Immune disorders

Health Concerns Herbalist

Yu Ping Feng San and Immunological Disease
By Andrew Gaeddert

The use of herbs in the treatment of immunological diseases is an integral part of Chinese medical practice. The formula Yu Ping Feng San (YPFS) was first documented in Teachings of Zhu Dan–Xi, 920 AD. The indications in classical texts are for deficiency of the exterior with weak and unstable protective Qi. Clinical symptoms include spontaneous sweating, frequent colds, aversion to wind, fatigue with a pale complexion. In a recent review article published in The American Acupunc­turist, the authors conducted a literature search in English and Chinese. Over 500 abstracts listed YPFS as an intervention.

Only nine abstracts met the inclusion criteria for random control trials (RCT). Of the nine trials, five RCTs examined respiratory system diseases. YPFS showed positive results for allergic rhinitis, asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia, two studies on nephrotic syndrome showed YPFS or YPFS integrated with Western medicine, demonstrated reduced reoccurrence of infection and relapse, or decreased side effects due to Prednisone. RCTs for dermatological diseases showed that YPFS integrated with Western medicine was better than Western medicine alone. Although there were problems with the studies such as lack of blinding, lack of placebo control arm, and limited size, the studies validated both the traditional use, as well as what has been observed in experimental studies, case reports, and case series.1

Interestingly, all trials used modified YPFS, rather than the traditional three herb formula. Health Concerns has made available YPFS with added zinc citrate in the form of Astra C™. Oral zinc has been shown to reduce duration of the common cold, reduces the risk of developing pneumonia, and infection after burns, and improved cell mediated immunity in senior citizens. Astra C is particularly indicated for preventing cold, flu, allergic rhinitis, and as a supplement to burn treatments. It may also be used for spontaneous sweating.2

References

  • Eric Lung-Cheng Hsiao, MD (China) PhD (China), Lung-Sheng Hsiao, MD (China) MS (TCM), Sivarama Prasad Vinjamury, MD (Ayruveda), MAOM, MPH, Nina Hong Quyen La, MS, Wen-Shuo Wu, MD (Taiwan), MPH, MSAOM, Chiao-Nien Wang, MSAOM. Immunological Effects of Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) – A Review. The American Acupuncturist. AAOM. 2009. Vol. 48: pp 18-22.
  • www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed on 7/15/09.
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