[Source]

From the “Synopsis of the Golden Chamber”, Volume 2.

 [Composition]

Poria cocos, Licorice root, Dried ginger, Asarum, Schisandra berry
(5)

 [Classification Group]

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice root

<Warming the Interior>: Asarum, Dried ginger

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Water Elimination>: Poria cocos

<Astringent>: Schisandra berry

[Analysis of the Formula]

From “Essentials of the Golden Chamber” analysis: When the qi has subsided, and yet coughing and chest fullness worsen, it indicates the rebellious qi of the lower jiao has been suppressed, and the cold phlegm accumulated in the lungs is now surfacing. Therefore, the cinnamon twig which disperses qi is removed. Dried ginger and asarum, which are pungent and enter the lungs, are added. Combined with Poria cocos, Schisandra berry, and licorice root, they resolve phlegm, expel cold, and relieve fullness and stop cough. From “Formulas Study by Tang Dynasty”: Dried ginger warms the yang of the spleen and lungs to transform cold phlegm; Poria cocos strengthens the spleen and promotes dampness elimination, thus preventing the source of phlegm generation, and together they are the main herbs in the formula. Asarum penetrates the interior and exterior, assisting dried ginger in dispersing accumulated cold phlegm, and is the secondary herb in the formula. Schisandra berry astringes the lung qi to stop cough, and also works with asarum to dissipate lung injury, serving as an accessory herb in the formula. Licorice root harmonizes the middle jiao and moderates all the herbs, serving as the guiding herb.

 [Functions]

Warms the lungs and resolves phlegm, promotes urination.

 [Indications]

Persistent cough due to invasion of cold into the lung channel. Cough with thin phlegm, tendency to spit, chest fullness, and nausea/vomiting. Pale tongue with white, slippery coating, and a deep, slow pulse.

 [Syndromes]

Wheezing and cough caused by cold phlegm.

 [Mnemonic]

Formula name.

 [Additions and Subtractions]

(1) If there is vomiting or excessive phlegm, add prepared Pinellia tuber to descend rebellious qi, stop vomiting, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm. (2) If the cough is severe, add Apricot kernel, Aster root, and Coltsfoot flower to descend qi and stop cough. (3) If there is upward rebellious qi due to cold, add Cinnamon twig to warm the middle and descend rebellious qi. (4) If there is qi stagnation and distension in the epigastrium, add Amomum fruit, Dried tangerine peel, and Immature bitter orange to move qi and relieve distension. (5) If the spleen is deficient and appetite is poor, add Codonopsis root and Atractylodes macrocephala to tonify qi and strengthen the spleen.