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Cough-Stopping Powder
止嗽散 〔止嗽散〕zhǐ sòu sǎn
Source: Yī Xué Xīn Wù 医学心悟
Ingredients:
- Jīng jiè (荆芥 Schizonepetae Herba, schizonepeta) 6–9g
- Jié gěng (桔梗 Platycodonis Radix, platycodon [root]) 3–6g
- Zǐ wǎn (紫菀 Asteris Radix, aster [root]) 6–9g
- Bǎi bù (百部 Stemonae Radix, stemona [root]) 6–9g
- Bái qián (白前 Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma, willowleaf swallowwort [rhizome]) 6–9g
- Chén pí (陈皮 Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, tangerine peel) 6–9g
- Gān cǎo (甘草 Glycyrrhizae Radix, licorice [root]) 3–4.5g
Action: Suppresses cough and transforms phlegm; courses wind and resolves the exterior.
Indication: Persistent cough due to external contraction with difficulty in expectorating phlegm, and in some cases slight aversion to cold, heat effusion, and headache. Tongue fur: Thin and white. Pulse: Floating and moderate.
Category: Phlegm-dispelling formulas / Wind-relieving phlegm-transforming formula
Method: The original formula says tangerine peel without the white part. Now normally prepared as a decoction.
Rationale: Bǎi bù moistens the lung and relieves cough. Zǐ wǎn relieves cough and transforms phlegm. Bái qián downbears qì and relieves cough. Jié gěng diffuses the lung and dispels phlegm. Chén pí rectifies qì and transforms phlegm. Gān cǎo moistens the lung and transforms phlegm, as well as harmonizing all the agents of the formula. Jīng jiè suì courses wind and resolves the exterior, dispelling the exterior evils go and allowing lung qì to diffuse normally.
Variations:
- Exterior pattern due to externally contracted wind-cold: Add Fáng fēng (防风 Saposhnikoviae Radix, saposhnikovia) and Zǐ sū yè (紫苏叶 Perillae Folium, perilla leaf).
Cough with copious phlegm: Add Bàn xià (半夏 Pinelliae Rhizoma, pinellia [rhizome]) and Fú líng (茯苓 Poria , poria).Cough ing of phlegm that brings no relief from discomfort: Add Shè gān (射干 Belamcandae Rhizoma, belamcanda [root]) and Niú bàng zǐ (牛蒡子 Arctii Fructus, arctium [seed]).- Damp-
heat cough : Add Qián hú (前胡 Peucedani Radix, peucedanum [root]) and Dòu kòu (豆蔻 Amomi Fructus Rotundus, cardamom).