【Source】

“Prescriptions for Emergencies and Thousand Gold Relief”

 【Composition】

Reed stem, Coix seed, Winter melon seed, Peach kernel
(4)

 【Classification】

<Purgatives>: Reed stem

<Blood-invigorating and Stasis-removing>: Peach kernel

<Diuresis and Dampness-dispelling>: Coix seed, Winter melon seed

【Formula Meaning】

According to “Commentary on Convenient Formulas”: Abscesses (Yong) means accumulation, like stagnant water that does not flow. Therefore, the symptoms of lung abscess are all caused by the accumulation of phlegm, blood, and fire evil in the lungs, which eventually forms pus. Peach kernel and winter melon seed are both moistening and drying agents, one promotes circulation of blood stasis, and the other transforms turbidity. Reed stem clears heat and purifies the upper part, while Coix seed dispels dampness and descends. Although the formula is mild, its power to dissipate knots, promote circulation, transform phlegm, and remove heat is not lacking. As the disease is in the upper jiao, it is not desirable to harm the lower part with heavy and thick medicines.

 【Functions】

Clears the lungs and transforms phlegm, disperses stasis and expels pus.

 【Indications】

Lung abscess, characterized by cough with slight fever, expectoration of yellow phlegm; severe cases may involve coughing up foul phlegm, pus, and blood, with dull pain in the chest, especially when coughing. Red tongue with greasy yellow coating, slippery and rapid pulse.

 【Indications】

Lung abscess, pulmonary abscess, pneumonia, cardiopulmonary disease, pediatric bronchitis, etc.

 【Contraindications】

(1) Most of the herbs in this formula are slippery and lubricating, and have the effect of invigorating blood and removing stasis. (2) Use with caution in pregnant women.

 【Mnemonic】

Recall wearing a skirt in winter to pick peaches (薏冬葦莖桃 – Coix seed, Winter melon, Reed stem, Peach kernel).

 【Additions and Subtractions】

(1) For severe lung heat, add Houttuynia cordata and Honeysuckle flower to enhance the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying. (2) For chest pain, add Fritillary bulb peel, Balloon flower root, and Corydalis tuber to promote qi circulation, relieve chest oppression, and stop pain. (3) For qi deficiency, add Astragalus and Codonopsis pilosula to tonify qi. (4) For flank pain, add Bupleurum and Green tangerine peel to soothe the liver, promote qi circulation, and relieve pain. (5) For latent heat, add White Pennisetum root and Mulberry bark to enhance heat clearing. (6) For established pus with abundant phlegm, add Platycodon root, Licorice, and Fritillary bulb to strengthen the action of transforming phlegm and expelling pus.

 【Pharmacology】

It has been shown to enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages, resist cold, resist fatigue, and improve blood rheology.