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Limited evidenceImmunity

Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen)

A three-herb Chinese formula (astragalus, atractylodes, siler) used to reduce the frequency of infections. Meta-analyses are positive, but they pool small, mostly unblinded Chinese trials of low methodological quality.

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What the science says

  • Recurrent respiratory infections in children Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials of Yupingfeng as adjuvant treatment for recurrent respiratory tract infections in children reported fewer and shorter infections, and a later systematic review reached a similar conclusion. Both flagged small samples, inadequate blinding and probable publication bias, so the effect size is likely inflated.

  • Asthma in adults Limited evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of Yupingfeng powder for adult bronchial asthma found improvements in symptom and lung-function outcomes when added to standard therapy, again drawing on trials with a high risk of bias.

  • Allergic rhinitis Limited evidence

    A systematic review and meta-analysis of Yupingfeng powder combined with acupuncture in allergic rhinitis reported symptom benefit, but the co-intervention makes it impossible to separate the formula's own contribution.

Dosage & safety

Studied doseCommonly 6-12 g of granules daily in two or three divided doses, or a decoction of roughly 9-15 g astragalus with smaller amounts of the other two herbs. Trials used varied products and doses.
SafetyGenerally well tolerated in short-term trials. Astragalus is an immune stimulant in laboratory models, so caution is advised for people on immunosuppressants or with autoimmune disease. Product quality varies and adulteration of Chinese patent medicines has been documented. Avoid during acute fever according to traditional practice, and consult a professional in pregnancy.

How to take it

TimingDaily as a preventive course between infections — traditional practice avoids it during an acute fever.
With food?With warm water, usually between meals.
Worth knowingAutoimmune disease is a reason to check with a doctor first, for the same reason as the immunosuppressant caution.

Interactions

With medications

  • ciclosporin, tacrolimus and other immunosuppressants

    Astragalus stimulates immune activity in laboratory models, which works against what the drug is for. do not combine without your transplant or rheumatology team's approval

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does yu ping feng san prevent colds and infections?

Yu Ping Feng San has limited evidence: meta-analyses report fewer and shorter recurrent respiratory infections in children, but they pool small, mostly unblinded Chinese trials with probable publication bias, so the effect size is likely inflated.

Does yu ping feng san help asthma or allergic rhinitis?

Meta-analyses report benefit when Yu Ping Feng San is added to asthma therapy or combined with acupuncture for allergic rhinitis, but the trials carry a high risk of bias and the co-interventions obscure the formula's own effect. The evidence is limited.

How much yu ping feng san should I take?

Yu Ping Feng San is commonly taken as 6–12 g of granules daily in two or three divided doses, as a preventive course between infections. Traditional practice avoids it during an acute fever.

Is yu ping feng san safe with immunosuppressants?

Do not combine Yu Ping Feng San with ciclosporin, tacrolimus or other immunosuppressants without your specialist's approval, because its astragalus stimulates immune activity in laboratory models. Check with a doctor first if you have autoimmune disease.

Scientific references

Related in Immunity

Herbal medicines: what the evidence says (335)