Jade Windscreen Formula, known in China as Yu Ping Feng San, is a classic formula estimated to be around 800 years old.
It is comprised of three herbs: Bai zhu/white atractylodes (atractylodes macrocephala rhizome), Fang feng/siler root (saposhnikovia divaricata root), and the much revered Huang qi/astragulus (astragulus membranaceus root), also known as milk-vetch root.
Yu Ping Feng San is a simple formula with broad applications.
While it has mainly been used for the prevention of colds (Wind-Cold invasion), research in recent years has shown it has a wider therapeutic range.
The actions of this formula, according to Chinese medical pattern differentiation are:
- Supplements the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) and stabilizes the exterior;
- Stops spontaneous sweating due to Qi deficiency;
- Disperses external Wind pathogen.
This formula is appropriate for patients manifesting symptoms of spontaneous or profuse sweating, catch frequent colds or viral/bacterial infections, have an aversion to cold/wind, have scanty urine, and a pale or sallow complexion.
This is a constitutional type known as Qi Deficiency.
A person diagnosed with Qi Deficiency is unable to prevent exterior evils (known as Outside Pernicious Influences, or OPIs) from entering the skin and muscle layers, where wind and damp can accumulate. This sets up a chronic issue with Cold, Wind, and Dampness invading the exterior parts of the body (head, neck, face, skin and muscle tissue).
Some modern applications
The most common uses for Jade Windscreen Formula nowadays are for treating allergies (hay fever, allergic rhinitis, seasonal allergies) and the prevention of colds (note: once a pathogen has entered the exterior, this formula is no longer appropriate as it may bring the pathogen deeper into the body, making it more difficult to release).
Like most Chinese herbal formulas, it is designed to treat the root condition (Wei Qi deficiency) and is used mainly as a preventive in treating allergies.
An allergic response, in Western medicine, is described as a sign of a hyperactive immune system. The term “hyperactive” connotes excess but a more accurate description would be “over-reactive.” The “over-reaction” is a result not of excess, but rather one of over-stimulation of the immune system, which, over time, breaks down the body’s defenses (Wei Qi). This breakdown causes hypersensitivity to stimuli (pollen, dust, etc.) and looks like an excess because of the symptoms the patient manifests.
What actually happens, according to Chinese medical theory, is that the Zheng qi (True Qi) and possibly the Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) have broken down.
The origin of the weakness may come from:
- an excessive life style (stress, poor food choices, too much alcohol, etc.)
- stress-inducing factors (chemical exposure, work, environmental, etc.)
- or a single large assault of outside pernicious influences.
Jade Windscreen can also be used to treat asthma (in children and adults), especially during the remission stage.
There are many possible patterns of differentiation in Chinese medical diagnosis, but the Qi deficient constitution is present. Jade Windscreen can strengthen the Wei Qi and consolidate the exterior to prevent the invasion of exterior wind, cold, heat, and damp, which may trigger an asthmatic reaction. It also strengthens Lung Qi, which is often weakened by chronic asthma, thus reducing the number of flare-ups and the need for bronchial dilators.
The formula should be augmented according to the pattern diagnosis of each patient to bring about the desired therapeutic effect.
An an immunomodulator
In a review of Jade Windscreen’s pharmacological effects in relation to the immune system, it is evident that the prescription could not only affect immunoglobulins, but also mononuclear macrophages, T-lymphocytes, natural killer cells, and other aspects of the immune system damaged by experimental interventions. Reviews of clinical applications of Jade Windscreen Powder published in 1989 and 1992 indicated the following uses:
- Prevention and treatment of common cold and influenza as well as “summer fever” (acute infection with a fever that occurs in summer rather than during the winter cold/flu season), mainly in children.
- Cough and asthma
- Rhinitis, especially allergic rhinitis
- Urticaria, allergic dermatitis, erythema multiforme
- Viral myocarditis and its complications; premature beats in coronary heart disease
- Chronic nephritis
- Hemorrhagic purpura
- Meniere’s syndrome
- Facial palsy
Conclusion
Overall, Jade Windscreen is a simple and remarkable formula containing herbs that augment the immune system in various ways and is able to dispel pathogens from the exterior levels of the body.
It is recognized for its applications beyond the prevention of colds and treatment of asthma:
- in the treatment of HIV/AIDS
- side effects of cancer treatments
- the elderly
- and for the treatment of any chronic form of immunodeficiency.