Wind-Heat Formulas

In the previous blog, I discussed the common formulas I prescribe for Wind Cold external invasions at the Wei level. In this blog, I will write about Wei level disorders that center on Wind Heat. In general, the common symptoms of such disorders are: cough, sore throat, chills and fever. However, the formulas I prescribe depend on the severity and predominance of the particular symptom.

For instance, if a patient comes to me and states that they have experienced a recent onset of coughing without any other symptoms, I would characterize this as early stage and benign. Before discussing the formula that I would prescribe, it is important to appreciate that I see this type of disorder when the seasons change, particularly to the Fall and Spring. Before prescribing, I always rule out seasonal allergies as the cause.

The formula I very often prescribe for cough with very begin heat symptoms is Sang Ju Yin. This formula is my “Go-To” for a person that complains of having recent coughing episodes with no other persistent symptoms such as a sore throat or fever with chills. In later blogs, I will discuss, in more detail, the herbs that make up the formula and their individual effect in helping with the cough.

If the disorder seeps more into the Qi level, vI would expect to see more severe symptoms such as: very sore throat, some spontaneous sweating and the aforementioned fever/chills with some sinus-related congestion. The patient may complain about body aches, as well.

A common formula I prescribe for such symptoms would be, Yin Qiao San. I would say that a patient will visit at this stage of the external related disorder due to these symptoms affecting his daily living. Thus, I prescribe Yin Qiao San often. Most of my patients have responded well to it.

It is extremely important that you appreciate that this blog and the last one have discussed formulas at the more superficial Wei and Qi level of TCM pattern differentiation. I will certainly discuss commonly prescribed formulas for the deeper levels.