【Source】

Collected Readings of the Golden Chamber, Vol. 1.

 【Composition】

She Gan (Belamcanda chinensis), Ma Huang (Ephedra sinica), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Xi Xin (Asarum forbesii), Zi Wan (Aster tataricus), Kuan Dong Hua (Tussilago farfara), Da Zao (Jujube), Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis)
(9)

 【Categorization】

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Da Zao

<Dispel Exterior with Acrid Warmth>: Ma Huang, Sheng Jiang

<Warm the Interior>: Xi Xin

<Transform Phlegm>: Ban Xia

<Astringe>: Wu Wei Zi

<Clear Heat and Detoxify>: She Gan

<Stop Cough and Relieve Asthma>: Kuan Dong Hua, Zi Wan

【Formula Rationale】

From “Explanations of Qian Jin Fang”: “Upward qi accompanied by a sound like a water hen is a sign of phlegm obstructing qi, and qi agitating phlegm, a manifestation of wind-cold invading the lungs. Therefore, from the Xiao Qing Long Tang formula, Gui Xin (Cinnamon Twig) for heat, Shao Yao (Peony Root) for astringing, and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) for moderating are removed, and She Gan, Zi Wan, Kuan Dong Hua, and Da Zao are added. The formula specifically uses Ma Huang and Xi Xin to release the exterior, She Gan and Wu Wei Zi to descend qi, Kuan Dong Hua and Zi Wan to moisten dryness, Ban Xia and Sheng Jiang to resolve phlegm. These four methods are combined in one formula to disintegrate the pathogenic evil. Da Zao executes the spleen’s fluids to harmonize the properties of the medicinals.” From “Jingui Yaolue Shudian”: “She Gan, Zi Wan, and Kuan Dong Hua descend rebellious qi; Ma Huang, Xi Xin, and Sheng Jiang release pathogenic qi; Ban Xia resolves fluid qi. Da Zao calms the center, and Wu Wei Zi guides to the lungs, lest the dispersing herbs damage the vital qi.”

 【Actions】

Warms the Lungs, transforms phlegm, stops cough, and relieves asthma.

 【Indications】

Cough with upward qi and wheezing sounds in the throat due to cold phlegm accumulation in the lungs.

 【Clinical Applications】

Chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and other conditions with a predominance of cold.

 【Mnemonic】

She Gan, Ma Huang + (Transform Phlegm, Stop Cough, Astringe): (Xia Zi Kuan Wan Wu Wei) → Summer is prevalent with five types of purple styles + Xi Jiang Zao

 【Pharmacological Action】

Possesses antitussive, expectorant, and antiasthmatic effects.