bubble_chart Preparation and Dosage Ephedra (Herba Ephedrae)
de-noded 9gm (3 liǎng) Asarum (Herba Asari)
9gm (3 liǎng) Pineilia (Rhizoma Pinelliae)
washed 9gm (half shēng) bubble_chart Efficacy
Releasing the external and resolving retained fluid, relieving cough and calming asthma.
bubble_chart Indications
- Wind-cold affecting the exterior, with internal retention of fluid, aversion to cold with fever, absence of sweating, cough, wheezing, profuse and thin sputum, moist and slippery tongue coating, absence of thirst, and floating and tight pulse.
- Treats phlegm-fluid retention with cough and wheezing or body aches and heaviness, and swelling of the limbs and face.
bubble_chart Formula Principles
This is a treatment formula for exterior excess with internal fluid retention. The formula uses Ephedra and Cinnamon Twig to induce sweating and release the exterior; Asarum, Dried Ginger, and Pinellia to warm and disperse the internal fluid retention; Peony Root and Schisandra Fruit to astringe. The combination of medicinals for relieving the exterior with astringents can prevent the excessive dissipation of lung qi.
bubble_chart Pattern Identification
- Cough with wheezing.
- Profuse and clear phlegm.
- No thirst.
- Slippery tongue coating.
- Floating and tight pulse.
bubble_chart Formula Modification
- If thirsty, remove Pineilia and add Trichosanthes Root 9g;
- if slightly beneficial, remove Ephedra and add Genkwa Flower(roasted until red) 5g;
- if choking, remove Ephedra and add Aconite Lateral Root(processed) 1 piece;
- if dysuria, with slight abdominal distension and fullness, remove Ephedra and add Poria 12g;
- if wheezing, remove Ephedra and add Bitter Apricot Seed(peeled and tips removed) 9g.
- For cold deficiency with rapid wheezing: add Poria and Bitter Apricot Seed.
- For fever and sore throat: add Platycodon Root, Gypsum, and common andrographis herb.
- For lung heat with wheezing and thirst: add Skullcap Root and Gypsum.
- For yin deficiency with severe night cough: combine with Lily Bulb Metal-Securing Decoction.
bubble_chart Modern Application
This formula reduces inflammation, expels phlegm, relieves spasms of tracheal smooth muscles, promotes alveolar blood circulation, and enhances lung ventilation. It is used for common cold, influenza, bronchitis, panting, bronchiectasis, lung qi swelling, whooping cough, intercostal neuralgia, acute and chronic nephritis, edema, conjunctivitis, eczema, blisters, ascites, hypertrophic rhinitis, allergic rhinitis, and excessive salivation.