Fresh Soybean — Classic Formulas
Xin Chi · Semen Sojae
Primary Actions
- Releases the exterior and induces a light sweat - Xin Chi is a mild, food-like soybean medicinal used for superficial fever, mild chills, and headache when stronger diaphoresis is unnecessary.
- Relieves febrile irritability - traditional descriptions use it for restlessness, chest oppression, and residual vexation during or after externally contracted disease.
- Harmonizes the middle while clearing mild heat - it can be chosen when exterior symptoms coexist with slight nausea, poor appetite, or weakness after illness.
Classic Formulas
- Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin - recovery-stage exterior formula using Xin Chi with Cong Bai, Ge Gen, Sheng Jiang, Mai Men Dong, and Di Huang for fever without sweating after depletion.
- Light Cong Bai-Xin Chi pairings - traditional lineages use fresh soybean when fever and restlessness are present but the patient is too depleted for harsh sweating methods.
Classical Text References
- TCM-ID records Xin Chi as cold, pungent, sweet, and slightly bitter, entering the Lung and Stomach to induce diaphoresis, ease the mind, and relieve fever.
- Formula literature around Cong Bai Qi Wei Yin places Xin Chi in post-illness or blood-deficient surface patterns where fluids must be protected while residual exterior heat is lightly vented.