With recent global headlines causing folks to binge on hand sanitizer, what else should you be considering to stay healthy?  We'd like to introduce you to Jade Windscreen, the inspiration behind our Immunity Support formula, and some compelling research that explores the traditional uses and biological activity of this classic herbal formula.

The Traditional Chinese Herbal Approach to Supporting Immune Health

What if there were another option to support immune health? Well, there is another option, and it comes from thousands of years of traditional Chinese medicine practice. The ancient Chinese herbal formula Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen) is used for reinforcing the body’s immune defense function and is among the most popular in China during cold and pollen seasons still to this day (in fact, our friend and respected Chinese medicine practitioner Dr. Shelley Ochs in Beijing recently noted that she and her family are using this powerful formula to stay healthy during the recent health crisis).

The composition of this formula includes root of Astragalus (Huang Qi), rhizomes of Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), and root of Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng). These herbs can be cooked by boiling, simmering, and straining the liquid to consume or by ingesting tablets or pills. The name Yu Ping Feng San translates to “Jade Windscreen,” a reference to its traditional use in Chinese medicine. Practitioners of TCM have long believed that this formula helps strengthen the body's natural defenses and maintain internal balance, especially during times of seasonal change.

This study shows that Yu Ping Feng San/Jade Windscreen modulates release of cell signalling molecules that aid in cell-to-cell communication in immune responses and stimulate the movement of cells towards sites of inflammation, infection and trauma. The ability to attack foreign cells in the body is an important defense mechanism in an innate immune system.

Yu Ping Feng San has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine as a seasonal wellness formula to help maintain balance and vitality. While there is growing interest in exploring its potential benefits through modern scientific research, the precise biological mechanisms and clinical applications of this herbal formula are still being studied.

In a study conducted at the Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, researchers looked at the action mechanism of Yu Ping Feng San and analyzed the chemical and biological properties of the formula. They studied cultured macrophages (a type of white blood cell that ‘eats’ cellular debris that does not have protein types specific to healthy cells) in mice and found Yu Ping Feng San modulates the release of cytokines.

Cytokines are cell-signalling molecules that support cellular communication and immune system signaling in laboratory models. The ability to attack foreign cells in the body is an important defense mechanism in the innate immune system.

Chemically, the three different herbs together in Yu Ping Feng San during preparation strongly promoted the solubilities of different chemicals, which was better than single herb or two-herb compositions. According to the study, having different herbs together in making the herbal formula might greatly enhance the pharmaceutical effects by getting more extractable active ingredients in the final decoction. 

Jade Windscreen is traditionally used in Chinese medicine to support the body's natural defenses, particularly during seasonal transitions. One convenient alternative to boiling the traditional Yu Ping Feng San formula or taking it in tablet form is our Immunity Support blend, which features the classic herbal combination along with natural pear, ginger spice, and rosemary flavors for a refreshing, wellness-focused option.

Care Consideration: Just a reminder that the above information is not a substitute for medical care and is not a substitute for medical advice or recommendations from a healthcare provider. This information is not intended to treat, mitigate, or cure any disease.  That said, we encourage you to connect with an Acupuncturist in your community to learn more about this and other Traditional Chinese Medicine options.  If you’ve got questions about Chinese herbal medicine or getting started with an Acupuncturist, feel free to connect with us at hello@mydaolabs.com.

Dr. Eric Karchmer is a practicing Chinese medical doctor, medical anthropologist, and co-founder and Chief Doctor of Chinese Medicine for DAO Labs. From 1995-2000, Eric studied at the Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and today is both a licensed acupuncturist and professor at Appalachian State University. Eric can be reached at drkarchmer@mydaolabs.com.