Fragrant Jade combines herbal ingredients from Xanthium Powder (Cang Er Zi San) and Jade Windscreen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San) to form an elegant formula addressing External Wind invasion when there is a preexisting Defensive (Wei) Qi deficiency. This pattern can manifest as an overall Qi deficiency with general lethargy accompanied by frequent Wind invasions. Jade Windscreen Powder is used to bolster Defensive (Wei) Qi in order to protect the body from external Wind invasion, but must be taken long-term before lasting results are seen, while Xanthium Powder is most often used for short periods of time in acute instances. Fragrant Jade blends both of these formulas and can be taken short or long term to address a common cause − a weak Wei Qi that cannot protect the body from External Wind invasion. The first three ingredients are taken from Jade Windscreen Powder to tonify Defensive (Wei) Qi. The next four are taken from Xanthium Powder to open the nasal passages, and the last, Aromatic Solomon’s seal rhizome, was added for its Wind extinguishing function, its ability to nourish Yin fluids, and to counterbalance the dryness of some of the herbs contained in this formula. Fragrant Jade addresses both root and branch manifestations of the pattern. It expels external Wind, strengthens the Qi, especially of the Lung and Spleen, and mildly supports the Yin. Astragalus root directly builds Defensive Qi and stabilizes the Exterior, while White atractylodes rhizome indirectly builds Defensive Qi by strengthening the Spleen. Together, White atractylodes rhizome and Astragalus root are the foundation for Fragrant Jade’s tonifying and strengthening actions. Siler root addresses all aspects of Wind. Being the most gentle and least drying of the Wind expelling herbs, it is ideal for long-term use when combined with Qi tonics. Fragrant angelica root, aided by Xanthium fruit, releases exterior Wind, dries Dampness andguides the other herbs’ actions to the frontal area of the head. Chinese mint herb dispels Wind Heat, and Magnolia flower, being light in nature, focuses its actions on the upper parts of the body, mildly dispelling Wind and opening the nasal passages. External invasions often disrupt fluids and create Phlegm, so only expelling Wind and drying Phlegm could lead to dry mouth, lips and nose. Aromatic Solomon’s seal rhizome was carefully selected from other Yin tonics because of its Wind extinguishing function and ability to nourish Yin. ORIGINS AND DEVELOPMENTFragrant Jade is comprised of ingredients from Jade Windscreen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San), first recorded in Heartfelt Method of Dan-Xi (Dan Xi Zhi Fa Xin Yao) in 1481, and Xanthium Powder (Cang Er Zi San) which originally appeared in 1253 in Formula’s to Aid the Living (Ji Sheng Fang).
