No1 Flu Fever Virus Infection

INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

Honeysuckle, flower 57mg

Weeping Forsythia, fruit 57mg

Burdock, seed 47.5mg

Soybean, seed 47.5mg

Cane Grass, rhiz. 47.5mg

Balloonflower, root 23.7mg

Mint, leaf 23.7mg

Jingjie, herb 23.7mg

Black Bamboo, leaf 23.7mg

Licorice, root 23.7mg

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 99221

Made in Australia.

Indication: This is your No1 go to formula for Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection.

Action: closest to a herbal antibiotic that kills the bad bugs but not your good bugs.

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times per day or as symptoms return.

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.

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Yin Qiao San – "No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection"

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The World's Most Famous Chinese Herbal Formula for Early Viral Infection

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A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used at the very beginning of viral respiratory infections to support the body's immune response, reduce fever, soothe sore throats and help prevent minor illnesses from progressing into more serious infections.

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What is Yin Qiao San?

Every infection begins somewhere.

A scratchy throat.

A slight fever.

A runny nose.

A little fatigue.

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Many people ignore these early symptoms.

They push through another day at work.

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They keep looking after the children.

They tell themselves they'll rest tomorrow.

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Often, tomorrow arrives with:

• high fever

• body aches

• severe sore throat

• persistent cough

• exhaustion

Chinese medicine has always recognised that timing matters.

The earlier the body's immune response is supported, the greater the opportunity to prevent a mild infection becoming a serious one.

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Yin Qiao San was developed specifically for this critical window.

At Chiron Medical we call it "No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection."

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Because no other formula has earned a stronger reputation for helping the body respond to the earliest stages of infectious illness.

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A Formula with More Than 225 Years of History

Yin Qiao San first appeared in the Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases) written by Wu Jutong in 1798.

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It rapidly became one of the most influential formulas in Chinese medicine and remains one of the most frequently prescribed herbal formulas throughout Asia for the early stages of respiratory infections.

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Its principles have stood the test of time because they align remarkably well with our modern understanding of how the immune system responds during the first phase of viral illness.

Why We Call It "No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection"

Yin Qiao San is designed for the very beginning of an illness.

Typical symptoms include:

• sore throat

• fever

• chills (less prominent than fever)

• sneezing

• runny nose

• headache

• mild cough

• swollen glands

• body aches

• fatigue

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This is the point where the immune system is becoming activated but the infection has not yet reached its full intensity.

This is where Yin Qiao San performs at its best.

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What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Yin Qiao San is prescribed for the early stage of Wind-Heat invasion, particularly affecting the respiratory tract.

In modern practice it is commonly considered for supportive management of:

• common cold

• influenza

• viral upper respiratory tract infections

• COVID-like viral illnesses*

• sore throat

• early tonsillitis

• fever

• pharyngitis

• laryngitis

*When used as supportive care alongside appropriate medical assessment and treatment.

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The Herbs That Make the Formula

Every infection begins with a race. Before bacteria or viruses have the opportunity to spread, the immune system must recognise the threat, coordinate its response and contain the infection while limiting unnecessary damage to healthy tissues. It is during these first hours and days that Yin Qiao San has traditionally been used.

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Rather than masking symptoms, the formula supports the body's early immune response. Some herbs help regulate inflammation, others soothe the throat and respiratory tract, while several protect healthy tissues as the immune system clears the infection.

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Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower)

Traditional Role

Jin Yin Hua forms the foundation of the formula. For centuries it has been used during the earliest stages of respiratory infection, helping the body respond quickly while calming the excessive inflammation that often produces fever, sore throat and swollen glands.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates broad-spectrum antiviral and antibacterial activity together with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Experimental studies suggest it may inhibit viral replication, regulate inflammatory cytokines including IL-6 and TNF-α, reduce oxidative stress and support both innate and adaptive immune responses.

Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit)

Traditional Role

Lian Qiao works alongside Honeysuckle to help contain infection before it progresses deeper into the respiratory tract. Together they form one of Chinese medicine's most recognised herb pairings for acute infections.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity together with antioxidant effects. Studies suggest modulation of inflammatory cytokines, inhibition of microbial growth and protection of tissues from inflammatory injury.

Niu Bang Zi (Burdock Seed)

Traditional Role

Niu Bang Zi gives the formula its particular affinity for the throat. It helps reduce swelling, ease painful swallowing and calm inflammation affecting the upper respiratory tract.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antioxidant activity together with immune-modulating effects. Experimental studies suggest protection of respiratory epithelial tissues and regulation of inflammatory mediators involved in sore throat.

Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean)

Traditional Role

Dan Dou Chi supports the body's earliest defensive response. Traditionally it was used when symptoms had only just begun, helping the immune system respond before the infection became more firmly established.

Biomedical Actions

Research suggests immunomodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects together with support for innate immune function and regulation of inflammatory signalling pathways.

Lu Gen (Reed Rhizome)

Traditional Role

Fever places considerable stress on the body's fluid balance. Lu Gen helps protect the moist lining of the respiratory tract while relieving thirst and reducing the irritation that often accompanies rising body temperature.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity together with protection of respiratory mucosa, support for epithelial hydration and reduction of oxidative stress associated with acute inflammation.

Jie Geng (Balloonflower Root)

Traditional Role

Jie Geng directs the actions of the formula towards the lungs and throat, where most respiratory infections begin. It also helps relieve cough while supporting the normal clearance of airway secretions.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates expectorant, anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating activity together with protection of respiratory mucosa. Studies also suggest improved mucociliary clearance and support for healthy airway defence.

Bo He (Mint Leaf)

Traditional Role

Bo He provides rapid relief from the discomfort of an acute respiratory infection. It helps cool an inflamed throat, relieve headache and reduce the sense of heat that often accompanies fever.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity together with antioxidant effects. Volatile oils within Bo He have also shown mild antiviral activity and contribute to its characteristic cooling action.

Jing Jie (Schizonepeta Herb)

Traditional Role

Jing Jie supports the body's ability to respond during the earliest stages of illness. Its versatility has made it one of Chinese medicine's most widely used herbs for acute respiratory infections.

Biomedical Actions

Research suggests anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activity together with support for respiratory immune function and regulation of early inflammatory responses.

Zhu Ye (Black Bamboo Leaf)

Traditional Role

Zhu Ye helps protect delicate respiratory tissues during fever by reducing irritation and supporting healthy hydration of the upper airway.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity together with protection against oxidative stress and support for healthy mucosal function.

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

Traditional Role

Gan Cao soothes inflamed throat tissues while bringing the formula together into a balanced prescription. It has long been valued for easing irritation without suppressing the body's normal immune response.

Biomedical Actions

Research demonstrates antiviral, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity together with immune regulation and protection of respiratory mucosa. Glycyrrhizin has also been shown to influence viral replication and help reduce inflammatory damage within the upper respiratory tract.

How the Formula Works

An early respiratory infection is a carefully balanced biological process. The immune system must respond quickly enough to contain the invading pathogen while avoiding the excessive inflammation that produces much of the discomfort associated with fever, sore throat and upper respiratory infections.

Chinese physicians recognised this balance centuries before viruses and immune cells were understood. Their goal was not simply to reduce fever or relieve symptoms, but to support the body's natural defences during the brief window when early treatment could prevent a minor infection from becoming a more serious illness.

Yin Qiao San reflects that philosophy. Some herbs help regulate the inflammatory response, others provide direct antimicrobial and antiviral activity, while several protect the delicate tissues of the throat and upper respiratory tract as healing begins. Together they create an environment in which the immune system can respond efficiently while limiting unnecessary tissue damage.

Modern research suggests the formula may regulate inflammatory cytokines, reduce oxidative stress, support innate immune function, inhibit the growth of respiratory pathogens and protect the respiratory mucosa. These complementary actions help explain why Yin Qiao San has remained one of Chinese medicine's most respected formulas for the earliest stages of fever, flu and upper respiratory infections.

What Does Modern Research Say?

Yin Qiao San has been extensively investigated in laboratory and clinical research.

Studies have explored its role in:

Viral Respiratory Infections

Research suggests supportive effects on:

• duration of sore throat

• fever severity

• upper respiratory symptoms

• recovery time

• patient comfort

Immune Function

Research demonstrates:

• immunomodulatory activity

• antiviral effects

• anti-inflammatory activity

• antioxidant properties

Several constituent herbs have demonstrated activity against respiratory viruses in laboratory studies, although clinical outcomes depend on many factors including timing of treatment and disease severity.

Comparing the Chiron Medical Infection Formulas

One of the greatest strengths of Chinese medicine is recognising that infections evolve through predictable stages. Different formulas are selected depending on where the illness is today, not where it started.

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Gui Zhi Tang - Colds, Shivers & Sniffles - Early cold with chills, runny nose and body aches - Supports the body's response to Wind-Cold infection

Yin Qiao San - No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection - Early fever, sore throat and viral respiratory infectionSupports early antiviral immune responses and clears Heat

Sang Ju Yin - New Cough - Early cough affecting the lungs - Protects the lungs before infection progresses

Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang - Throat Infection - Severe sore throat and tonsillitis - Reduces inflammation while protecting throat tissues

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang - Liver Fire - Intense inflammatory Heat affecting specific organs - Clears severe inflammatory Heat

Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin - Inflammation - Boils, cellulitis, skin infections and soft tissue inflammation - Strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory support

Chuan Xin Lian Jie Du Tang - Break High Fever - High fever with severe systemic inflammatory illness - Intensive Heat-clearing and immune support

Yu Ping Feng San -  Immunity  - Prevention and long-term immune resilience - Builds the immune system before illness develops

Understanding the Progression

Respiratory infections rarely appear fully developed.

They usually follow a predictable sequence.

Colds, Shivers & Sniffles (Gui Zhi Tang)

The illness begins with chills, sneezing and a runny nose.

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No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection (Yin Qiao San)

Fever develops.

The throat becomes sore.

The immune system is fully activated.

This is often the ideal time for Yin Qiao San.

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New Cough (Sang Ju Yin)

As inflammation begins affecting the lungs, coughing becomes more prominent.

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Throat Infection (Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang)

Inflammation becomes concentrated within the throat and tonsils.

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Liver Fire (Long Dan Xie Gan Tang)

Inflammatory Heat becomes more intense or localises within specific organs.

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Inflammation (Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin)

Heat progresses into bacterial skin or soft tissue infections.

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Break High Fever (Chuan Xin Lian Jie Du Tang)

Severe systemic inflammatory illness develops with high fever and marked constitutional symptoms.

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Immunity (Yu Ping Feng San)

Once recovery is complete, attention turns towards reducing susceptibility to future infections by strengthening long-term immune resilience.

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

Classical Pattern

Wind-Heat invading the Lung Defensive Qi

Typical presentation:

• fever

• sore throat

• slight aversion to wind

• headache

• thirst

• red tongue tip

• floating rapid pulse

Formula Strategy

Yin Qiao San:

• Releases the exterior.

• Clears Heat.

• Resolves toxicity.

• Benefits the throat.

• Supports Lung function.

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• innate immune activation

• inflammatory cytokines

• antiviral immune responses

• respiratory epithelial protection

• oxidative stress

• mucosal immunity

These mechanisms are consistent with the traditional use of the formula during the earliest stages of viral respiratory infections.

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Yin Qiao San is intended as supportive care and is not a substitute for antiviral medications, antibiotics (when indicated) or other medical treatment.

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Persistent high fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain, dehydration, confusion or symptoms suggestive of pneumonia require immediate medical assessment.

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The First Formula to Reach For

Chinese medicine teaches that the earliest hours of an infection are often the most important.

Support the immune system early.

Reduce unnecessary inflammation.

Protect the throat and lungs.

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Help the body recover before the illness gains momentum.

That is why we call this formula "No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection."

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Because for more than two centuries it has been the first formula countless practitioners have reached for when the very first signs of infection appear.

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Key Takeaways

• Yin Qiao San (No.1 Flu, Fever, Virus & Infection) is one of the world's best-known Chinese herbal formulas for the early stages of viral respiratory illness.

• It is most effective when started at the first signs of infection, such as sore throat, fever, swollen glands and fatigue.

• The formula supports the body's early immune response while helping reduce inflammation and protect the respiratory tract.

• Within the Chiron Medical Infection Network, it forms the central early intervention formula, linking Gui Zhi Tang (Colds, Shivers & Sniffles) with later-stage formulas such as Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Throat Infection), Sang Ju Yin (New Cough) and Chuan Xin Lian Jie Du Tang (Break High Fever).

• Once the infection has resolved, Yu Ping Feng San (Immunity) helps build long-term immune resilience and reduce susceptibility to future respiratory infections.

I genuinely think this monograph should sit near the front of the Chiron Formula Network. If Yu Ping Feng San teaches how to avoid getting sick, Yin Qiao San teaches how to respond intelligently when illness first appears. Together they form the cornerstone of your entire infection pathway.

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Clinical Insights

Timing Is Everything

Perhaps the greatest mistake people make is waiting too long.

Yin Qiao San performs best when symptoms first appear.

Many practitioners encourage patients to begin treatment as soon as they notice:

• sore throat

• fever

• unusual fatigue

• swollen glands

• body aches

• early cough

rather than waiting until symptoms become severe.

Early Viral Illness

Yin Qiao San is frequently used as the first formula in an evolving infection.

Progression to Throat Infection

If throat inflammation becomes dominant:

• Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Throat Infection)

may become the more appropriate choice.

Development of Persistent Cough

As coughing becomes the dominant symptom:

• Sang Ju Yin (New Cough)

• Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Wet Cough)

• Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Dry Cough)

are selected according to the type of cough that develops.

High Fever

If fever becomes severe with marked constitutional symptoms:

• Chuan Xin Lian Jie Du Tang (Break High Fever)

provides stronger systemic Heat-clearing support.

Recovery

Once the infection has resolved:

• Yu Ping Feng San (Immunity)

is frequently prescribed to strengthen immune resilience and reduce the likelihood of recurrent infections.