【Source】

《A Discussion of Warm Diseases》

 【Composition】

Mulberry Leaf, Apricot Kernel, Glehnia Root, Elephant Shell (Zhe Fritillary Bulb), Fragrant Bean (Fermented Soybeans), Gardenia Fruit (Gardenia Fruit Peel), Pear Skin
(7)

 【Classification】

<Nourishing Yin>: Glehnia Root

<Dispelling Exterior with Acrid and Cooling Herbs>: Mulberry Leaf, Fermented Soybeans

<Clearing Heat and Purging Fire>: Gardenia Fruit

<Stopping Cough and Wheezing>: Elephant Shell, Apricot Kernel, Pear Skin

【Formula Rationale】

From “Formulas of Traditional Chinese Medicine” (Tang Dynasty): Mulberry Leaf lightly disperses dry heat; Apricot Kernel disperses and benefits lung Qi, moistens dryness, and stops cough, together forming the principal herbs of the formula. Fermented Soybeans are acrid and cooling to dispel the exterior and assist Mulberry Leaf in clearing and dispersing heat. Glehnia Root moistens the lungs, stops cough, and generates fluids. Pear skin clears heat and moistens dryness, together forming the secondary herbs of the formula. Gardenia Fruit peel is light in nature and enters the upper burner, clearing and purging lung heat. Fritillary Bulb resolves phlegm and stops cough, together forming the assisting herbs of the formula.

 【Functions】

Clear, Disperse, Cool, and Moisten

 【Indications】

External contraction of warm dryness, headache, body fever, thirst, dry cough without phlegm, red tongue, thin and dry white coating, rapid right pulse.

 【Mnemonic】

Shang Xing You Bei Lai Sha Zhu Mu Qie Shi Zhu Pi (Mulberry, Apricot, Fritillary, Glehnia, Gardenia, Soybeans, Pear Skin).

 【Modifications】

(1) If the throat is dry and sore, add Burdock Seed to clear the throat. (2) If there is epistaxis, add Imperata Rhizome to cool the blood and stop bleeding. (3) If there is yellow and thick phlegm, add Trichosanthes Fruit Peel and Aristolochia to clear heat and resolve phlegm.