shi Gao and Zhi Mu (deputies) clear Qi-level Heat, helping to clear Heat from the Interior and preventing the condition from penetrating to a deeper level.
- Sheng di, Dang Gui and He Zi Ma (assistants) nourish and invigorate the Blood and provide a moistening function.
- Gan Cao (envoy) clears Heat, relieves toxicity and harmonises the actions of the other herbs.
Adaptations
- Severe Wind-Heat and toxin: add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Pu Gong Ying and Ye Ju Hua
- Severe Heat in the Blood: add Mu Dan Pi, Chi Shao and Zi Cao
- Severe Dampness: add Yi Yi Ren, Bai Xian Pi and Di Fu Zi
- Severe Wind: add Bai Hua She, Quan Xie and Fu Ping
Discussion
- It is essential to treat the Blood as the battle between Wind and Damp-Heat injures Blood and Yin.
- Herbs that expel Wind and dry Dampness have the potential to further injure Blood and Yin, which will increase itchiness.
- “To treat Wind, first treat the Blood; when the Blood moves, the Wind will naturally be extinguished” is an adage.
- Coffee, alcohol, seafood, spicy foods and smoking may interfere with the formula and should be avoided when taking.
- With the appropriate presentation, the formula may be used for urticaria, eczema, contact dermatitis, Schonlein-Henoch purpura, tinea infection and nappy rash.
Cautions & Contraindications
This formula should not be used in cases of marked Qi or Blood deficiency due to its strong dispersing nature.
2. Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastridia and Uncaria Decoction)
[copy2cart name=”Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastridia and Uncaria Decoction)” formula=”TM(9)|GT(12 – 15)|SJM(18 – 24)|ZZI(9)|HQN(9)|YMC(9 – 12)|CNX(12)|DZG(9 – 12)|SJS(9 – 24)|SWT(9 – 30)|FSN(9 – 15)” mode=”2″]
| Tian Ma* | 9 | Rhizoma Gastrodiae |
| Gou Teng | 12 – 15 | Ramulus Uncariae Cum Uncis |
| Shi Jue Ming* | 18 – 24 | Concha Haliotidis |
| Zhi Zi | 9 | Fructus Gardeniae Tosum |
| Huang Qin | 9 | Radix Scutellariae |
| Yi Mu Cao | 9 – 12 | Herba Leonuri |
| Chuan Niu Xi | 12 | Radix Cyathulae |
| Du Zhong | 9 – 12 | Cortex Eucommiae |
| Sang Ji Sheng | 9 – 24 | Herba Taxilli |
| Ye Jiao Teng | 9 – 30 | Caulis Polygoni Multiflori |
| Fu Shen | 9 – 15 | Poria cum Radix Pini |
Actions
Calms the Liver, extinguishes Wind, clears Heat, invigorates Blood, and tonifies the Liver and Kidneys
Indications
- Headache, dizziness, vertigo
- Tinnitus, blurred vision
- A sensation of heat rushing to the head
- Insomnia with dream-disturbed sleep
- Numbness, twitching or spasms in the extremities
- A red tongue
- A wiry, rapid pulse
Formula
- Tian Ma, Gou Teng and Shi Jue Ming (chiefs) calm the Liver and extinguish Wind.
- Zhi Zi and Huang Qin (deputies) clear Heat and drain Fire, and prevent Heat rising in the Liver channel.
- Yi Mu Cao and Chuan Niu Xi (assistants) invigorate Blood, promote circulation and encourage the downward movement of Blood.
- Du Zhong and Sang Ji Sheng (assistants) tonify and nourish the Liver and Kidneys.
- Ye Jiao Teng and Fu Shen calm the Spirit and settle the Will.
Adaptations
More severe symptoms: add Ling Yang Jiao*
Discussion
This formula is commonly used for hypertension and with the appropriate presentation it may be used for cerebrovascular disease, transitory ischaemic attacks (TIAs), essential and renal hypertension, hypertensive encephalopathy, aphasia, apraxia, epilepsy and neurosis.
*Unavailable in the UK