[Source]

Volume 51 of “Jing Yue Quan Shu” (Complete Works of Jing Yue).

 [Composition]

Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang), Citrus reticulata (Chen Pi), Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia), Poria cocos (Fu Ling), honey-fried Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Zhi Gan Cao), fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang)
(7)

 [Classification Group]

<Blood Tonic>: Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui), Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu Di Huang)

<Qi Regulator>: Citrus reticulata (Chen Pi)

<Spleen and Middle Tonifying>: Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gan Cao)

<Exterior Releasing (Warm-Pungent)>: fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang)

<Spleen Tonifying and Water Regulating>: Poria cocos (Fu Ling)

<Phlegm Transforming>: Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia)

[Formula Meaning]

According to “Cheng Fang Du Du” (Analysis of Famous Formulas): For the elderly, blood and脉 (meridians) are often withered and sluggish, and the channels are not flowing smoothly. If there is an internal excess of dampness and heat, and the lungs lose their regulatory function, it leads to continuous and intermittent coughing. In severe cases, there may be pain and twitching throughout the body’s meridians, or sudden chest pain. At this time, it is necessary to use remedies similar to Er Chen (two aged ingredients) to transform phlegm. However, for those with withered blood, it is feared that it cannot withstand dryness, hence the addition of Dang Gui and Shu Di Huang to moisten the blood and nourish the dryness. This combination is balanced and suitable, and scholars should use it judiciously.

 [Functions]

Nourishes the lungs and kidneys, dispels dampness, and transforms phlegm.

 [Indications]

(1) Deficiency-cold of the lungs and kidneys with water accumulation leading to phlegm, manifesting as cough with nausea, dyspnea with abundant phlegm, and salty phlegm. (2) Yin deficiency in old age with insufficient blood and qi, externally contracted wind-cold, leading to cough with nausea, abundant phlegm, and urgent dyspnea.

 [Clinical Applications]

Chronic bronchitis, cough, aphthous ulcers, bronchial asthma, emphysema.

 [Mnemonic]

Er Chen (two aged ingredients) are locals.

 [Modifications]

(1) If stools are loose and there is excessive dampness, remove Angelica sinensis (Dang Gui) and add Dioscorea opposita (Shan Yao). (2) If phlegm is abundant and qi is stagnant, causing chest and rib discomfort, add 7-8 fen of Sinapis alba (Bai Jie Zi). (3) If yin-cold is strong and the cough does not resolve, add 5-7 fen of Asarum sieboldii (Xi Xin). (4) If there is also an external invasion of cold and heat, add 1-2 qian of Bupleurum chinense (Chai Hu).

 [Pharmacological Actions]

Enhances hematopoietic function, boosts immunity, possesses anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antitussive, and expectorant effects.