Xiao Feng San
Specifically for Eczema
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Why it works for Eczema:
Traditional (TCM) rationale. Xiao Feng San is a classic 13-herb formula used when eczema presents with itch, oozing/weeping, erythema, and heat signs—patterns often described as wind-damp-heat with blood dryness/heat. Its actions are to “disperse wind, clear heat, eliminate dampness, cool/nourish the blood, and relieve itch.” Ingredient lists and actions are detailed here. Me & Qi
Biomedical/experimental signals. Reviews summarizing preclinical work report that Xiao Feng San (and constituent herbs) are associated with mechanisms aligned to eczema pathophysiology: inhibition of histamine release from mast cells, reduced neutrophil-driven inflammation, free-radical scavenging, and down-regulation of Th2/Th1 cytokines such as IL-4 and IFN-γ. ScienceDirect
Real-world use patterns. In a nationwide prescription network analysis, Xiao Feng San was the core formula for allergic skin diseases and the most commonly used CHM for AD and urticaria (32% of AD prescriptions). That widespread use reflects the fit between the formula’s actions and typical AD presentations. ScienceDirect
How to use for Eczema:
Form & adult dose (granules/capsules). Commercial granule extracts commonly suggest ~4.5 g of granules mixed with hot water, 2–3×/day, or equivalent capsules (e.g., four caps 2–3×/day). Always follow the label and your practitioner’s instructions. Treasure of the East
Duration. In the largest randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled AD trial, oral Xiao Feng San was given for 8 weeks (with outcomes also measured 4 weeks after stopping). Many clinicians use a similar 6–8 week initial course, adjusting based on response/tolerance. Karger
Topical use. Classical notes indicate it may be taken internally or applied topically (decoction/washed areas) when appropriate—again, this is practitioner-directed. American Dragon
Ingredients (for label checking & allergy screening). Modern products list the traditional 13 ingredients (e.g., Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Niu Bang Zi, Chan Tui, Cang Zhu, Ku Shen, Mu Tong/Akebia, Shi Gao, Zhi Mu, Sheng Di Huang, Dang Gui, Hei Zhi Ma or Huo Ma Ren, Gan Cao). Some batches also disclose allergens (e.g., wheat/gluten processing). Verify the exact ingredient list on your product. Treasure of the East
Scientific Evidence for Eczema:
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (Taiwan).
71 patients with severe, refractory AD received 8 weeks of oral Xiao Feng San vs placebo. At week 8, the treatment group had a ~80% reduction in total lesion score vs ~14% with placebo (p < 0.001); improvements in erythema, surface damage, pruritus, and sleep persisted at 12 weeks for most measures. No significant adverse effects were reported during the study. (Int Arch Allergy Immunol, 2011) Karger
Systematic reviews/meta-analyses.
Broad CHM reviews that include the Xiao Feng San RCT above conclude that Chinese herbal medicine can improve AD outcomes versus placebo in several high-quality RCTs, though heterogeneity and risk-of-bias issues remain and larger confirmatory trials are needed. (Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2022; JAAD review) Frontiers
Utilization studies.
Large claims/prescription analyses show Xiao Feng San as the core formula used for AD/urticaria, supporting its clinical relevance. (Journal of Ethnopharmacology analysis) ScienceDirect
Specific Warnings for Eczema:
General: Use under professional supervision, especially if you have liver/kidney disease, are on immunosuppressants/biologics, are pregnant or breastfeeding (insufficient human safety data), or are giving it to children—match formula to pattern and monitor. (The RCT reported acceptable short-term safety, but longer-term/real-world monitoring is still advisable.) Karger
Herb-specific cautions in XFS variants:
- Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) — has hepatotoxic constituents (e.g., kurarinone) in animal and mechanistic studies; avoid high doses/long courses without monitoring. MDPI
- Dictamnus dasycarpus (Bai Xian Pi) — case reports/analyses link DC-containing products to possible liver injury; newer work evaluates removing phototoxic alkaloids (dictamnine). Consider caution, especially with photosensitivity risk and with any personal liver disease. MDPI
- Mu Tong (Akebia Caulis) — ensure the source is Akebia, not adulterated Aristolochia spp., which contain aristolochic acids (AA) causing kidney failure and urothelial cancer. Buy from reputable suppliers who certify AA-free materials. (This is a known global safety alert.) Frontiers
Pattern mismatch risk: Traditional sources caution against use in significant Qi/Blood deficiency or very dry, chronic eczema without modifications—XFS’s dispersing/drying nature can worsen dryness/itch if mis-matched. yibian.hopto.org
Drug interactions & monitoring: Given multi-herb formulas and potential CYP interactions or additive sedation/anticholinergic effects with other meds, review all medicines and supplements with your clinician; consider baseline and follow-up LFTs during multi-week courses, particularly if your formula includes Ku Shen or Bai Xian Pi. (Precaution informed by the hepatotoxicity literature above.) MDPI
Product quality: Choose GMP-certified products with batch testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and aristolochic acids; avoid off-label additions/substitutions. National regulators (e.g., Australia’s TGA) list registered “Xiao Feng San” products and their ingredients—useful for checking formulations. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Xiao Feng San (消風散, “Eliminate Wind Powder”) is a classical Chinese herbal formula, traditionally used for itching and inflamed skin conditions that are worsened by heat or dampness. It is composed of a combination of cooling, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine-like, and moisture-draining herbs. It is typically given as powder, pills, or granules under guidance of a Chinese medicine practitioner.
It is most famously used in presentations such as atopic dermatitis, eczema flare with oozing or redness, urticaria, allergic rashes, or generalized itching.
How It Works
From the TCM perspective, Xiao Feng San works in three main ways:
1. Expels “Wind”
— Wind in TCM relates to rapid onset, moving or spreading itching, or rashes that come and go. Herbs in the formula calm this pattern.
2. Clears Heat and Dampness
— “Heat” corresponds to redness, inflammation, burning, or dryness worsening itch.
— “Damp” corresponds to oozing, swelling, sticky lesions, thickened skin.
The formula cools inflammatory heat while also drying and resolving ooze.
3. Nourishes Blood and Yin
— Chronic, relapsing inflammation damages “blood/yin,” leading to dry, itchy skin cycles. The formula includes herbs that moisturize and restore damaged tissue resilience, helping prevent recurrence.
From a biomedical lens, herbs in Xiao Feng San contain constituents with anti-inflammatory, antihistamine-like, immunomodulatory and antimicrobial actions, which helps calm allergic and inflammatory cascades in the skin.
Why It’s Important
Xiao Feng San plays a significant role in integrative dermatology because:
- It addresses both acute flare features (redness, oozing, itch) and the deeper terrain that makes flares recur.
- It provides a system-level approach, versus just topical suppression.
- It is often gentler than long-term corticosteroid use while being appropriate to combine with conventional care when necessary.
- For many allergic and inflammatory skin disorders, it may reduce flare frequency, itch severity, and scratch-injury cycles, improving sleep, comfort, and quality of life.
Considerations
- Individualization is essential — Xiao Feng San is not a “one-size formula”; if dryness predominates or the rash is pale/cold rather than red/oozing/hot, this may not be the right choice.
- Not typically for pregnancy without supervision — some herbs have caution profiles in pregnancy and lactation.
- Not for strongly deficient, cold, or dry constitutions — it can further dry or cool someone who already lacks moisture or warmth.
- Possible interactions with pharmaceuticals — particularly immune-modulating or anticoagulant drugs; use under trained herbal supervision.
- Professional dosing and duration matter — this is a prescription-class TCM formula, not an over-the-counter supplement to self-experiment with.
Helps with these conditions
Xiao Feng San is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
Eczema
Traditional (TCM) rationale. Xiao Feng San is a classic 13-herb formula used when eczema presents with itch, oozing/weeping, erythema, and heat signs—...
Hives
Traditional (TCM) rationale. Xiao Feng San is a classic 13-herb formula that “dispels wind,” “clears heat,” “dries damp,” and relieves itching—a patte...
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