Yu Ping Feng San, 16oz

In East Asian healing traditions, autumn is associated with the Metal phase and with two organs: the Lungs and Large Intestine. In both TCM and Western medicine, the lungs play a critical part in innate immunity, or wei qi, the initial levels of defense against invading pathogens. The lungs are also critical for spreading qi (vital energy) around the body--as we understand in Western physiology the role the lungs play in gas exchange and circulation (in partnership with the cardiovascular system), this makes sense!

Where does the Spleen come into play? The TCM Spleen is not the same as the organ central to the reticuloendothelial system as seen in Western anatomy, rather it is a complex set of actions involving the digestive and endocrine systems. In TCM, the Spleen governs the transformation of food into energy vis-a-vis the Stomach, and also directs the distribution of energy derived from nutrients to the body's tissues (especially the heart, lung and muscles), and regulates water balance in the body. These actions of the Spleen directly impact the delivery of nutrients to the Lungs, and can impact the fluid balance in the respiratory tract. A weakened, overly damp Spleen can lead to chronic respiratory problems... just as we see that food intolerances can contribute to or exacerbate respiratory conditions like asthma and seasonal allergies.

Jade Windscreen (yu ping feng san) has been used in East Asia for over 800 years, with records dating back to the writings of the scholar Zhu Dan Xi in 1347. The formula supports and enriches the wei qi in guarding against harmful influences entering the body, using three herbs to support healthy immune function. 

• Astragalus root (huang qi) is neutral and sweet, and it supplements Spleen qi to help promote lung and digestive health. Notable for its water-soluble polysaccharides, flavonoids, and saponins, astragalus has been shown to modulate immune function acutely and is used as adjunctive therapy in many chronic conditions. 
• Atractylodes (bai zhu) is warm, sweet, and bitter, and it tonifies Spleen qi and drains dampness. 
• Ledebouriella (fang feng) is pungent and sweet, and it releases the exterior to dispel wind, damp, and cold.

Jade Windscreen is best consumed before the onset of acute symptoms, ideally starting in late summer/early autumn or before a trip, gathering, or other event likely to create excessive exposure to respiratory bugs. It's a great seasonal tonic for teachers, healthcare workers, transportation workers, and those who travel for work!