Near North Bondi
Josephine holds a Bachelor of Health Science in Traditional Chinese Medicine (UTS). She is a member of FCMA and ACCMA, and is registered with AHPRA as a Acupuncturist & Chinese Herbal Medicine Practitioner.
Yin Qiao San (Honeysuckle and Forsythia Powder) is the premier formula for treating early-stage Wind-Heat invasion — the TCM equivalent of treating a cold or flu that presents with sore throat, fever, and heat signs. Created by the Qing Dynasty physician Wu Ju-Tong in his landmark text Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases, 1798), it remains one of the most commonly used formulas worldwide and is widely available as a patent medicine.
The formula contains: Jin Yin Hua (Lonicera/honeysuckle flower, 15g) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia fruit, 15g) as the sovereign pair, clearing heat and resolving toxins; Bo He (field mint, 6g) and Dan Dou Chi (prepared soybean, 9g) releasing the exterior; Niu Bang Zi (Arctium/burdock seed, 9g) and Jie Geng (Platycodon root, 6g) ventilating the Lungs and benefiting the throat; Dan Zhu Ye (Lophatherum, 6g) clearing heat and promoting urination; Lu Gen (Phragmites/reed root, 15g) generating fluids; and Gan Cao (licorice, 3g) harmonising. The formula is traditionally taken as a powder dissolved in water rather than a long-boiled decoction, as excessive boiling would drive off the volatile oils responsible for its dispersing action.
Yin Qiao San is most effective when taken at the very first signs of Wind-Heat: scratchy or sore throat, slight fever, mild headache, and thirst. Timing is crucial — the formula addresses the Wei (defensive) level of warm disease, the earliest and most superficial stage. Once the pathogen penetrates deeper (indicated by high fever, delirium, or rashes), stronger formulas are needed. It should not be used for Wind-Cold patterns (chills predominating, clear runny nose, no sore throat), where warming formulas are required instead.
Take Yin Qiao San at the very first signs of a "hot" cold or flu — sore throat, slight fever, headache, and thirst with a desire for cool drinks. It is most effective in the first 24-48 hours. It should NOT be taken for "cold" colds characterised by chills, clear runny nose, and body aches without sore throat.
The two principal herbs are Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower) and Lian Qiao (forsythia fruit), both powerful heat-clearing and toxin-resolving herbs. They are supported by Bo He (mint) to release the exterior, Niu Bang Zi (burdock seed) and Jie Geng (platycodon) to benefit the throat, and Lu Gen (reed root) to generate fluids.
Josephine Zhuo (TCM) is an AHPRA registered health practitioner — acupuncturist and herbalist.
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