【Source】

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

 【Composition】

Licorice, Platycodon, Fresh Ginger, Jujube
(4)

 【Classification】

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Jujube, Licorice

<Release the Exterior with Acrid Warmth>: Fresh Ginger

<Transform Phlegm>: Platycodon, assisting herbs Licorice, Ginger, and Jujube

【Formula Meaning】

From “Annotations on Ancient Formulas”: “Pai” means to expel; “Nong” refers to pus formed from blood and flesh. Licorice, Platycodon, Ginger, and Jujube continue to lift the lung Qi from the upper jiao, harmonizing the Ying and Wei. This allows Qi to flow, and pus to be naturally discharged. This formula replaces the Zhi Shi and Shao Yao in “Pai Nong San” with Jujube, Licorice, and Fresh Ginger. Jujube and Licorice can relieve urgency; specifically, when combined with Fresh Ginger, they promote the absorption of other herbs. The relationship between these two formulas, when compared to that between “Si Ni San” and “Xiao Chai Hu Tang”, is quite interesting.

 【Functions】

To lift the lung Qi and harmonize the Ying and Wei.

 【Indications】

Lung carbuncle, vomiting pus from internal carbuncle, sores with carbuncle, intestinal carbuncle. Used in the very early stages before “Pai Nong San” (the earliest stage of such swellings), and after the condition has been overcome by “Pai Nong San”.

 【Mnemonic】

Platycodon expels pus + three assisting herbs.