ChinaHerb – Tonic Defensive Qi (Yu Ping Feng San)
R228.00
ChinaHerb Tonic Defensive Qi (Yu Ping Feng San) is a classic Traditional Chinese Medicine formula traditionally used to tonify Qi, strengthen Defensive Qi and help reduce spontaneous sweating associated with a Qi Deficiency pattern.
Known in English as Jade Windscreen Powder, Yu Ping Feng San combines just three traditional ingredients – Huang Qi, Bai Zhu and Fang Feng. Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, the formula is particularly associated with supporting Lung and Spleen Qi and strengthening the body’s Wei Qi, or Defensive Qi.
People traditionally described as having weak Defensive Qi may experience fatigue, spontaneous sweating, sensitivity or aversion to Wind and a tendency to become unwell easily. Yu Ping Feng San is also traditionally considered where seasonal environmental factors affect the nose and respiratory system.
Modern research has investigated Yu Ping Feng San for its potential immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties, with allergic rhinitis being one of the better-studied contemporary applications of this traditional formula.
To understand traditional concepts such as Qi, Wei Qi, Lung and Spleen patterns, read our Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in the Organic Choice Knowledge section.
Availability: In stock
Size
60 tablets
NAPPI code: 895610005
Ingredients
Each tablet contains:
Astragali Radix (Huang Qi) – Astragalus Root (Astragalus membranaceus) – 900mg
Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Bai Zhu) – Largehead Atractylodes Rhizome (Atractylodes macrocephala) – 300mg
Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fang Feng) – Saposhnikovia / Siler Root (Saposhnikovia divaricata) – 300mg
Directions to use
Adults: Take 2 (two) tablets 2 (two) times a day, 30 minutes before or after meals, or as directed by a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner.
- Pure herbal product
- No animal ingredients
- No sugar
Understanding the Three Herbs in Yu Ping Feng San
The simplicity of Tonic Defensive Qi is one of the interesting features of this traditional formula. Rather than combining a large number of herbs, Yu Ping Feng San uses three complementary ingredients.
Huang Qi (Astragalus Root) is the principal herb and makes up the largest proportion of the formula. In TCM, Astragalus traditionally tonifies Qi and supports Defensive Qi, particularly in relation to the Lung and Spleen.
Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) traditionally strengthens Spleen Qi. Within the logic of the formula, supporting the Spleen helps provide the foundation from which healthy Qi can develop.
Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root) literally carries the meaning of “guard against Wind.” In TCM, Wind is considered an external pathogenic factor capable of entering the body when Defensive Qi is weak. Fang Feng therefore complements the two Qi-tonifying herbs and gives Yu Ping Feng San its characteristic protective traditional action.
Together, the three ingredients illustrate the traditional concept behind the formula: strengthen the body’s internal defences while helping protect against external influences.
Tonic Defensive Qi and Modern Scientific Research
Yu Ping Feng San has attracted considerable scientific interest, particularly in the fields of allergy, inflammation and immune regulation.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis indexed by the US National Library of Medicine evaluated 39 randomised controlled trials involving 4,578 people with allergic rhinitis. The researchers reported improvements in total nasal symptom scores and changes in several immune and inflammatory markers, including IgE, IL-4 and IL-6. They concluded that Yu Ping Feng San showed potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, while also emphasising the need for more rigorous trials and better long-term safety data.
Earlier research reached a more cautious conclusion. A systematic review of 22 randomised controlled trials in adults found potential benefits for allergic rhinitis, particularly when Yu Ping Feng San was used alongside conventional pharmacotherapy, but rated much of the evidence as low quality and called for more rigorous clinical trials.
Researchers have also investigated Yupingfeng preparations in recurrent respiratory tract infections, particularly as adjunctive therapy.
Overall, current research provides an interesting modern perspective on Yu Ping Feng San’s traditional association with Defensive Qi, respiratory resilience and responses to environmental allergens.
Did you know?
Yu Ping Feng San (玉屏風散) is commonly translated as “Jade Windscreen Powder” or “Jade Screen Powder.”
The name beautifully expresses the traditional philosophy behind the formula. Yu means jade, something precious and protective; Ping Feng refers to a screen or windscreen; and San means powder. The formula can therefore be imagined as creating a precious protective screen against Wind.
Yu Ping Feng San is traditionally attributed to physician Wei Yilin and appears in Shi Yi De Xiao Fang (Effective Formulae Handed Down for Generations), a medical work associated with the Yuan Dynasty.
According to TCM theory, Defensive Qi (Wei Qi) circulates near the body’s exterior and is closely associated with the Lung. The Spleen, meanwhile, contributes to the production of Qi from food and nourishment. Therefore, the traditional strategy of Yu Ping Feng San is not simply to “fight” an external pathogen. Instead, it aims to strengthen the body’s underlying Qi so that its natural defensive function is better supported.
Disclaimer: This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.
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