🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Yu Ping Feng San acts like a “wind barrier” for physically weak individuals.
Protective “Screen” for Weak Individuals Against Cold
During the transition between winter and spring, infectious diseases are prevalent. Some physically weak people inevitably suffer several colds and fevers. The famous TCM formula Yu Ping Feng San was created by the Yuan Dynasty physician Wei Yilin. It is an excellent remedy for preventing infections like colds in those with weak constitutions—worth trying.
Zhi Wensheng, Director of the Emergency Department and Chief Physician at Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, explains that “Yu Ping Feng San” is a specialized TCM preventive formula for weak individuals prone to colds. It primarily enhances “zheng qi” (healthy qi) to resist external pathogens, suitable for healthy and sub-healthy individuals. Additionally, it can treat mild early-stage colds, such as nasal congestion and chills after catching a cold.
The name “Yu Ping Feng San” is very fitting and vivid: “Yu” means precious and sturdy; “Ping Feng” refers to a screen or partition used indoors to block wind; “San” denotes a powdered preparation—herbs ground into fine powder and uniformly mixed. “Yu Ping Feng San” is like adding a strong, sturdy wind barrier inside the body of a weak person, preventing wind pathogens from invading.
Only Three Ingredients
There is a saying in TCM: “Yu Ping Feng combination is few but refined, Huangqi, Baizhu, and Fangfeng stand together like tripod legs.” This means Yu Ping Feng San contains only three ingredients: Huangqi (Astragalus membranaceus), Fangfeng (Siler divaricatum), and Baizhu (Atractylodes macrocephala). Huangqi is the representative of herbs that strengthen the spleen and boost qi. Internally, it greatly replenishes lung and spleen qi; externally, it consolidates the exterior and stops spontaneous sweating—especially effective for treating spontaneous sweating due to weak defensive qi. It is the primary herb in the formula. Baizhu strengthens the spleen and boosts qi, assisting Huangqi in reinforcing the exterior and consolidating the defensive layer—acting as a secondary herb. Fangfeng, also known as “screen wind,” disperses exterior wind and resolves exterior patterns.
In short, the first two herbs focus on supporting the body’s vital energy (zheng qi), while Fangfeng targets pathogenic factors (xie qi). This formula exemplifies the perfect balance of treating both root and branch.
How to determine if you have weak defensive qi? Generally, if you exhibit any of the following, you may qualify: thin physique, frequent colds, aversion to wind and cold, excessive sweating even with minor activity, or a history of allergic rhinitis (such as uncontrollable sneezing upon exposure to cold wind).
Homemade Yu Ping Feng San
Yu Ping Feng San is available in pharmacies as ready-made medicine, which can be taken according to instructions. However, Dr. Qi Wensheng suggests making the powder at home—it’s very convenient.
1. Direct Consumption: Ratio of Huangqi:Baizhu:Fangfeng = 2:2:1. Use 10g Huangqi, 10g Baizhu, 5g Fangfeng. Grind all three herbs into fine powder (pharmacies can provide grinding services). Mix thoroughly. Take once in the morning and once in the evening with warm water. Consume one dose per day.
2. Decoction: Place the above herbs in a medicinal pot, decoct into a tea-like drink. Prepare one dose daily, divided into 2–3 servings.
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