[Source]

“Wen Bing Tiao Bian” (Discussions on Warm Diseases)

 [Composition]

Sha Shen (Adenophora root), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon tuber), Yu Zhu (Solomon’s seal rhizome), Gan Cao (Licorice root), Sang Ye (Mulberry leaf), Bai Bian Dou (Hyacinth bean), Gualou Gen (Trichosanthes root)
(7)

 [Category]

<Nourishing Yin>: Mai Men Dong, Sha Shen, Yu Zhu

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Qi>: Gan Cao, Bai Bian Dou

<Dispersing Wind-Heat>: Sang Ye

<Clearing Heat and Reducing Fire>: Gualou Gen

[Analysis of the Formula]

In this formula, Sha Shen and Mai Men Dong, being sweet and cool in nature, nourish Yin, generate fluids, and clear and nourish the Lung and Stomach. Yu Zhu and Gualou Gen, used together, can generate fluids, quench thirst, nourish Yin, and benefit the Stomach. Bian Dou and raw Gan Cao enter the Spleen, tonifying the Middle and strengthening the Spleen, thereby enhancing the source of fluid and blood generation. Sang Ye, being acrid and cool, is lightly dispersing and clears the Lung with coolness. The combined action of these herbs creates the effect of clearing and moistening the Lung and Stomach, generating fluids, and relieving cough.

 [Functions]

Clears and nourishes the Lung and Stomach, generates fluids, and moistens dryness.

 [Indications]

Dryness damaging the Lung and Stomach, deficiency of fluids, dry cough with little phlegm, red tongue with scanty coating, etc.

 [Clinical Applications]

Dry cough, infantile stomatitis, infantile cough and wheezing, protracted infantile pneumonia, chronic atrophic gastritis, chronic pharyngitis.

 [Mnemonic]

Formula name + Scratched by dry Bian Dou Yu Pian (Gan Bian Yu Gua Sang).

 [Pharmacology]

Possesses antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, anti-allergic effects, enhances immune function, and improves tolerance to hypoxia.