Category: Breathing, acute attack, hidden pathogen, skin, lung system, immunity.

Use of the formula according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• transforms cold phlegm, drains dampness
• descends rebellious Lung and Stomach Qi
• restores the Qi mechanism
• stops dyspnoea and cough
• strengthens the Spleen

Description:

A formula from the 11th century, which was created by modifying the famous Perilla Seed Decoction, compiled in the 7th century by the great physician and teacher Sun Si-Miao. Su Zi Jiang Qi Wan is a formula intended for the treatment of asthmatic problems caused by the presence of so-called "cold phlegm", often in cases of "deeply" seated asthma. This usually involves a larger amount of white, watery phlegm that causes dyspnoea, wheezing and chronic cough. In addition to acute and chronic cold asthma, the formula can be used very effectively for chronic bronchitis (manifesting again as cough and phlegm), for the same type of cough caused by a cold, emphysema or smoker's cough, or possibly cough in the elderly who tend to have a "runny nose", which also corresponds to this pattern. It is a condition characterised by "excess" – phlegm above and deficiency (usually of Kidney Qi, which helps the lungs to breathe) below.

Perilla seed is the primary herb; it transforms phlegm, helps Lung Qi to descend, and thus relaxes the lungs. Other herbs help to drain phlegm and restore the proper Qi mechanism, but they also support the centre and replenish Qi and blood. In our modification, we have enriched the mixture with Ephedra, which powerfully relaxes lungs attacked by cold, and its "helping hand" – apricot seed. This combination is extremely effective in the treatment of "deeply seated" phlegm and "acute asthma". This is further aided by Sophora root with its anti-inflammatory and, as has been modernly discovered, antihistamine effects.

Indications:

• dyspnoea
• wheezing, whistling in the lungs
• short inhalation, difficult exhalation
• rapid breathing
• cough
• breathlessness
• chest tightness

Modern effects:

• allergic asthma
• chronic bronchitis
• pulmonary emphysema
• associated atopic eczema
• dyspnoea and productive cough with white phlegm

Tongue:

• may be swollen
• thick white and moist coating

Pulse:

• hua

Contraindications:

• the mixture is not suitable for the treatment of hot-type asthma (yellow-green phlegm), nor in cases of dominant Lung deficiency (phlegm is not significant, exertional dyspnoea dominates)

Note:

the patient should avoid cold and wind and exclude from their diet raw, cold, greasy and heavy products that cause phlegm.

Composition of the formula: