【Source】

《Taiping Huimin Heji Ju Fang (Prescriptions of the Bureau of Taiping People’s Welfare Pharmacy) (1110)》 quoting 《Bo Ji (1150)》 Vol. 2.

 【Composition】

Perilla Seed (Su Zi), White Mulberry Root Bark (Sang Bai Pi), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), Red Poria (Chi Fu Ling), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Ephedra (Ma Huang), Licorice Root (Gan Cao)
(7)

 【Categories】

<Regulate Qi>: Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root (Gan Cao)

<Acrid-Warm to Release Exterior>: Ephedra (Ma Huang)

<Tonify Spleen and Promote Water Excretion>: Red Poria (Chi Fu Ling)

<Stop Cough and Relieve Asthma>: Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), Perilla Seed (Su Zi), White Mulberry Root Bark (Sang Bai Pi)

【Formula Explanation】

This formula uses the acrid and warm nature of Ephedra (Ma Huang) to disperse lung qi, relieve asthma, induce sweating, and release the exterior, making it the chief herb. Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) and Perilla Seed (Su Zi) descend qi, transform phlegm, and stop cough, serving as deputy herbs. Phlegm originates from water, so Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) regulates qi and dries phlegm, White Mulberry Root Bark (Sang Bai Pi) drains lung qi and promotes diuresis, and Red Poria (Chi Fu Ling) leaches out dampness and promotes water circulation. When qi flows and water is removed, phlegm naturally resolves. Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao) acts as an assistant and messenger, harmonizing the various herbs. Together, these herbs achieve the effects of dispersing lung qi, transforming phlegm, stopping cough, and relieving asthma.

 【Functions】

Disperse lung qi and relieve asthma, resolve phlegm and stop cough.

 【Indications/Effects】

For lung invasion by wind-cold, cough with upward rushing qi, chest oppression and vexation, stiffness in the neck and back, nasal congestion with a heavy voice, dizziness and blurred vision, stagnation of phlegm qi, and a floating, rapid pulse.

 【Modern Applications】

Acute bronchitis, pediatric pneumonia.

 【Mnemonic】

Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang (remove Gypsum) + Fu Ling, Chen Pi, Su Zi, Sang Bai Pi → Taking it stops cough and even makes the skin soft and loose (a playful phonetic mnemonic connecting 茯皮蘇桑 – Fú Pí Sū Sāng – to 服了止咳連皮都酥鬆 – Fú le zhǐ ké lián pí dōu sū sōng).