Hayfever

​When spring, autumn, flowering or harvest time hits, so do itchy eyes, sneezing fits, and an endless runny nose. For many people, hayfever—also known as seasonal allergic rhinitis—is a frustrating yearly battle. While antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays are the go-to treatments for many, there's a growing interest in natural alternatives. One such option, grounded in centuries of traditional Chinese medical wisdom, is a formula called Xin Yi San.

This ancient formula has been used since the 13th century for acute nasal symptoms such as those seen in hayfever. Let’s explore how it works, when it’s effective, and how it can be safely combined with natural immunotherapy to manage and even reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time.

 

What is Xin Yi San?

Xin Yi San (辛夷散) is a traditional herbal medicine first recorded in Formulas to Benefit Life (《济生方》, Ji Sheng Fang) by Yan Yong-he in 1253. Originally designed to treat acute nasal congestion, this formula has found modern applications in seasonal hayfever, common colds, and allergic rhinitis, particularly when symptoms are due to environmental allergens or Wind-Cold invasion (more on that below).

The formula is named after its lead herb, Magnolia Flower (Xin Yi Hua), which is famed for its ability to clear nasal passages and ease sinus pressure.

 

How Xin Yi San Works

1. Unblocks the Nose

At its core, Xin Yi San clears the upper respiratory tract—primarily the nasal passages and sinuses. The magnolia flower, along with herbs like Angelica root (Bai Zhi) and Ligusticum (Chuan Xiong and Gao Ben), helps reduce inflammation and swelling in the sinus cavities. These herbs support the body’s natural elimination of phlegm and fluid, restoring clear airflow and reducing congestion.

2. Calms Itchy Eyes, Ears, Nose, Mouth and Throat

Hayfever symptoms such as itching, irritation, and runny nose are signs of the immune system overreacting to harmless allergens. Several ingredients in Xin Yi San—such as Saposhnikovia root (Fang Feng) and Notopterygium (Qiang Huo)—help soothe mucous membranes and settle this reaction by modulating the body’s surface immune response.

3. Expels External Irritants

In Chinese medicine, external allergens are often viewed as "Wind" invasions—unseen irritants that penetrate the body’s defenses. Xin Yi San works to “release the exterior,” which essentially means it helps the body expel these irritants before they settle in deeper.

4. Lifts Clear Yang Qi

A key component of sinus health is the smooth circulation of fluids and energy through the sinuses and head. Several herbs in this formula help to "lift the clear Yang Qi"—a classical way of saying that they help the body’s natural defenses and fluids move upward to clear the head and senses. This function is critical in preventing the stagnation of fluid that leads to sinus pressure, headaches, and congestion.

 

​Pharmacological Actions of Xin Yi San – Herb by Herb

• Magnolia biondii (Xin Yi Hua)

  • Rich in volatile oils such as eucalyptol.

  • Acts as a natural nasal decongestant.

  • Exhibits anti-inflammatory activity on the nasal mucosa.

• Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi)

  • Provides analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

  • Commonly used for sinus congestion and sinus-related headaches.

  • Enhances local blood circulation in facial capillaries.

• Ligusticum jeholense (Gao Ben)

  • Reduces pain and inflammation.

  • Alleviates pressure and congestion in the upper sinuses.

• Notopterygium incisum (Qiang Huo)

  • Known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.

  • Effective in relieving upper respiratory tract congestion and tension headaches.

• Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng)

  • Demonstrates anti-allergic and anti-pruritic activity.

  • Helps regulate histamine response and reduces mucosal hypersensitivity.

• Ligusticum chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong)

  • Improves microcirculation.

  • Inhibits inflammatory mediators linked to sinus pain and vascular congestion.

• Actaea heracleifolia (Sheng Ma)

  • Immunostimulant and adaptogenic properties.

  • Supports the movement of fluids upward to relieve sinus pressure.

• Clematis armandii (Chuan Mu Tong)

  • Traditionally used to clear nasal obstruction and promote fluid drainage.

  • May assist with sensory clarity and olfactory function.

• Acorus gramineus (Shi Chang Pu)

  • Clears phlegm from sensory pathways.

  • May aid in mental clarity and cognitive focus during allergy flares.

• Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao)

  • Anti-inflammatory, mucosal protective, and harmonizing agent.

  • Protects the gastrointestinal tract from the drying or harsh effects of dispersing herbs.

  • Enhances overall synergy and tolerability of the formula.

Together, these botanicals create a balanced, fast-acting formulation that targets the upper respiratory tract, reduces inflammation, relieves allergic irritation, and promotes healthy sinus drainage—all essential for managing acute hayfever symptoms naturally and effectively.

 

The Modern Appeal: A Natural Alternative to Steroid Sprays

 

Many patients using steroid-based nasal sprays are looking for a way out—either due to side effects, rebound congestion, or a desire for a real cure. Xin Yi San offers:

• A non-drowsy option

• No dependency or rebound effects

• Suitable for children and adults

• Pair with Natural Immunotherapy Formula for long-lasting results without the need for further treatment.

 

When to Use Xin Yi San

Xin Yi San is most effective when symptoms include:

• Clear, watery nasal discharge

• Itchy nose, throat, ears, or eyes

• Sinus pressure and frontal headaches

• Sneezing fits

• Sensitivity to cold air or wind

• No signs of infection (no yellow or green mucus)

​

Enhance Results with Natural Immunotherapy

For long-term sufferers, Xin Yi San is a symptomatic solution, but not a cure. To address the root of allergic tendencies, it’s best combined with Natural Immunotherapy Formula—a botanical approach to reducing immune hyper-reactivity.

By strengthening the body’s resistance, regulating mucosal immune response, and restoring immune balance, these formulas reduce how strongly the body reacts to environmental allergens. This dual approach—relieve now, retrain immunity over time—can help patients move away from chronic medication use.

 

How to Take Xin Yi San

Dosage & Instructions

 

​This formula provides swift symptomatic relief of all hayfever symptoms. Hayfever formula does not cure hayfever. To cure yourself of hayfever symptoms add Natural Immunotherapy Formula for the correct time.

• For children up to the age of 10 - 1 pill per year of age as often as required.

• People over the age of 10 - 10-12 pills as often as necessary.

• To prevent the recurrence of hayfever symptoms please add Natural Immunotherapy Formula.

• You can't overdose on this formula, and it cannot harm you, nor interfere with other medications.

• Swallow with hot water for the swiftest results. If you do not feel results within 5 - 10 minutes you probably have a cold coming on and you should add 'Cold & Shivers Formula.'

• This formula is not effective for sinus infections. Use Sinus Infection Formulas instead.

• For those unlucky enough to have hayfever and sinus infection at the same time use both formulas simultaneously. Then once you have recovered use Natural Immunotherapy Formula​ with Hayfever Formula so you don't have to suffer like that any more. 

• For nasal polyps combine Hayfever Formula with 'Remove Stasis Formula' for a long-term solution.

 

Final Thoughts

Xin Yi San offers a time-tested, science-supported alternative for those seeking natural hayfever relief without relying on antihistamines or corticosteroids. Its blend of sinus-clearing, inflammation-calming herbs brings fast and effective relief for acute allergy symptoms—especially when used in the early stages of reaction.

Pair it with natural immunotherapy for deeper immune resilience, and this ancient remedy may become your springtime go-to.