【Origin】

《Wen Bing Tiao Bian》

 【Composition】

Mulberry Leaf, Chrysanthemum Flower, Peppermint, Forsythia Fruit, Apricot Kernel, Platycodon Root, Licorice Root, Reed Rhizome
(8)

 【Classification】

<Tonify Spleen and Middle Jiao>: Licorice Root

<Dispel Wind-Heat with Acrid and Cold herbs (Exterior Releasing)>: Chrysanthemum Flower, Mulberry Leaf, Peppermint

<Transform Phlegm>: Platycodon Root

<Clear Heat and Reduce Fire>: Reed Rhizome

<Clear Heat and Detoxify>: Forsythia Fruit

<Stop Cough and Relieve Asthma>: Apricot Kernel

【Prescription Analysis】

《The Study of Formulas by Tang》: Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Flower are the chief herbs in this formula, used to clear and disseminate the lung collaterals, and disperse wind-heat. Peppermint, Apricot Kernel, and Platycodon Root are the deputy herbs, used to disperse wind-heat, descend lung qi, and stop cough. Forsythia Fruit and Reed Rhizome are the assistant herbs, used to clear heat, expel pathogenic factors, generate fluids, and stop cough. Licorice Root is the envoy herb, used to harmonize the other herbs.

 【Functions】

Dispel wind and clear heat, disseminate lung qi and stop cough.

 【Indications】

Early stage of Warm-Wind disease, presenting with cough, mild fever, slight thirst, thin white tongue coating, and floating rapid pulse.

 【Applications】

Early stage of common cold, influenza, upper respiratory tract infection, acute bronchitis, pneumonia, whooping cough, acute conjunctivitis.

 【Mnemonics】

: Sang, Ju, Bo, Wei, Lian, Jie, Xing, Gan → Formula name + Bo Wei connects heart and liver treasures.

 【Modifications】

(1) For sore throat, add Lycopodium, Scrophularia Root, Achyranthes Root, Burdock Seed to clear heat and benefit the throat. (2) For wind-heat attacking the head and eyes, with red, gritty, and painful eyes, add White Tribulus Seed, Cassia Seed, Prunella Spike to clear and disperse wind-heat. (3) For severe lung heat with cough and thick phlegm, add Scutellaria Root, Trichosanthes Fruit, Fritillary Bulb to clear heat and stop cough. (4) For crimson tongue and evening fever, with severe dryness, indicating the pathogen has just entered the Ying level, add Rehmannia Root (Raw), Rhinoceros Horn to clear the Ying level and nourish fluids. (5) If the condition enters the Blood level, remove Peppermint and Reed Rhizome, and add Ophiopogon Tuber, Rehmannia Root (Raw), Moutan Bark, Solomon’s Seal Rhizome to nourish Yin and cool the blood. (6) For coarse breathing resembling asthma, indicating dryness in the Qi level, add Gypsum (Selenite), Anemarrhena Rhizome to enhance the effect of clearing the lung. (7) For thirst, add Trichosanthes Fruit (Radix).

 【Pharmacology】

Has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, antibacterial, and inhibitory effects on hyperactive intestinal peristalsis.