【Source】

“Shang Han Lun”

 【Composition】

Gui Zhi, Shao Yao, Sheng Jiang, Hou Po, Zhi Gan Cao, Xing Ren, Da Zao
(7)

 【Category】

<Blood Nourishing>: Shao Yao

<Spleen and Middle Qi Tonifying>: Gan Cao, Da Zao

<Exterior Releasing (Acrid-Warm)>: Sheng Jiang, Gui Zhi

<Dampness Resolving (Aromatic)>: Hou Po

<Cough and Wheezing Relieving>: Xing Ren

【Formula Rationale】

“Nei Tai Fang Yi”: For slight wheezing after purgation, it indicates the internal Qi rising rebelliously, and the evil Qi in the exterior, thus this formula is indicated. It uses 桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang to release the exterior evil, with the addition of Hou Po and Xing Ren as assistants to descend rebellious Qi. “Shang Han Lun Yi”: Wheezing is a symptom of Ma Huang. In this formula, the efficacy for treating wheezing lies with Xing Ren. Gui Zhi does not originally treat wheezing. This is because after inappropriate purgation, although the exterior is not fully released, the pores have opened. Thus, Ma Huang should not be used, and Gui Zhi is suitable. The reason for using Gui Zhi is that it contains Shao Yao. With the astringent property of Shao Yao, if only Xing Ren were added, although the wheezing is slight, it may not be sufficient. Therefore, Hou Po must be added for its acrid-warm nature to assist Gui Zhi in releasing the muscles, and to assist Xing Ren in descending Qi. Therefore, for any patient with wheezing who should not use 麻黃湯/’>Ma Huang Tang but uses 桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang, adding Hou Po and Xing Ren is an excellent method. “Shang Han Lun Fang Jie”: This formula is composed of 桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang with the addition of Hou Po and Xing Ren. Hou Po not only has the effect of expelling phlegm and saliva but also can smooth the stagnation of Qi. Xing Ren has the effect of relieving wheezing and suppressing cough. Adding these two herbs to 桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang is designed for those with excessive phlegm and wheezing cough.

 【Functions】

Release the muscles and dispel wind, descend Qi and relieve wheezing.

 【Indications】

Wind-cold invasion, headache, fever, sweating, aversion to wind, wheezing, floating and slow pulse, thin white tongue coating. For those with a history of asthma, exogenous wind-cold, aversion to cold, fever, headache, spontaneous sweating, nasal congestion, wheezing cough.

 【Applicable Symptoms】

Chronic bronchitis, infantile bronchial asthma, adenovirus pneumonia, etc.

 【Mnemonic】

Formula name. 桂枝湯/’>Gui Zhi Tang + Hou Po and Xing Zi