[Source]

Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang, Vol. 2 (Shaoxing Supplementary Formulas).

 [Composition]

Perilla leaf (purple perilla stem and leaves), Cyperus rotundus, Tangerine peel (aged orange peel), Licorice (honey-fried licorice), Scallion white, Fresh ginger
(6)

<Regulating Qi>: Tangerine peel, Cyperus rotundus

<Tonifying Spleen and Middle Qi>: Licorice

<Releasing Exterior with Pungent Warmth>: Scallion white, Fresh ginger, Perilla leaf

[Formula Meaning]

Yifang: This is a formula for the Taiyin channel of the hand. Perilla leaf disperses external cold by regulating qi on the exterior, Cyperus rotundus moves qi internally to resolve internal stagnation, tangerine peel can assist by acting on both exterior and interior, and licorice harmonizes the middle and can also assist in releasing the exterior. “Handian”: This is an exterior-releasing formula used for mild cases of the common cold. It is suitable for those who find Ge Gen Tang too strong and Gui Zhi Tang too cloying for chest discomfort. It is also most suitable for the common cold accompanied by qi stagnation and constraint, as it was originally designed to disperse and regulate depressed qi. The pulse is often deep rather than floating, as seen in Ge Gen Tang or Gui Zhi Tang syndromes, and generally without a tongue coating. Subjective symptoms include a feeling of fullness or blockage in the chest and epigastrium, sometimes with pain in the epigastrium or abdomen, low mood, aversion to movement, and accompanying neurological symptoms such as head numbness, heaviness, tinnitus, and dizziness. Due to qi stagnation leading to liver depression, this formula is highly effective for colds in individuals who normally experience sour regurgitation, heartburn, or belching. However, it should not be used for colds in those who sweat easily or are severely weakened. Furthermore, even when not experiencing a cold, this formula can treat qi stagnation, making it effective for various gynecological conditions, such as neurological symptoms related to the blood path, neurasthenia, and functional nervous system disorders like hysteria. The formula is named Xiang Su San because it primarily uses Cyperus rotundus and Perilla leaf. Perilla leaf is an diaphoretic, dispersing evil qi from the exterior of the spleen and stomach, promoting blood circulation, and stimulating nerves. It is also known to treat fish poisoning, hence it is suitable for treating urticaria caused by fish poisoning. Cyperus rotundus dispels stagnation and guides nerves back to normal activity. Tangerine peel strengthens the stomach and resolves phlegm, while also counteracting stagnation. Licorice harmonizes the herbs and also strengthens the stomach.

 [Functions]

Regulate qi and harmonize the middle, release the exterior and disperse cold.

 [Efficacy]

External contraction of wind-cold with internal qi stagnation, characterized by chills and fever, headache without sweating, chest and epigastric fullness, poor appetite, thin white tongue coating, and floating pulse. An exterior-releasing formula for mild cases of the common cold.

 [Indications]

Common cold, spring colds with weakened gastrointestinal function, gastrointestinal type influenza, fish poisoning, urticaria, amenorrhea, menstrual pain, neurasthenia, hysteria, and abdominal pain not suitable for formulas like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

 [Contraindications]

Contraindicated for external contraction of wind-heat.

 [Mnemonic]

Chen Lao Fu Su (Tangerine peel, Licorice, two old ones (referring to aged ingredients), Cyperus rotundus, Perilla leaf).

 [Modifications]

(1) If exterior symptoms are more severe, add Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia root to enhance the exterior-releasing effect. (2) If headache is more severe, add Ligusticum wallichii and Angelica dahurica to relieve pain. (3) If accompanied by cough, add Apricot kernel and Peucedanum to stop coughing. (4) If qi stagnation and chest/epigastric fullness are more severe, add Magnolia bark and Costus root to enhance qi-regulating effect. (5) If accompanied by food accumulation, add roasted Hawthorn and Radish seed to resolve accumulation and strengthen the stomach. (6) Adding Schizonepeta, Saposhnikovia root, Gentiana, Ligusticum wallichii, Vitex rotundifolia, and Fresh ginger to this formula creates Jia Wei Xiang Su San (Modified Xiang Su San) from Yixue Xinwu, which treats common colds in all seasons, headache, stiff neck, nasal congestion, runny nose, body aches, fever and chills without sweating, thin white tongue coating, and floating pulse. (7) Combining this formula with Cong Chi Tang results in Xiang Su Cong Chi Tang from Tongsu Shanghan Lun, which treats common colds in pregnant women.

 [Pharmacology]

Has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antipyretic, analgesic, sedative, antitussive, antispasmodic, and expectorant effects.