【Sources】

“Dan Xi Xin Fa Fu Yu Fang (Supplements to Danxi’s Experiential Prescriptions)” (1347), “Yi Fang Kao (Examination of Medical Formulas)” (1584), “Yan Fang (Verified Formulas)” (1846)

 【Composition】

Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia), Arisaema cum Bile (Dan Xing), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) (Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Bitter Apricot Kernel (Ku Xing Ren), Trichosanthes Seed (Gua Lou Ren), Scutellaria root (Huang Qin), Poria (Fu Ling)
(8 ingredients)

 【Categories of Ingredients】

<Regulating Qi>: Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)

<Clearing Heat and Drying Dampness>: Scutellaria root (Huang Qin)

<Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Diuresis>: Poria (Fu Ling)

<Transforming Phlegm>: Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia), Arisaema cum Bile (Dan Xing), Trichosanthes Seed (Gua Lou Ren)

<Relieving Cough and Calming Asthma>: Bitter Apricot Kernel (Ku Xing Ren)

【Formula Explanation】

“Yi Fang” (Medical Formulas) states: This formula addresses disorders of the Lung and Spleen meridians, serving as a general remedy for phlegm-fire. (1) Stagnant Qi can generate fire, and fire can drive the formation of phlegm. Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia) and Arisaema (Nan Xing, which is Dan Xing in this context) dry dampness and resolve phlegm. (2) Scutellaria root (Huang Qin) and Trichosanthes (Gua Lou) clear heat. (3) Dried Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) regulates internal Qi. (4) Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) descends rebellious Qi. (5) Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi) breaks up stagnant Qi. (6) Poria (Fu Ling) promotes water circulation. (7) Dampness, water retention, fire, and heat are all root causes of phlegm production. When Qi becomes excessive, it turns into fire; when the fire recedes, it returns to normal Qi. Therefore, transforming phlegm must first involve clearing Qi.

 【Functions】

Clears heat and transforms phlegm, regulates Qi and relieves cough. Clears lung heat and relieves cough, descends rebellious Qi and transforms phlegm.

 【Indications】

Various phlegm-fire syndromes, characterized by internal accumulation of phlegm-heat, cough with yellow, thick, sticky phlegm, shortness of breath, asthma, nausea, vomiting, chest and diaphragm fullness, palpitations and restlessness, scanty and dark urine, red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse. “Yi Fang”: Hot phlegm.

 【Modern Applications】

Pneumonia, lung abscess, acute and chronic bronchitis, and pulmonary tuberculosis.

 【Contraindications】

(1) This formula is a representative prescription for clearing lung heat and transforming phlegm, primarily used for cough, asthma, and other conditions caused by phlegm-heat in the Lung meridian. It should not be used by individuals without substantial heat phlegm, or those with weakness and loose stools. It is not suitable for wind-cold cough or dry cough without phlegm. (2) Contraindicated for pregnant women. (3) Avoid pungent and spicy foods.

 【Mnemonic】

“Qing Qu Hua Yuan Tan” (清氣化痰 – Clear Qi, Transform Phlegm) sounds like “Please go to the garden to talk.”
“Si Ling Rou Qing, Hong Xing Xia Xing” (司令柔情，紅杏嚇醒) sounds like “The commander’s tenderness, red apricot frightens awake.” This corresponds to (枳)實 (Zhi Shi), (茯)苓 (Fu Ling), (栝)樓 (Gua Lou), (黃)芩 (Huang Qin), (橘)紅 (Ju Hong), (苦杏)杏 (Xing Ren), (半)夏 (Ban Xia), (膽)星 (Dan Xing).

 【Modifications】

(1) For heat constipation, add Rhubarb root (Da Huang) to purge fire and unblock the bowels. (2) For excessive phlegm, add Fritillary bulb (Bei Mu) to resolve phlegm. (3) For severe lung heat, add Gypsum (Shi Gao) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu) to clear lung heat. (4) For abundant phlegm and shortness of breath, add Houttuynia cordata (Yu Xing Cao) and Mulberry root bark (Sang Bai Pi) to clear heat and transform phlegm.

 【Pharmacological Actions】

Mainly has antitussive, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, antibacterial, and immune-modulating effects.