[Source]

“Dan Xi Xin Fa” Vol. 2.

 [Composition]

Indigo Naturalis, Tendril Seed, Chebulic Myrobalan, Calcined Oyster Shell, Gardenia Seed
(5)

 [Classification]

<Phlegm-resolving>: Tendril Seed

<Astringent>: Chebulic Myrobalan

<Clearing Heat and Purging Fire>: Gardenia Seed

<Clearing Heat and Detoxifying>: Indigo Naturalis

[Formula Analysis]

“Yi Fang”: This is a formula for the hand Tai Yin channel. The Liver is the official of the general. Liver fire ascending can scorch the Heart and Lungs, leading to coughing and blood in phlegm. Indigo Naturalis purges the Liver and regulates blood, dispersing the pent-up fire of the five Zang organs; Gardenia cools the Heart and clears the Lungs, guiding pathogenic heat downward; these two ingredients treat fire. Tendril moistens dryness and liquefies phlegm, an essential herb for treating cough; Calcined Oyster Shell softens hardness and stops cough, clearing the source of water; these two ingredients reduce fire and also move phlegm. Chebulic Myrobalan is added because it can astringe the Lungs and calm phlegm and asthma.

 [Functions]

Clears and resolves phlegm, stops cough and bleeding.

 [Indications]

Ascending Liver fire that dries the Lungs, cough with blood in phlegm, thick and viscous phlegm, difficulty expectorating, vexation, thirst, red cheeks, constipation, yellow tongue coating, and wiry, rapid pulse.

 [Syndromes]

Coughing blood caused by respiratory diseases such as bronchiectasis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

 [Mnemonic]

The sea oyster shell heart (Chebulic Myrobalan, Indigo, Tendril, Gardenia, Sea Oyster Shell) can be seen in the glamorous courtesans of the blue house.

 [Modifications]

(1) If cough is severe and phlegm is abundant, add Zhe Bei Mu, Tian Zhu Huang, and Loquat Leaf to clear the Lungs, resolve phlegm, and stop cough. (2) If pathogenic fire injures Yin, add Mai Dong and Sha Shen to clear the Lungs and nourish Yin.