Cang Er San is used to supplement the wei or protective qi, which defends the body
from invasion by external pathogens. To this formula, magnolia flower (xin yi
hua), xanthium (cang er zi), and angelica dahurica (bai zhi) have been added
to address symptoms of chronic or allergic rhinitis, open the sinuses, relieve
sinus headache, and disperse wind and dampness. In addition, red peony (chi
shao) and forsythia (lian qiao) have been included. These herbs, according
to modern research in China, address allergic inflammation. This formula is extremely effective for airborne or environmental
allergies. It both stabilizes the exterior and supplements the qi to strengthen
the body’s defenses.
It is an excellent choice for hypertensive patients with
allergies or other persons who cannot tolerate formulas that contain ephedra
(ma huang).