Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 10] Herbs That Dispel Wind Pathogens

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CALee Acupuncture

CALee Acupuncture - Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 10] Herbs That Dispel Wind Pathogens


Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 10]

Herbs That Dispel Wind Pathogens – Qiang Huo, Fang Feng, Jing Jie, and More (Materia Medica)

Part 2: External Invaders – The Six Climatic Factors and Defensive Strategies
Lecture 8: Herbs That Dispel Wind Pathogens

Introduction: When External Wind Must Be Dispersed

In the previous article, we learned that what is commonly called “wind stroke” today is not always caused by external wind.
In many severe cases, internal deficiency of blood and vital substances plays a more decisive role.

However, this distinction must be made carefully.

When externally contracted wind pathogens remain at the surface level (Exterior) and cause symptoms such as:

  • headache

  • body aches

  • migrating pain

  • spasms

  • transient numbness or paralysis

they must be treated appropriately through dispersing and diffusing (疏散) methods.

In this article, we examine the principal herbs used to expel wind pathogens, classified according to:

  1. The level they act on (Exterior vs. Interior)

  2. The nature of the wind (wind-cold, wind-damp, wind-heat)

  3. The affected body region (upper vs. lower, head/face vs. limbs)

1. Classification of Wind-Dispelling Herbs: Exterior vs. Interior

Herbs used to treat wind-related disorders can be broadly divided into two categories.

1) Herbs Acting on the Exterior (表)

These herbs disperse externally contracted wind-cold, wind-damp, or wind-heat pathogens and expel them outward.
They are mainly used in early-stage, surface-level conditions such as headaches, body aches, and migrating pain.

2) Herbs Acting on the Interior (裏)

These address secondary internal problems that arise after wind invasion, such as Qi stagnation or phlegm-fluid accumulation, and help regulate wind-related disorders from within.

This article focuses primarily on Exterior wind-dispelling herbs, following classical materia medica sources such as Ben Cao Bei Yao.

2. Key Herbs for Dispersing Wind Pathogens

Qiang Huo (羌活)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, bitter, warm; Bladder channel (Taiyang)

  • Characteristics: Strong, forceful dispersing action

  • Indications:

    • Generalized body pain due to wind-damp

    • Taiyang-type headaches

    • Disorders of the Governing Vessel with spinal rigidity

Especially effective for upper body, shoulder, and back pain.

Du Huo (獨活)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, bitter, slightly warm; Kidney (Shaoyin)

  • Characteristics: Gentle but penetrating, searches deeply

  • Indications:

    • Latent wind in the lower body

    • Joint numbness and pain

    • Damp-heat pain in the lower extremities

Primarily used for lower-body wind-damp conditions.

Fang Feng (防風)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, sweet, slightly warm; ascending and yang in nature

  • Characteristics: Essential herb for dispelling wind-damp

  • Indications:

    • Upper-body wind disorders

    • Headache and dizziness

    • Neck and spinal pain

    • Generalized migrating pain

A central herb in many wind-dispelling formulas.

Jing Jie (荊芥)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, slightly warm; aromatic and dispersing

  • Characteristics: Promotes sweating, clears the head and sensory orifices

  • Indications:

    • Wind-cold headaches

    • Facial paralysis

    • Skin disorders related to wind

Often referred to as a key herb for wind-related skin and facial conditions.

Bai Zhi (白芷)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, warm; Large Intestine and Stomach channels (Yangming)

  • Characteristics: Opens the orifices, disperses wind, eliminates dampness

  • Indications:

    • Yangming-type headaches

    • Pain in the eyebrow ridge

    • Toothache

    • Nasal discharge

Particularly effective for head, face, and sinus disorders.

Bo He (薄荷)

  • Nature: Acrid, cool

  • Characteristics: Disperses and clears, resolves wind-heat

  • Indications:

    • Wind-heat headaches

    • Sore throat

    • Skin rashes and urticaria

Used when heat accompanies wind invasion.

Gao Ben (藁本)

  • Nature & Channels: Acrid, warm, robust; Bladder channel

  • Characteristics: Essential when cold obstructs the brain

  • Indications:

    • Taiyang headaches

    • Governing Vessel disorders

    • Damp obstruction

Frequently used for occipital and vertex headaches.

3. Wind Pathogens and Body Location

Because wind is characterized by movement and frequent change,
accurate localization is essential for proper herb selection.

4. Herbs Addressing Interior Complications

Wind disorders often involve internal pathology as well.

Qi Stagnation

  • Wu Yao, Chen Pi, Chuan Xiong
    → Help regulate Qi flow and assist in clearing wind from the head

Phlegm-Fluid Accumulation

  • Nan Xing, Ban Xia
    → Used when wind combines with phlegm, forming Interior patterns

Conclusion: Herbs Must Be Combined, Not Used Alone

Thus far, we have examined individual herbs that directly disperse wind pathogens.

In actual clinical practice, however, these herbs are rarely used alone.
They are combined into formulas (方劑) designed to address complex and layered pathological conditions.

Preview of the Next Article

In the next installment, we will explore classical formulas that combine these herbs into coherent therapeutic strategies.

👉 Korean Herbal Formulation [Part 11]
Classic Formulas for Wind-Damp Disorders – Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang & Wu Yao Shun Qi San

We will examine why Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang is effective for shoulder and back pain with stiffness,
and why Wu Yao Shun Qi San emphasizes regulating Qi before addressing wind-related paralysis.


Location: Fullerton, CA, USA

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