INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

 

Rehmannia, root 45.4mg

Red Peony, root 37.8mg

Jingjie, herbs 34mg

Balloonflower, root 34mg

Dong Quai, root 37.8mg

Pink Armenia, root 34mg

Burning Bush, fruit 37.8mg

Kushen, root 34mg

Chinese Dittany, stem bark 37.8mg

Black Atractylodes, rhiz. 30.2mg

Licorice, root 15.1mg

 

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 482916

Made in Australia. 

 

Indications: anything itchy, from mild to severe.

Actions: stop itch, make it stay away.

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times per day, as symptoms return. Take near food.

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Treat more, not less. Treat sooner, rather than later.

 

Xiao Feng San – "Itch"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to relieve itching, calm inflamed skin and support healthy immune regulation

 

What is Xiao Feng San?

Itching can be one of the most frustrating symptoms a person experiences.

Unlike pain, which often improves with rest, itching can become relentless.

​

It keeps children awake at night.

It distracts adults throughout the day.

It can turn a small rash into broken, infected skin simply through repeated scratching.

​

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has long recognised that itching is a symptom in its own right, not simply a consequence of a skin condition.

Xiao Feng San (消风散) is one of Chinese medicine's most famous formulas for this purpose.

​

At Chiron Medical we simply call it "Itch", because regardless of whether the diagnosis is eczema, dermatitis, hives or another itchy skin condition, it is often the itching that most affects a person's quality of life.

​

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, Xiao Feng San aims to calm the inflammatory processes driving the itch while supporting healthy skin repair.

 

A Formula with Nearly 500 Years of Clinical Use

Xiao Feng San first appeared in Wai Ke Zheng Zong (Orthodox Manual of External Diseases), written by Chen Shigong during the Ming Dynasty, around 1617 CE.

 

It quickly became one of the standard prescriptions for inflammatory skin disorders characterised by:

• itching

• redness

• oozing

• scaling

• recurrent rashes

Today it remains one of the most widely prescribed dermatological formulas throughout East Asia.

 

Why We Call It "Itch"

Ask someone with eczema what bothers them most.

Most won't answer "the rash."

They'll answer:

"The itching."

 

Itching affects:

• sleep

• concentration

• mood

• work

• school

• family life

 

The more people scratch...

…the more inflammation develops.

The more inflammation develops...

…the more they itch.

​

Chinese medicine recognised this vicious cycle centuries before modern dermatology understood the complex interaction between inflammation, skin barrier dysfunction and immune activation.

​

Xiao Feng San was designed to interrupt that cycle.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Xiao Feng San is prescribed for Wind-Damp-Heat affecting the skin, particularly where itching is the dominant symptom.

 

Skin Conditions

• eczema

• atopic dermatitis

• allergic dermatitis

• contact dermatitis

• urticaria (hives)

• insect bite reactions

• heat rash

• unexplained itching

• chronic itchy skin

• seborrhoeic dermatitis

• neurodermatitis

 

Childhood Skin Conditions

Frequently prescribed for:

• childhood eczema

• allergic skin reactions

• recurrent itchy rashes

• inflamed insect bites

 

Other Applications

Practitioners may also consider modified versions for:

• psoriasis (selected patterns)

• chronic urticaria

• pruritus of unknown origin

• itching associated with allergic disease

 

The Herbs That Make the Formula

Xiao Feng San contains a carefully balanced combination of herbs that address multiple contributors to chronic itching.

Jing Jie (Schizonepeta)

Traditional role

Expels Wind and relieves itching.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• antioxidant activity

• modulation of allergic responses

 

Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia)

Traditional role

Dispels Wind while relieving itching.

Biomedical actions

Studies demonstrate:

• immunomodulatory activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

• anti-allergic potential

 

Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed)

Traditional role

Clears Heat and benefits the skin.

Biomedical actions

May:

• reduce inflammatory cytokines

• support skin barrier repair

• demonstrate antimicrobial activity

 

Chan Tui (Cicada Slough)

Traditional role

Relieves itching and disperses Wind.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• anti-allergic activity

• immune regulation

• reduction of inflammatory mediators

 

Ku Shen (Sophora Root)

Traditional role

Clears Damp-Heat and relieves itching.

Biomedical actions

Contains matrine and oxymatrine, extensively researched for:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• anti-pruritic activity

• antimicrobial properties

• immune regulation

 

Cang Zhu (Atractylodes)

Traditional role

Dries Dampness.

Biomedical actions

May:

• regulate inflammation

• support skin barrier function

 

Ze Xie (Alisma)

Traditional role

Promotes urination and clears Heat.

Biomedical actions

Supports healthy fluid regulation.

​

Shi Gao (Gypsum)

Traditional role

Clears intense Heat.

Although a mineral rather than a herb, Shi Gao helps reduce inflammatory Heat within the formula.

 

Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena)

Traditional role

Clears Heat while nourishing body fluids.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• antioxidant activity

• immune modulation

 

Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica)

Traditional role

Nourishes Blood and supports skin healing.

Biomedical actions

May:

• improve microcirculation

• promote tissue repair

• reduce inflammation

 

Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia)

Traditional role

Cools Blood and nourishes Yin.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• antioxidant activity

• anti-inflammatory effects

• skin protective actions

 

Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame Seed)

Traditional role

Nourishes Blood while moisturising dry skin.

Biomedical actions

Rich in:

• essential fatty acids

• vitamin E

• antioxidant lignans

 

Gan Cao (Liquorice)

Traditional role

Harmonises the formula.

Biomedical actions

Demonstrates:

• anti-inflammatory effects

• immune regulation

• skin protective activity

 

How the Formula Works

One reason Xiao Feng San has remained so successful is that it addresses multiple causes of itching simultaneously.

​

Some herbs reduce inflammation.

Others calm allergic responses.

Others nourish dry skin.

Others improve circulation.

Others regulate the immune system.

 

Together they aim to:

• reduce itching

• calm inflammation

• improve skin barrier function

• reduce allergic activity

• support tissue healing

• reduce recurrence

 

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, the formula seeks to restore healthier skin physiology.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Modern research has investigated Xiao Feng San and its constituent herbs for:

 

Dermatological Conditions

• atopic dermatitis

• eczema

• chronic urticaria

• allergic dermatitis

• psoriasis

• pruritus

 

Allergy Research

Studies suggest effects on:

• mast cell activation

• histamine release

• inflammatory cytokines

• IgE-mediated responses

• skin barrier proteins

 

Immune Regulation

Experimental research demonstrates:

• reduction of inflammatory signalling

• modulation of Th1/Th2 immune balance

• antioxidant activity

• regulation of skin immune function

 

Several constituent herbs appear to influence pathways involved in chronic allergic inflammation, making the formula particularly interesting in modern integrative dermatology.

 

Beyond Eczema

Although eczema is one of the most common reasons for prescribing Xiao Feng San, the formula has much broader applications.

​

Many itchy skin conditions share similar biological processes:

• inflammation

• immune activation

• impaired skin barrier

• microbial imbalance

• excessive scratching

 

Chinese medicine recognised this shared pattern centuries ago.

​

Rather than treating eczema, urticaria and dermatitis as completely separate diseases, Xiao Feng San addresses the common physiological processes underlying persistent itching.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Wind-Damp-Heat with Blood Deficiency

Typical presentation:

• intense itching

• widespread rash

• redness

• oozing lesions

• scratching

• dry skin

• intermittent flares

• red tongue

• greasy coating

• floating or rapid pulse

 

Formula Strategy

Xiao Feng San:

• Expels Wind.

• Clears Heat.

• Dries Dampness.

• Nourishes Blood.

• Relieves itching.

• Supports skin repair.

 

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• childhood eczema

• chronic urticaria

• psoriasis

• seborrhoeic dermatitis

• allergic dermatitis

• insect bite reactions

• pruritus

 

For Medical Doctors

 

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests multiple interacting mechanisms including:

• mast cell stabilisation

• reduction of histamine release

• modulation of Th1/Th2 immune responses

• inhibition of NF-κB signalling

• reduction of inflammatory cytokines

• antioxidant activity

• support for skin barrier repair

 

Major bioactive compounds include:

• matrine

• oxymatrine

• ferulic acid

• sesamin

• flavonoids

• polysaccharides

• lignans

 

Collectively these compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is appropriate when patients are taking:

• corticosteroids

• immunosuppressive therapies

• biologic agents used in eczema or psoriasis

• antihistamines

• anticoagulants (general botanical precaution)

 

Xiao Feng San is generally well tolerated when appropriately prescribed. It should be viewed as a complementary therapy and not as a replacement for evidence-based dermatological care where significant skin disease is present.

 

Breaking the Itch–Scratch Cycle

Modern dermatology recognises the itch–scratch cycle.

The more we scratch...

…the more inflammation develops.

The more inflammation develops...

…the more we itch.

​

Chinese medicine described exactly the same process centuries ago as Wind stirring within Heat.

Xiao Feng San was developed to interrupt this cycle—not simply by calming the skin, but by regulating the immune response, reducing inflammation, nourishing the skin and supporting its natural repair.

That is why we call it "Itch."

​

It speaks directly to the symptom that matters most to patients. By helping calm the processes that drive itching, the formula aims to improve sleep, comfort and quality of life while supporting healthier skin over time.

 

Key Takeaways

• Xiao Feng San is a classical dermatology formula first recorded during the Ming Dynasty and remains one of the most widely prescribed formulas for itchy skin disorders.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Itch" because relieving itching is its principal traditional purpose, regardless of the underlying skin diagnosis.

• Traditionally, it is prescribed for Wind-Damp-Heat affecting the skin, presenting with eczema, dermatitis, urticaria and chronic pruritus.

• Modern research suggests anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic and immunomodulatory effects, including regulation of mast cells, histamine release and skin barrier function.

• Xiao Feng San should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner after individual assessment and used alongside appropriate medical evaluation. Persistent, infected, blistering, rapidly spreading or unexplained skin eruptions should always be assessed by a healthcare professional.

​

​

​

Clinical Insights

 

Itching – The Common Symptom

Itch is designed for skin conditions where itching is the dominant complaint, regardless of whether the diagnosis is eczema, dermatitis, urticaria or allergic skin irritation.

Typical symptoms include:

• intense itching

• red skin

• eczema

• dermatitis

• hives (urticaria)

• allergic skin reactions

• dry inflamed skin

• recurrent skin flare-ups

Rather than treating a specific skin disease, Itch helps regulate the inflammatory and immune responses responsible for persistent itching while calming irritated skin.

 

Acute Eczema and Urticaria

When eczema or hives are:

• intensely red

• hot

• rapidly inflamed

• associated with marked itching

practitioners frequently combine:

• Liver Fire (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang)

This combination is appropriate where inflammatory Heat has become the dominant feature, producing angry, intensely inflamed skin lesions.

 

Chronic Eczema and Dermatitis

Long-standing eczema often evolves beyond simple inflammation.

When symptoms include:

• thickened skin

• chronic scratching

• persistent dermatitis

• recurrent flare-ups

• long-standing inflammation

practitioners commonly combine:

• Move the Blood (Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan)

• Bleeding (Si Miao Yong An Tang)

This reflects the progression from superficial inflammation towards chronic tissue irritation with impaired local circulation. Improving blood flow while reducing inflammation supports healing of chronically damaged skin.

 

Chronic Psoriasis

Psoriasis often represents one of the most persistent inflammatory skin disorders.

When plaques become:

• thick

• chronic

• widespread

• repeatedly inflamed

practitioners frequently combine:

• Bleeding (Si Miao Yong An Tang)

• Clear the Way (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang)

This approach recognises that chronic psoriasis commonly involves both persistent inflammation and impaired microcirculation within the skin.

 

Skin Infection

If scratching leads to:

• broken skin

• bacterial infection

• cellulitis

• infected eczema

practitioners often transition towards:

• Inflammation (Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin)

or, when infection penetrates more deeply,

• Bleeding (Si Miao Yong An Tang)

The emphasis shifts from controlling itch to controlling infection and preventing further tissue damage.

 

Allergic Skin Disease

Some patients experience recurrent itching triggered by:

• pollen

• dust mites

• foods

• environmental allergens

Once the acute flare has settled, practitioners frequently introduce:

• Immunity (Yu Ping Feng San)

to improve long-term immune resilience and reduce susceptibility to recurrent allergic flare-ups.

 

The Gut-Skin Connection

Many chronic skin disorders are influenced by digestive health.

Where eczema is accompanied by:

• bloating

• food intolerance

• digestive upset

• recurrent bowel symptoms

practitioners may combine:

• Food Allergies

• Control Sugar (Shen Ling Bai Zhu San)

This reflects growing recognition of the gut-skin axis, where improving digestive health often reduces chronic inflammatory skin conditions.

 

Understanding the Chiron Medical Skin Network

One of the strengths of the Chiron Formula Network is recognising that skin disease develops in stages.

Immunity (Yu Ping Feng San)

Healthy skin begins with a resilient immune system and an intact skin barrier.

↓

Hayfever (Xin Yi San)

Allergic responses begin affecting the body's surface tissues.

↓

Itch (Xiao Feng San)

The immune response becomes established within the skin, producing itching, eczema, dermatitis and allergic inflammation.

↓

 

Choose the dominant skin pathway

→ Pimples & Acne (An Chuang Ling)

When inflammation centres around hair follicles and sebaceous glands.

↓

Liver Fire (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang)

Inflammatory Heat becomes more intense, particularly affecting the face, scalp or genital region.

↓

Inflammation (Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin)

Heat Toxin develops, producing hot, swollen, painful skin infections.

↓

Bleeding (Si Miao Yong An Tang)

Deep bacterial infection, cellulitis or severe soft tissue inflammation develops.

 

Chronic Skin Disease Pathway

Itch (Xiao Feng San)

Persistent itching and eczema.

↓

Move the Blood (Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan)

Chronic inflammation begins impairing local circulation.

↓

Clear the Way (Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang)

Blood Stasis contributes to long-standing skin disease with poor tissue repair.

 

The Skin: More Than a Protective Covering

Chinese medicine has long taught that the skin is governed by Defensive Qi, the body's first line of protection against the outside world.

​

Modern immunology has reached a remarkably similar conclusion. The skin is now recognised as one of the body's largest immune organs, populated by specialised immune cells that constantly monitor for allergens, microbes and injury. When this protective system becomes overactive, the result may be eczema, dermatitis, urticaria or chronic itching.

​

Itch (Xiao Feng San) is designed for this stage of disease—where the immune response has become dysregulated, producing persistent irritation without necessarily progressing to deep infection. It bridges the gap between allergy, inflammation and infection, making it one of the cornerstone formulas of the Chiron Medical Skin Network.

​

It teaches another important principle of the Chiron Formula Network:

​

Not every red skin condition is an infection, and not every itch is an allergy. By understanding whether the dominant process is immune dysregulation, inflammatory Heat, impaired circulation or bacterial infection, treatment can be matched to the stage of disease rather than simply the appearance of the rash.