【Source】

“Dan Xi Xin Fa (1347) with additions”, “Yu Ji Wei Yi (1396)” Vol. 4 quotes “Yang Sheng Zhu Lun”, “Yi Fang Ji Jie (1682)” quotes Wang Yin Jun’s prescription.

 【Composition】

Lian Shi (Iron Pyrite), Chen Xiang (Aquilaria), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Shu Da Huang (Prepared Rhubarb)
(4)

 【Category】

<Regulating Qi>：Chen Xiang

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>：Huang Qin

<Purgative>：Shu Da Huang

<Transforming Phlegm>：Jin Lian Shi

【Prescription Meaning】

“Yi Fang”: This prescription is for the Hand and Foot Tai Yin and Yang Ming channels. (1) Lian Shi: Its fierce nature can attack accumulated and hidden phlegm. (2) Da Huang: Dispels heat and removes stagnation, opening the path for downward elimination. (3) Huang Qin: Drains the Lung and cools the Heart, to pacify the upward-rising fire. (4) Chen Xiang: Can raise and lower all Qi, from heaven to earth, to guide the other herbs. (5) However, these are all strong agents, and should not be lightly administered to those with deficiency. “Shan Bu”: The prescription uses Huang Qin to clear formless heat in the chest, and Da Huang to purge the excess fire in the Spleen and Stomach. This indicates that treating phlegm must involve clearing heat. Lian Shi is fierce and drying, indicating that treating phlegm must involve removing dampness. Chen Xiang rapidly descends, indicating that treating phlegm must involve regulating Qi. The two “Huang” herbs, Lian Shi and Chen Xiang, can swiftly sweep away and directly attack old phlegm nests. Turbid and rebellious filth is not left behind, which is why it is named “Gun Tan” (Rolling Phlegm).

 【Functions】

Descend fire and expel phlegm, dissipate stagnation, promote bowel movements.

 【Indications】

Chest and diaphragm oppression caused by excessive heat and stubborn phlegm, cough with thick phlegm, constipation, or epilepsy, palpitations and mental confusion, or dizziness with excessive phlegm. “Yi Fang”: Treats stubborn heat and old phlegm, strange diseases and a hundred ailments. “Shan Bu”: A strong agent for excessive heat and old phlegm; not suitable for those with deficiency and cold.

 【Syndromes】

Acute and chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, mental disorders, dizziness, and epilepsy. Visual hallucinations.

 【Mnemonic】

Lian Shi wants two Huangs (Lian Shi, Chen Xiang, Huang Qin, Da Huang).

 【Modifications】

(1) For those with coma, add Shi Chang Pu and Yu Jin to open the orifices. (2) For those with yellow, thick, and difficult-to-expectorate phlegm, add Bei Mu and Bamboo Sap to clear heat, moisten dryness, and transform phlegm. (3) For those with severe spasms and convulsions, add Jiang Can and Gou Teng to extinguish wind and stop spasms.

 【Pharmacology】

It has the effects of expectorating phlegm, relieving asthma, inhibiting bacteria, antiviral, antipyretic, and sedative.