【Source】
《Han’s Medical Mastery (1522)》, 《Miscellaneous Diseases Broad Essentials (1853)》 quotes 《All Effective Formulas》.
【Ingredients】
Perilla Fruit (Zi Su Zi), White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi), Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi)
(3)
【Category】
<Resolving Phlegm>：White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi)
<Cough and Asthma Relief>：Perilla Fruit (Zi Su Zi)
<Promoting Digestion>：Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi)
【Formula Explanation】
《Medical Formulas》: This formula targets the Lung and Spleen meridians. (1) White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi): Eliminates phlegm. (2) Perilla Fruit (Zi Su Zi): Promotes the flow of Qi. (3) Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi): Digests food. (4) All three are medicines that promote Qi circulation and resolve phlegm. When Qi flows freely, Fire descends, and phlegm disappears. 《Handy Guide to Formulas》: Phlegm arises either from the transformation of body fluids or from water retention, and it can also result from improper digestion. All these causes stem from spleen dysfunction, preventing the transformation of ingested food into essential substances and instead turning it into phlegm. Phlegm obstruction leads to Qi stagnation, which injures the Lungs. The failure of Qi to descend results in cough, asthma, and other symptoms. Because the illness originates from food accumulation, Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi) is used to digest food and resolve phlegm. Phlegm obstructs Qi, so Perilla Seed (Zi Su Zi) is used to descend Qi and resolve phlegm. Qi stagnation causes chest congestion, so White Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi) is used to clear the diaphragm and resolve phlegm. All three herbs treat phlegm, each excelling in its specific way. With improved digestion and Qi flow, coughing and wheezing subside, and other symptoms naturally disappear.
【Functions】
Descends Qi, promotes digestion, warms and transforms phlegm-dampness.
【Indications】
Cough and asthma due to Qi rebellion and phlegm stagnation, phlegm accumulation, cough in the elderly, profuse phlegm with chest tightness, poor appetite, greasy tongue coating, and slippery pulse. 《Medical Formulas》: For the elderly with substantial Qi and abundant phlegm, experiencing asthma, fullness, and aversion to food.
【Clinical Applications】
Acute bronchitis in children, stubborn cough.
【Mnemonic】
The three seeds (Lai, Jie, Su) borrow books to learn about nourishing one’s parents. (萊芥蘇)
【Modifications】
(1) For profuse, thin phlegm, add Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) and Asarum (Xi Xin) to enhance the warming lung and phlegm-resolving effect. (2) For chest tightness, shortness of breath, and difficulty expectorating phlegm, add Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) and Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) to promote Qi and relieve asthma. (3) If there are concurrent exterior symptoms, add Peucedanum (Qian Hu) and Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye) to promote Qi and ventilate the Lungs. (4) The dosage of the three herbs should be adjusted according to the severity of the condition. (5) For those prone to constipation, add a small amount of cooked honey before taking the decoction. In cold winter, add 3 slices of Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang).
【Pharmacology】
Has anti-asthmatic, antitussive, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and thyroid function-inhibiting effects.