【Source】

“Ji Sheng Fang”

 【Composition】

Pinellia, Arisaema, Aurantium, (Red) Poria, (Guangdong) Tangerine Peel (Red), Licorice
(6)

 【Classification】

<Regulating Qi>: Aurantium, Tangerine Peel

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Qi>: Licorice

<Tonifying Spleen and Draining Dampness>: Poria

<Transforming Phlegm>: Pinellia, Arisaema

【Analysis of the Formula】

According to “Fang Ji Xue Tang”: Pinellia, with its warm and dry nature, acts to dry dampness and transform phlegm, and also removes chest stuffiness, descends rebellious qi, and stops vomiting, making it the primary herb in the formula. Arisaema, with its dry and potent nature, dries dampness and phlegm, serving as the secondary herb. When combined with Pinellia, it aids in resolving internal damp phlegm. Aurantium breaks qi, transforms phlegm, resolves accumulation, and removes stuffiness. When combined with Pinellia and Arisaema, it enhances the removal of phlegm and further assists these two herbs in regulating qi and removing stuffiness. Tangerine peel, with its drying nature, aids Pinellia and Arisaema in expelling phlegm. Furthermore, Aurantium regulates qi and is effective in managing spleen qi, allowing qi stagnation due to phlegm in the middle jiao to flow. Poria strengthens the spleen and drains dampness. When combined with tangerine peel, spleen qi flows and spleen dampness is resolved. It also assists the primary and secondary herbs in removing damp phlegm. Ginger, on one hand, detoxifies Pinellia and Arisaema. On the other hand, it assists Pinellia in descending rebellious qi and stopping vomiting, and also aids the primary and secondary herbs in transforming phlegm and stopping cough. The aforementioned five herbs together serve as auxiliary herbs in the formula, regulating qi, strengthening the spleen, and expelling phlegm. Honey-fried Licorice harmonizes the various herbs and serves as the guiding herb in the formula.

 【Functions】

Expels phlegm and calms asthma.

 【Indications】

All types of phlegm-induced epilepsy, dizziness and vertigo, or accumulation of phlegm-fluid that does not dissipate, chest and diaphragm stuffiness due to phlegm, flank distension and fullness, headache, vomiting, shortness of breath with cough, and sticky nasal discharge and sputum.

 【Mnemonic】

(1) Tonify spleen, regulate qi, transform phlegm: Licorice, Poria, Aurantium, Tangerine peel, Arisaema… Arisaema, Aurantium, Poria, Licorice, Tangerine peel → Summer only eat citrus. (2) Er Chen Tang is as effective as stars (xing shi).

 【Modifications】

(1) If accompanied by transient tongue stiffening and slurred speech, numbness of hands and feet, red tongue, greasy white fur, and wiry and rapid pulse, add Gardenia, Atractylodes, Gastrodia, Uncaria, bamboo shavings, and ginger juice to clear heat, transform phlegm, and calm liver wind. (2) If dizziness is severe, add Gastrodia and Atractylodes macrocephala to extinguish wind and stop dizziness. (3) If accompanied by cold, add dried ginger and Asarum to warm and transform phlegm-fluid.