[Source]

“Japanese Empirical Formulas”

[Composition]

Ephedra (Ma Huang), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), Magnolia Bark (Hou Po), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye). (7 herbs)

Note: The “Shen Mi Tang” in Volume 13 of “San Yin Ji Yi” (《三因》) containing Tangerine Peel (Ju Pi), Platycodon Root (Jie Geng), Perilla (Zi Su), Ginseng (Ren Shen), and Schisandra Fruit (Wu Wei Zi) is different from this formula.

[Categories]

　<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root (Gan Cao); <Release Exterior with Acrid-Warm Herbs>: Ephedra (Ma Huang), Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye); <Release Exterior with Acrid-Cool Herbs>: Bupleurum (Chai Hu); <Aromatic Transform Dampness>: Magnolia Bark (Hou Po); <Regulate Qi>: Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi); <Relieve Cough and Calm Asthma>: Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren).

[Formula Analysis]

Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang (minus Gypsum [Shi Gao]) + Magnolia Bark (Hou Po), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye). (7 herbs)

[Mnemonic]

Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang (minus Gypsum [Shi Gao]) + <Release Exterior>: Su Chai Hou Chen Pi (Perilla Leaf, Bupleurum, Magnolia Bark, Tangerine Peel) → This is a phonetic mnemonic for “Shu Cai Hou Lian Pi” (輸才厚臉皮, meaning ‘lose talent, thick-skinned’).

[Functions]

Widen the chest and open the diaphragm, transform phlegm and relieve cough.

[Traditional Indications]

Chronic cough, sudden severe wheezing making it impossible to sit or lie down, accompanied by a gasping sound in the throat leading to breathlessness.

“Kanpo Textbook” (《漢典》): This formula is used for bronchial asthma characterized by difficulty breathing as the main complaint, with relatively little phlegm, and concurrent Qi stagnation. It is generally targeted at patients with weak abdominal strength, mild epigastric tension, fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondrium, scant phlegm, and significant dyspnea.

[Clinical Applications]

Bronchial asthma, childhood asthma, pulmonary emphysema.

[Contraindications]

Contraindicated for patients with heart conditions.

Formula Principle　”Kanpo Textbook” (《漢典》): This formula is derived by removing Gypsum (Shi Gao) from Ma Xing Gan Shi Tang, removing Pinellia (Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), and Ginger (Sheng Jiang) from Ban Xia Hou Po Tang, then combining these two modified formulas, and additionally incorporating Bupleurum (Chai Hu) and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi). Within this formula, Ephedra (Ma Huang) induces sweating, expels Wind-Cold, and treats wheezing and cough. Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren) eliminates water retention within the chest and works synergistically with Ephedra (Ma Huang) to treat wheezing and cough caused by Wind-Phlegm. Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) regulates Qi and resolves phlegm; it is an antitussive and expectorant. Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) is also an expectorant, descends rebellious Qi, and treats wheezing. Perilla Leaf (Zi Su Ye) releases the exterior, expels Wind-Cold, and works with Magnolia Bark (Hou Po) to descend Qi. Bupleurum (Chai Hu) clears heat from both the exterior and interior, and resolves pathogens in the chest and hypochondrium. Licorice Root (Gan Cao) harmonizes the various herbs and moderates urgency. This formula is mostly used for asthma occurring in individuals with a constitution similar to those for whom Xiao Chai Hu Tang is prescribed.