Exterior-releasing herbs are those that dispel pathogenic factors while in the superficial portion of the body. These herbs have a pungent flavor, cause sweating, and release the exterior. They are further divided into warm-pungent and cool-pungent classes. The warm-pungent herbs release wind-cold exterior syndromes, while the cool-pungent herbs release wind-heat exterior syndromes. Some of the herbs have additional functions, such as treating edema, stopping cough and asthma, bringing measles to the body surface, promoting the lungs’ dispersing function, and strengthening water metabolism. Some herbs also dispel wind and damp and stop pain. The herbs that release the exterior should be used with caution: overdosage may cause heavy sweating and consumption of Yang-Qi and body fluids, thus weakening the body. These herbs are also contraindicated in the advanced stage of febrile diseases accompanied by exhaustion of body fluids, chronic boils and carbuncles, urinary dysfunction, and loss of blood.
Prescriptions that are composed mainly of diaphoretics, and have the function of promoting sweating, expelling pathogenic factors from muscles and skin, and promoting eruptions, and which are used to treat exterior syndromes, are called “Exterior-relieving Prescriptions.”
As with individual herbs that treat exterior syndromes, prescriptions are classified as to whether they relate to exterior cold or exterior heat syndromes. Accordingly, those which relieve exterior cold syndrome are predominantly composed of herbs that are pungent in flavor and warm in property. Their main function is to expel wind and cold (i.e. to drive out the exterior wind-cold syndrome). On the other hand, prescriptions mainly composed of pungent and cool herbs have a capacity to dispel wind and remove heat, making them applicable to an exterior syndrome caused by wind and heat.
In order to maintain the herbs’ properties and curative effects, prescriptions for relieving exterior syndromes should be decocted for a minimal period of time. Additionally, large dosages are not advised, as they may cause excessive sweating. The patient should drink the decoction while it is hot and remember to keep their body warm afterward to ensure mild perspiration all over the body — thus expelling the pathogenic factors from the exterior. Finally, the patient treated with a Exterior-relieving Formula must avoid cold, raw, greasy, or otherwise difficult-to-digest foods.
Herbs That Release Exterior Syndromes
(1) Herbs that release exterior Cold Syndrome （发散风寒药）
The main function of warm-pungent herbs is to dispel wind and cold. They are indicated in wind-cold excess exterior syndrome and are accompanied by chills, fever, absence of sweating, headache, a thin white tongue coating, and a superficial tense pulse. In addition, these herbs can be used to treat cough, asthma, edema, and pain caused by invasion of wind-damp. As warm-pungent herbs may cause heavy sweating, proper dosages should be used.
(i) Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Ephedrae
Part Used: Twigs or stem
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung and urinary bladder
| Functions: | (a) | To promote diaphoresis; |
| (b) | To pacify asthma; | |
| (c) | To benefit urination. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold type of exterior syndrome, manifested as chills, fever, headache, general pain, nasal obstruction, absence of sweating, a thin white tongue coating, and a superficial tense pulse. In such cases, Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
) is used with Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
).
(b)Cough and asthma due to invasion of exogenous wind and cold. Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren, 
).
(c)Edema with exterior syndrome; this disease in traditional Chinese medicine is similar to acute nephritic edema in Western medicine. Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
) is used with Gypsum (Shi Gao, 
).
(d)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb causes heavy sweating. It should be used with caution in deficiency conditions with sweating or asthma and cough due to failure of the kidneys in receiving Qi.
(ii) Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Ramulus Cinnamomi
Part Used: Twigs
Properties: Pungent, sweet, and warm
Channel Tropism: Heart, lung, and urinary bladder
| Functions: | (a) | To promote diaphoresis and relieve exterior syndrome; |
| (b) | To promote blood circulation; | |
| (c) | To warm the meridians and disperse cold. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold type of exterior syndrome. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are often paired with Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
) to increase the herb’s diaphoretic action.
(b)Wind-cold type of exterior deficiency syndrome, manifested as sweating, aversion to wind, fever, and a superficial tardy pulse. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are used with White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(c)Arthritic pain caused by invasion of exogenous wind, cold, and damp manifested as soreness and pain in the joints, limbs, shoulders and back. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are used with prepared aconite root (Fu Zi, 
).
(d)Deficiency of yang in the heart and spleen manifested as palpitations, edema, and shortness of breath. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are used with Poria (Fu Ling, 
) and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
).
(e)Weakness of Yang in the chest (including what is known as Angina pectoris in Western medicine) manifested as pain in the chest, palpitations, or an intermittent pulse. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are used with Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, 
) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
).
(f)Abdominal pain of amenorrhea due to cold invasion and blood stasis. Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) are used with Peach seed (Tao Ren, 
), Moutan bark (Mu Dan Pi, 
), and Poria (Fu Ling, 
).
(g)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: The herb is contraindicated in warm-febrile disease, as well as cases of deficient Yin with heat signs. It should be used with caution in pregnant women.
(iii) Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens
Part Used: Rhizome
Properties: Pungent and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung, spleen, and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To promote diaphoresis and release the exterior; |
| (b) | To warm the spleen and stomach and alleviate vomiting; | |
| (c) | To warm the lungs and alleviate cough. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome, manifested as chills, fever, headache, and nasal obstruction. The herb is used in combination with other herbs to strengthen their diaphoretic function.
(b)Vomiting due to cold in the stomach. Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
) is often used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, 
) for vomiting due to heat in the stomach. Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
) should be used with Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, 
) and Coptis root (Huang Lian, 
).
(c)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in Yin deficiency with excessive heat in the interior.
(iv) Elsholtzia (Xiang Ru, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Elsholtziae
Part Used and Dosage: The entire plant; 3–10 g
Properties: Pungent and slightly warm
Channel Tropism: Lung and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To promote diaphoresis and release the exterior; |
| (b) | To resolve dampness and harmonize the spleen and stomach; | |
| (c) | To promote water metabolism and release edema. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome occurring in the summer, manifested as chills, fever, headache, absence of sweating, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Elsholtzia (Xiang Ru, 
) is used with Hyacinth bean (Bian Dou, 
).
(b)Edema and dysuria. Elsholtzia (Xiang Ru, 
) is used with White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
).
(c)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in deficiency exterior syndrome with sweating.
(v) Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba seu Flos Schizonepetae
Part Used: The aerial part of the plant
Properties: Pungent and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior and expel wind; |
| (b) | To stop bleeding. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome, manifested as headache, chills, fever, and absence of sweating. Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) and Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
).
(b)Wind-heat exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, headache, sore throat, and slight sweating or no sweating. Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) is used with Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
), Mentha (Bo He, 
) and Platycodon root (Jie Geng, 
).
(c)Measles and skin eruptions with itching. Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) is used with Mentha (Bo He, 
), Cicada slough (Chan Tui, 
) and Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
to bring the rash to the surface and alleviate itching.
(d)Carbonized Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) is used with other herbs that stop bleeding.
(e)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: To stop bleeding, this herb should be carbonized (or baked until yellow and black in color).
(vi) Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Ledebouriellae
Part Used: Root
Properties: Pungent, sweet, and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung, liver, spleen, and urinary bladder
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior and expel wind; |
| (b) | To expel wind-dampness and alleviate pain; | |
| (c) | To alleviate spasms. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, chills, headache, and general pain. Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) is used with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) and Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
).
(b)Wind-heat exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, sore throat, red eyes, and headache. Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) is used with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
), Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
), Mentha (Bo He, and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
).
(c)Wind-cold-damp Bi Syndrome, manifested as joint pain and spasms of the limbs. Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) is used with Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
) and Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
).
(d)Urticaria and itching of the skin. Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) is used with Flavescent sophora root (Ku Shen, 
) and Cicada slough (Chan Tui, 
).
(e)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution for spasms due to blood deficiency, and is contraindicated for cases of deficient Yin with heat signs.
(vii) Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii
Part Used: Root and Rhizome
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm
Channel Tropism: Kidney and urinary bladder
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior and disperse cold; |
| (b) | To dispel wind and eliminate dampness; | |
| (c) | To stop pain. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome, manifested as chills, fever, headache, and severe general pain. Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
), Dahurian angelica (Bai Zhi, 
) and Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu, 
).
(b)Wind-cold-damp Bi Syndrome, manifested as joint pain, and soreness and pain in the shoulders and upper back. Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo, 
) is used with Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
) and Turmeric (Jiang Huang, 
).
(c)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: The herb is contraindicated in joint pain due to deficient blood and headache due to deficient Yin.
(viii) Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Angelicae Dahuricae
Part Used: Root
Properties: Pungent and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To expel wind and release the exterior; |
| (b) | To reduce swelling and discharge pus and dampness; | |
| (c) | To stop pain. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-cold exterior syndrome, manifested by headache, supraorbital pain, and nasal obstruction. Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
) is used with Chinese green onion (Cong Bai, 
), Prepared soybean (Dou Chi, 
) and Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
).
(b)Thick and sticky nasal discharge as in rhinitis and nasosinusitis. Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
) is used with Xanthium fruit (Cang Er Zi, 
) and Magnolia flower (Xin Yi, 
).
(c)Boils, carbuncles, ulcerations, and skin diseases, Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, 
), and Dandelion herb (Pu Gong Ying, 
).
(d)Damp-cold leucorrhea, manifested as watery, whitish, and profuse leukorrhea with no offensive odor. Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
) is used with White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
), Cuttlefish bone (Wu Zei Gu, 
) and Poria (Fu Ling, 
).
(e)Damp-heat leucorrhea, manifested as thick, yellow, and profuse leukorrhea with an offensive odor. Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
) is used with Phellodendron bark (HuangBai, 
), Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi, 
) and Flavescent sophora root (Ku Shen, 
).
(f)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in Yin deficiency.
(ix) Magnolia flower (Xin Yi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Magnoliae
Part Used: Flower buds
Properties: Pungent and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To expel wind and cold; |
| (b) | To open the nasal cavity. |
Applications:
(a)Rhinorrhea, manifested as nasal obstruction, headache, runny nose, and loss of smell. For cold-type rhinorrhea with white, dilute, and profuse nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xin Yi, 
) is used with Asarum herb (Xi Xin, 
), Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi, 
), and Xanthium fruit (Cang Er Zi, 
). For heat-type rhinorrhea with yellow, thick, and scanty nasal discharge, Magnolia flower (Xin Yi, 
) is used with Mentha (Bo He, 
) and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
).
(b)Dosage: 3–10g.
Cautions and Contraindications: Overdosing causes redness of the eyes and dizziness.
(2) Herbs That Release Exterior Heat Syndrome （发散风热药）
These cool, pungent herbs are not strong enough to promote sweating. They are indicated in wind-heat exterior syndrome manifested as high fever, mild chills, thirst, sore throat, scanty or no sweating, a thin and yellow tongue coating, and a superficial and rapid pulse. Some of these herbs are also effective in promoting the full expression of rashes in measles, and for use on boils and carbuncles on the exterior.
(i) Mentha (Bo He, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Herba Menthae
Part Used: The entire plant
Properties: Pungent and cool
Channel Tropism: Lung and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To disperse wind-heat and clear the head and eyes; |
| (b) | To promote liver-Qi, allowing it to flow freely; | |
| (c) | To bring rashes to the surface. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-heat exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, headache, milder aversion to cold, sore throat, and red eyes. Mentha (Bo He, 
) is used with Platycodon root (Jie Geng, 
), Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
), and Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
).
(b)Early stage of measles with slight rash. Mentha (Bo He, 
) is used with Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
) and Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
).
(c)Stagnation of Qi in the liver, manifested as a full sensation and pain in the chest and costal region. Mentha (Bo He, 
) is used with White peony root (Bai Shao, 
) and Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
).
(d)Dosage: 2–10 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb should not be boiled for a long time.
(ii) Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Arctii
Part Used: Fruit
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and cold
Channel Tropism: Lung and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To disperse wind-heat and benefit the throat; |
| (b) | To release toxins and bring rashes to the surface. |
Applications:
(a)Sore throat caused by invasion of wind and heat. Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
) is used with Platycodon root (Jie Geng, 
), Mentha (Bo He, 
), and Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
).
(b)Incomplete expression of measles rashes. To encourage rashes to rise to the surface. Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
) is used with Cimicifuga rhizome (Sheng Ma, 
), Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
), and Mentha (Bo He, 
).
(c)Toxic heat, manifested as swelling, carbuncles, and mumps. Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
) is used with Viola (Zi Hua Di Ding, 
) and Wild chrysanthemum flower (Ye Ju Hua, 
).
(d)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and contraindications: This herb should be used with caution. It is contraindi-cated in patients with diarrhea.
(iii) Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Folium Mori
Part Used: Leaf
Properties: Sweet, bitter, and cold
Channel Tropism: Lung and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To expel wind and clear heat; |
| (b) | To clear heat in the liver and benefit the eyes. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-heat exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
), Platycodon root (Jie Geng, 
), Mentha (Bo He, 
) and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
).
(b)Dryness and heat in the lung, manifested as cough with sputum and dry nose and mouth. Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren, 
), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, 
), and Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, 
).
(c)Flaring-up of fire in the liver, manifested as red, painful, and watering eyes. Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
) is used with Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
), Cassia seed (Jue Ming Zi, 
), and Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi, 
).
(d)Deficient liver-Yin, manifested as dizziness and blurred vision. Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
) is used with Ligustrum (Nu Zhen Zi, 
), Wolfberry fruit (Gou Qi Zi, 
) and Black sesame seed (Hei Zhi Ma, 
).
(e)Dosage: 3–10 g.
(iv) Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Flos chrysanthemi
Part Used: Flower
Properties: Pungent, sweet, bitter, and slightly cold
Channel Tropism: Lung and liver
| Functions: | (a) | To dispel wind and clear heat; |
| (b) | To release toxins and brighten the eyes; | |
| (c) | To pacify the liver. |
Applications:
(a)Wind-heat exterior syndrome, manifested as fever, headache, chills, and sore throat. Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
), Mentha (Bo He, 
) and Platycodon root (Jie Geng, 
).
(b)Wind-heat in the Liver Meridian, manifested as red, swelling, and painful eyes. Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, 
), Cicada slough (Chan Tui, 
), and Prunella spike (Xia Ku Cao, 
).
(c)Yin deficiency of the liver and kidneys, manifested as blurred vision and dizziness. Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
) is used with Wolfberry fruit (Gou Qi Zi, 
) and Glossy privet fruit (Nu Zhen Zi, 
).
(d)Hyperactivity of liver-Yang, manifested as dizziness, vertigo, and blurred vision. Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, 
) is used with Cassia seed (Jue Ming Zi, 
), Uncaria stem (Gou Teng, 
), and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(e)Dosage: 10–20 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: There are two types of medicinal chrysanthemum flower — yellow and white. Yellow chrysanthemum flower is mainly indicated in wind-heat exterior syndrome, while white chrysanthemum flower is used to pacify the liver, expel wind, and brighten the eyes.
(v) Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Puerariae
Part Used: Roots
Properties: Pungent, sweet, and cool
Channel Tropism: Spleen and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior; |
| (b) | To bring measles rashes to the surface; | |
| (c) | To cause Yang to ascend so as to alleviate diarrhea; | |
| (d) | To clear heat and promote production of body fluids. |
Applications:
(a)Exterior syndrome due to invasion of exogenous wind and cold, manifested as stiffness of the upper back or neck, absence of sweating, aversion to wind, fever, and headache. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
), Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
), and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(b)Exterior syndrome due to invasion of exogenous wind and heat, manifested as headache, fever, painful eyes, and dry throat. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
) and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
)
(c)Early stage of measles with incomplete expression of the rash, fever, and chills. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Cimicifuga rhizome (Sheng Ma, 
).
(d)Damp-heat dysentery. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Coptis root (Huang Lian, 
) and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
).
(e)Diarrhea due to a deficient spleen. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Pilose asiabell root (Dang Shen, 
), White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
), and Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
).
(f)Thirst in febrile diseases or diabetes. Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) is used with Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, 
), Trichosanthes root (Tian Hua Fen, 
), and Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang, 
).
(g)Dosage: 5–20 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: To treat diarrhea, the herb is first baked.
(vi) Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix bupleuri
Part Used: Roots
Properties: Bitter, pungent, and slightly cold
Channel Tropism: Pericardium, liver, gall bladder, and triple Jiao
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior and clear heat; |
| (b) | To pacify the liver so as to relieve stagnation; | |
| (c) | To elevate Yang-Qi. |
Applications:
(a)Fever due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors. Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
) is used with Licorice root (Gan Cao, 
).
(b)Alternating chills and fever in Lesser Yang Syndrome. Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, ) is used with Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
).
(c)Liver-Qi stagnation, manifested as distension and pain in the chest and costal regions and irregular menstruation. Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
) is used with Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
), Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
), and Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
).
(d)Liver-Qi stagnation and deficient blood. Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
) is used with Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
) and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(e)Sinking of Qi in the spleen and stomach, manifested as chronic diarrhea, gastroptosis, and rectal and uterine prolapse. Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
) is used with Ginseng (Ren Shen, 
), Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
), and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
)
(f)Dosage: 3–10 g.
Cautions and contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during syndromes due to liver-Yang hyperactivity or liver-Yin deficiency.
Prescriptions for Relieving Exterior Syndromes
(1) Prescriptions for Relieving Exterior Cold Syndrome （辛温解表剂）
(i) Ma Huang Tang 
(Ephedra Decoction)
| Composition: | Ephedra (Ma Huang,  ) |
9 g |
Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi,  ) |
6 g | |
Apricot seed (Xing Ren,  ) |
9 g | |
Baked licorice (Zhi Gan Cao,  ) |
3 g |
Administration: The above herbs are cooked in water for preparing the decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote sweating and release the exterior; |
| (b) | To promote the lung’s functions of dispersing and descending; | |
| (c) | To soothe asthma. |
Indications: Wind-cold exterior excess syndromes due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind and cold, manifested as aversion to cold, fever, headache, general body aches, dyspnea without sweating, a thin and whitish tongue coating, and a superficial and tense pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome due to the attack of wind and cold on the exterior, obstruction of defensive Qi, stagnation of interstitial spaces, and failure of pulmonary Qi to disperse. All the disorders should be treated by releasing the pathogenic factors from the exterior with acrid and warm herbs, and diffusing the lung-Qi to relieve asthma. Ma Huang 
with bitter and acrid properties acts as the chief herb and is able to induce sweating to dispel exogenous pathogenic factors and promote the lung’s dispersing function to relieve asthma. Gui Zhi 
, the assistant herb, is capable of driving pathogenic factors out from Wei Qi via Ying Qi, warms channels, and dispels cold. As the adjuvant herb, Xing Ren 
disperses and descends stagnant lung-Qi to enhance the chief herb’s effect of relieving cough and asthma. Zhi Gan Cao 
, serving as the guiding herb, harmonizes the properties of the other herbs, and invigorates Qi and enriches the middle Jiao so as to prevent Ma Huang 
and Gui Zhi 
from inducing excessive sweating, which would impair the vital-Qi. The formula is called the “drastic diaphoretic formula.” The four herbs jointly achieve the actions of relieving the exterior, dispelling cold, removing the lung-Qi, and curing cough with dyspnea.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, flu, acute bronchitis, asthmatic bronchitis, acute rheumatic arthritis, and other diseases which chiefly manifest as an aversion to cold without perspiration, cough, and dyspnea.
Modifications:
(a)In cases where the main issue is asthma and there is only mild aversion to cold, omit Gui Zhi 
to make a recipe called San’ao Tang. This formula is specially tailored to dispersing the lung to relieve asthma.
(b)If accompanied by pathogenic dampness marked by arthralgia and heaviness of the body, add White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
) to eliminate dampness, thus making a new formula called Ma Huang Jiazhu Tang.
(c)In cases of serious aversion to cold without perspiration and general body aches accompanied by dysphoria due to interior heat, double the dosage of Ma Huang 
to enhance the potency of inducing perspiration for eliminating the pathogenic factors, and add Gypsum (Shi Gao, 
) to clear away the interior heat. This formula is called Da Qinglong Tang.
(d)Where asthma and cough with profuse, clear, and white sputum are the main symptoms but fever, chills, general pain, and headache are only mildly present, Gui Zhi 
is replaced with Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, 
).
(e)For severe arthritis, Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu, 
), Large-leaf gentian root (Qin Jiao, 
) and Honeysuckle stem (Ren Dong Teng, 
) should be added.
Cautions: This formula is contraindicated for exterior syndromes due to wind and cold with sweating as it drastically induces sweating. Therefore, patients with general debility, blood deficiency, and serious interior heat should use this recipe with great caution.
(ii) Gui Zhi Tang 
(Cinnamon Twig Decoction)
| Composition: | Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi,  ) |
9 g |
White peony root (Bai Shao,  ) |
9 g | |
Baked licorice (Zhi Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g | |
Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang,  ) |
9 g | |
Jujube (Da Zao,  ) |
3 pcs |
Administration: The above herbs are cooked in water for preparing decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To expel pathogenic factors from the muscle and skin; |
| (b) | To harmonize Ying and Wei so as to relieve exterior syndromes. |
Indications: Exterior deficiency syndrome with exogenous wind-cold, syndromes of disharmony between Ying and Wei Qi, or between Yin and Yang after illness or delivery, manifested as headache, fever, perspiration with aversion to wind, a thin whitish tongue coating, and a superficial and moderate pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by exogenous wind-cold or debility after illness or delivery, or disharmony between Ying and Wei Qi, or between Yin and Yang. The syndrome should be treated by expelling the pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin and regulating Ying and Wei Qi. Gui Zhi 
with nutritive and warm properties, the chief herb, is able to expel pathogenic cold from the muscles and skin, and warm the meridians to enhance Yang. Bai Shao 
, functioning as the assistant herb, promotes the production of body fluids by nourishing Yin, and suppresses sweating by astringing Ying Qi. The combination of these two herbs works synergistically to ensure the removal of wind-cold, the consolidation of Ying Qi and Yin, and the harmonization of Ying Qi and Wei Qi, and Yin and Yang. Serving as adjuvant herbs, Sheng Jiang 
doubles the action of Gui Zhi 
in dispelling cold and regulating the stomach to arrest vomiting, and Da Zao 
promotes the action of Bai Shao 
in replenishing Yin and reinforcing the spleen. In general, these two adjuvant herbs enhance the effects of the chief and assistant herbs in regulating Ying Qi and Wei Qi, and Yin and Yang, as well as in reinforcing the spleen’s and stomach’s capacity to replenish the source of generation and transformation of Ying Qi and Wei Qi. Zhi Gan Cao 
, with its sweet flavor, acts as an adjuvant herb in replenishing Qi and regulating the stomach. It transforms the acridity and wetness of Gui Zhi 
into Yang to strengthen Wei Qi, and expel pathogenic factors from the body surface. When combined with Bai Shao 
, their sour and sweet flavors transform Yin to harmonize Ying Qi. Meanwhile, Zhi Gan Cao 
also plays the role of guiding herb and has the function of mediating the properties of other herbs. The whole formula is careful and precise in formation and structure, with tonifi-cation inside relieving, with astringency inside dispelling, and with simultaneous consideration of pathogenic factors and healthy Qi. It is the representative formula of “regulating Ying Qi and Wei Qi.”
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, flu, urticaria, cutaneous pruritus, agnogenic low-grade fever, or low-grade fever after delivery, and illnesses which pertain to disharmony between Ying Qi and Wei Qi, or between Yin and Yang.
Modifications:
(a)If accompanied by stiffness and pain of the neck and back, add Pueraria root (Ge Gen, 
) to dispel pathogenic factors from the body surface and promote the production of body fluid and the relaxation of tendons, creating another formula, called Gui Zhi 
Jia Ge Gen Tang.
(b)If concomitant with cough or asthma, add Magnolia bark (Hou Po, 
) and Apricot seed (Xing Ren, 
) to send down adversely rising Qi, thus relieving cough and asthma. This modified formula is called Gui Zhi Jia Hou Po Xing Ren Tang.
Cautions: The sweat-inducing function of this formula is mild, and is termed “expelling pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin.” Patients who have an exterior syndrome due to exogenous wind-cold but are not sweating, should typically not use this formula. On the other hand, taking one bowl of hot gruel (congee) and putting on more clothes or quilts after administering this decoction will help induce sweating.
(iii) Jiuwei Qiang Huo Tang
(Nine-Ingredient Notopterygium Decoction)
| Composition: | Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo,  ) |
5 g |
Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong,  ) |
3 g | |
Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng,  ) |
5 g | |
Dahurian angelica root (Bai Zhi,  ) |
3 g | |
Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu,  ) |
5 g | |
Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang,  ) |
3 g | |
Asarum (Xi Xin,  ) |
1 g | |
Scutellaria root (Huang Qin,  ) |
3 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
3 g |
Administration: The herbs are prepared in decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote sweating and eliminate dampness; |
| (b) | To clear interior heat. |
Indications: Externally contracted wind, cold and dampness syndrome with interior heat, manifested as aversion to cold, fever, absence of perspiration, headache, aching limbs, a bitter flavor in the mouth with slight thirst, a whitish or yellowish tongue coating, and a superficial pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by exogenous wind-cold, dampness, and interior heat. The syndrome should be treated by dispelling wind-cold, removing dampness, relieving the exterior syndrome, and clearing away interior heat. In this formula, the chief herb Qiang Huo 
with acrid and warm properties relieves the exterior cold, expels the wind and removes dampness, promotes free movement of joints, and relieves arthralgia. The assistant herbs, Fang Feng 
with pungent and sweet properties and Cang Zhu 
with acrid and bitter properties, remove dampness by inducing perspiration so as to improve the chief herb’s action of dispelling pathogenic factors from the exterior. The other five herbs, Xi Xin 
, Chuan Xiong 
, Bai Zhi 
, Sheng Di Huang 
, and Huang Qin 
, are adjuvant herbs. The first three expel wind-cold, promote the circulation of both Qi and blood, and alleviate pain. The remaining two eliminate interior heat and protect the body fluid against any drastic effects that might be produced by the properties of other herbs of pungency, heat, or dryness. Gan Cao 
mediates other herbs’ properties and act as the guiding herb. All the herbs making up the formula dispel exterior cold and dampness, and clear interior heat as the formula for inducing sweating, removing dampness, and simultaneously clearing the interior heat.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, flu, rheumatic arthritis, migraine, and other diseases related to pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness in the exterior accompanied by interior heat.
Modifications:
(a)If there are sharp pains in the extremities, the dosage of Qiang Huo 
can be doubled so as to alleviate arthralgia.
(b)In cases of slight dampness with mildly aching extremities, Cang Zhu 
and Xi Xin 
, with their warming and drying properties, can be omitted.
(c)Where there is no bitter flavor and only slight thirst, omit Sheng Di Huang 
and Huang Qin 
, which are cold in property.
(d)If there is a severe attack of pathogenic dampness manifested as a stifling sensation in the chest, Sheng Di Huang 
can be replaced with Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
), Poria (Fu Ling, 
), and Zi Su Ye (Perilla leaf, 
).
Cautions: Most of these herbs are strongly pungent, warm, and dry, thus creating a formula whose main function is to relieve exterior syndromes. This formula is not applicable to cases with excessive interior heat, high fever, thirst, a red tongue, and a rapid pulse.
(iv) Xiao Qinglong Tang 
(Minor Blue Dragon Decoction)
| Composition: | Ephedra (Ma Huang,  ) |
9 g |
Asarum (Xi Xin,  ) |
3 g | |
Dried ginger (Gan Jiang,  ) |
3 g | |
Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi,  ) |
6 g | |
Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi,  ) |
3 g | |
White peony root (Bai Shao,  ) |
9 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g | |
Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia,  ) |
9 g |
Administration: The above herbs are decocted in water for preparing decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To remove pathogenic factors from the exterior and expel cold; |
| (b) | To warm the lung to resolve retained fluid. |
Indications: Externally contracted wind-cold with internal injury and water-fluid syndrome, manifested as aversion to cold, fever without perspiration, headache, cough and asthma with profuse thin sputum, inability to lie down in serious conditions, or swollen extremities, a smooth whitish tongue coating, and a superficial pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by wind-cold attack on the exterior, accumulation and retention of cold fluid in the lung, and failure of the lung-Qi to descend. The treatment should focus on releasing the exterior and expelling cold, and warming the lung and resolving retention of fluid. In this formula, the chief herbs Ma Huang 
and Gui Zhi 
, with acrid and warm properties, induce diaphoresis to relieve the exterior and disperse the lung-Qi to relieve asthma. Gan Jiang 
and Xi Xin 
, serving as assistant herbs, warm the lung to remove cold and help Yang remove fluid retention. Bai Shao 
has the effects of nourishing blood and astringing Yin, while Wu Wei Zi 
astringes the lung-Qi to relieve asthma. These two herbs inhibit other herbs’ pungent, warm, and dry properties and prevent them from impairing body fluid and consuming Qi, thus eliminating the pathogenic factors without impairment of vital-Qi. Together with Ban Xia 
, this has the function of drying dampness and resolving phlegm, and descending adverse Qi to relieve asthma; these three herbs act as adjuvant herbs. Gan Cao 
, the guiding herb, replenishes Qi and mediates the properties of other herbs. All the herbs are used together to dispel wind and cold, harmonize nourishing Qi and defending Qi, remove retention of fluid, and relieve asthma and cough.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Acute onset of chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and senile pulmonary emphysema, etc., which are marked by aversion to cold, absence of perspiration, and cough with profuse sputum, all of which are attributable to exogenous wind-cold and accumulation and retention of cold in the lung.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of less serious exterior cold syndromes without obvious aversion to cold, sweating, and headache, omit Gui Zhi 
, and replace Ma Huang 
with honey-prepared Ma Huang to weaken the action of expelling pathogenic factors from the exterior.
(b)If complicated with thirst, omit Ban Xia 
and add Trichosanthes root (Tian Hua Fen, 
) to clear away heat and promote the production of body fluids.
(c)In cases of heat signs such as red tongue proper, irritability, and a rapid pulse, add Gypsum (Shi Gao, 
) to clear away heat and relieve dysphoria, creating another formula, named Xiao Qinglong Jia Shi Gao, Tang.
Cautions: This formula, because of its warm and dry properties, is not applicable to cases of cough and asthma with yellowish sputum.
(v) Xiang Ru San 
(Elsholtzia Powder)
| Composition: | Elsholtzia (Xiang Ru,  ) |
15 g |
Magnolia bark (Hou Po,  ) |
12 g | |
Hyacinth bean (Bian Dou,  ) |
12 g |
Administration: The herbs are ground together into a powder, and then boiled in water with wine.
| Functions: | (a) | To eliminate summer-heat and release the exterior; |
| (b) | To resolve dampness and harmonize the spleen and stomach. |
Indications: The syndrome of external wind-cold with endogenous cold-dampness caused by over-intake of cold food and drinks or over-exposure to cold in the summer, manifested as aversion to cold, fever without perspiration, a heavy sensation of the head, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, chest distress, fatigue, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a superficial pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the common formula for treating externally contracted wind-cold in summer with internal injury, cold, dampness, and disharmony between the spleen and the stomach. The condition should be treated by expelling summer-heat and releasing the exterior, resolving dampness and regulating the middle Jiao, and simultaneous application of internal and external treatments. In the formula, the chief herb Xiang Ru 
, with acrid and warm properties, induces sweating and dispels cold, relieves the exterior syndrome, and removes dampness. The assistant herb Hou Po 
promotes Qi flow to relieve flatulence, eliminates retention of dampness, and soothes the middle Jiao. The adjuvant herb Bian Dou 
reinforces the spleen to restore the normal function of the middle Jiao and eliminates dampness and summer-heat. The small amount of wine used in the decoction enhances the effects of expelling cold and activating the meridians. All herbs in the formula jointly expel summer-heat and relieve the exterior, resolve dampness, and regulate the middle Jiao.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold and acute gastroenteritis occurring in the summer, manifested as aversion to cold without perspiration, headache, a sensation of heaviness of the body, chest distress, a greasy tongue coating — in cases pertaining to external cold and internal dampness.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of invasion of summer heat and damp-heat in the interior manifested as fever, lack of sweating, slight chills, headache, a stifling sensation and fullness in the chest and abdominal region, irritability, thirst, a red tongue with a thin white coating, and a large surging pulse, add Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua, 
) and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
) This modified formula is called Xinjia Xiang Ru Yin.
(b)In cases of severe abdominal distension and diarrhea, add Poria (Fu Ling, 
), White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
), and Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi, 
) to reinforce the spleen and eliminate dampness.
(c)In cases of severe chills and a fever without sweating accompanied by nasal obstruction or a runny nose, add Chinese green onion (Cong Bai, 
).
(vi) Baidu San 
(Toxicity Vanquishing Powder)
| Composition: | Bupleurum root (Chai Hu,  ) |
30 g |
Peucedanum root (Qian Hu,  ) |
30 g | |
Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong,  ) |
30 g | |
Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao,  ) |
30 g | |
Ginseng (Ren Shen,  ) |
30 g | |
Notopterygium root (Qiang Huo,  ) |
30 g | |
Pubescent Angelica root (Du Huo,  ) |
30 g | |
Poria (Fu Ling,  ) |
30 g | |
Platycodon root (Jie Geng,  ) |
30 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
15 g |
Administration: The herbs are ground together into a powder, and then boiled with Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
) and Mentha (Bo He, 
) for drinking.
| Functions: | (a) | To replenish Qi and release the exterior syndrome; |
| (b) | To dispel wind-cold and eliminate dampness. |
Indications: Deficiency of anti-pathogenic factors accompanied by invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness, manifested as aversion to cold, fever, headache, body aches, stiff and painful head and nape, no sweating, nasal obstruction, cough with whitish sputum, chest distress, a pale tongue with a whitish coating, and a superficial weak pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for a weak constitution and attack by pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness, leading to the lung’s failure to execute its dispersing and descending functions. The treatment focuses on expelling pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness to relieve the exterior, enhancing body resistance to expel pathogenic factors. Acting as the chief herbs, Qiang Huo 
and Du Huo 
disperse pathogenic wind, cold, and dampness. The acrid and warm Chuan Xiong 
with ascending and dispersing actions rises to the head and eyes to expel wind and relieve pain, while the acrid and dispersing Chai Hu 
eliminates pathogenic factors from the muscles and skin; they act as assistant herbs. Jie Geng 
, Zhi Qiao 
, Qian Hu 
, and Fu Ling 
disperse lung-Qi, resolve phlegm, and relieve cough, and Ren Shen 
replenishes Qi and strengthens body resistance to remove pathogenic factors with tonification in dispersion. These five herbs act as adjuvant. Gan Cao 
serves as the guiding herb, harmonizing the actions of the other herbs and promoting the function of Ren Shen 
Sheng Jiang 
and Bo He 
enhance the potency of releasing the exterior and dispelling cold.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, flu, bronchitis, allergic dermatitis, sores and ulcers in the initial stage, rheumatosis, etc., all of which are caused by Qi deficiency due to exogenous wind, cold, and dampness.
Modifications:
(a)In the absence of vital-Qi deficiency, omit Ren Shen 
or add Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, 
) and Ledebouriella root (Fang Feng, 
), creating another formula, called Jingfang Baidu San.
(b)In the initial stage of sores and ulcers, replace Ren Shen 
with Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua, 
) and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
)
(2) Prescriptions for relieving Exterior Heat Syndrome （新良解表剂）
(i) Sang Ju Yin 
(Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Decoction)
| Composition: | Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye,  ) |
7.5 g |
Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua,  ) |
3 g | |
Apricot seed (Xing Ren,  ) |
6 g | |
Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao,  ) |
5 g | |
Mentha (Bo He,  ) |
2.5 g | |
Platycodon root (Jie Geng,  ) |
6 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
2.5 g | |
Reed root (Lu Gen,  ) |
6 g |
Administration: Take the above herbs in water for preparing decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To dispel wind and clear heat; |
| (b) | To promote the lung dispersing and descending to stop coughing. |
Indications: Slight exterior heat syndrome due to exogenous pathogenic wind-warm at the early stage, marked by cough, a mild feverish sensation in the body, slight thirst, a red tip and margin of the tongue, and a superficial rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula to treat the early stage of exogenous wind-heat, which invades the lung and leads to stagnated lung-Qi. The treatment focuses on eliminating wind and heat, dispersing the stagnated lung-Qi, and relieving cough. The chief herbs, sweet and cool Sang Ye 
and Ju Hua 
, commonly expel wind and heat of the upper Jiao, and clear heat from the head and eyes. Sang Ye 
enters the lung collateral to disperse heat so as to stop cough. Xing Ren 
descends the lung-Qi, while Jie Geng 
disperses the lung-Qi. The two herbs, one with ascending effect and the other with descending effect, disperse the lung-Qi to stop cough; they act together as assistant herbs. Lian Qiao 
, with acrid and cold properties, clears heat and removes toxic substances, Bo He 
dispels wind-heat of the upper Jiao, and Lu Gen 
clears away heat and promotes the production of body fluid to relieve thirst. These three herbs act together as the adjuvant herbs. Gan Cao 
, the guiding herb, clears away lung heat, relieves cough, and mediates the properties of other herbs. All herbs in the formula disperse wind and heat of the upper Jiao, and promote the flow of lung-Qi to relieve the exterior syndromes and check cough.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, flu, acute bronchitis, and acute tonsillitis belonging to exterior syndromes due to wind-heat.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of excessive heat manifested by severe cough, add Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu, 
) and Gypsum (Shi Gao, 
).
(b)If cough with thick yellow sputum is present, add Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
), Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, 
) and Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, 
).
(c)For severe thirst, add Trichosanthes root (Tian Hua Fen, 
).
(d)For severe sore throat, add Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, 
), Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, 
), and Sophora root (Shan Dou Gen, 
)
Cautions: This formula should be modified, as suggested above, if it is used to treat serious cases.
(ii) Yin Qiao San 
(Powder of Honeysuckle Flower and Forsythia Fruit)
| Composition: | Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao,  ) |
9 g |
Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua,  ) |
9 g | |
Platycodon root (Jie Geng,  ) |
6 g | |
Mentha (Bo He,  ) |
6 g | |
Prepared soybean (Dan Dou Chi,  ) |
5 g | |
Bamboo leaf (Zhu Ye,  ) |
4 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
5 g | |
Schizonepeta spike (Jing Jiesui  ) |
5 g | |
Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi,  ) |
9 g | |
Reed root (Lu Gen,  ) |
9 g |
Administration: The herbs are ground into powder for decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To release the exterior with herbs pungent in flavor and cool in property; |
| (b) | To clear heat and release toxins. |
Indications: Seasonal febrile disease in the initial stage and severe syndromes of exterior heat, manifested as fever without sweating or with slight sweating, slight aversion to wind and cold, headache, cough, thirst, sore throat, a red-tipped tongue with a thin, white or yellow coating, and a superficial rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for treating epidemic febrile diseases at the onset stage. The condition should be treated by relieving the exterior syndrome with herbs having acrid and cool properties, expelling wind, and clearing away heat and toxic substances. Acting as the chief herbs, Jin Yin Hua 
and Lian Qiao 
in increased dosages dispel wind and heat, clear heat and remove toxic substances, and eliminate filth with aromatic herbs. Bo He 
and Niu Bang Zi 
are pungent in flavor and cool in property, while Jing Jie Sui 
and Dan Dou Chi 
are warm in property. These four herbs act together as assistant herbs to help the chief herbs in dispelling wind and heat of the upper Jiao, clearing heat, and removing toxic substances; enhancing the effect of expelling pathogenic factors but without the side effect of body fluid impairment. Zhu Ye 
and Lu Gen 
clear heat and promote the production of body fluids to relieve thirst; Jie Geng 
disperses the lung to relieve cough. These three herbs act together as adjuvant herbs. Acting as the guiding herb, Gan Cao 
clears heat and toxins, and mediates the properties of other herbs. It also works with Jie Geng 
to soothe the throat.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Flu, acute tonsillitis, measles in the initial stage, epidemic encephalitis B, epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis, parotitis, etc., all of which belong to the exterior syndrome of wind-heat and are marked by fever, sore throat, and an absence of sweating.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of high-grade fever and sweating, replace Jing Jie Sui 
and Dan Dou Chi 
with Gypsum (Shi Gao, 
) and Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu,
).
(b)For severe sore throat, add Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, 
).
(c)For the initial stage of measles, replace Dan Dou Chi 
with Arnebia root (Zi Cao, 
) and Cicada slough (Chan Tui, 
).
(iii) Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang 
(Ephedra, Apricot Seed, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction)
| Composition: | Ephedra (Ma Huang,  ) |
5 g |
Gypsum (Shi Gao,  ) |
18 g | |
Apricot seed (Xing Ren,  ) |
9 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g |
Administration: The herbs are cooked by decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the lung’s functions of dispersing and descending; |
| (b) | To clear heat in the lung and soothe asthma. |
Indications: Cough or asthma due to heat in the lung, manifested as fever, thirst, cough, asthma, flaring of the nares, thirst, a thin, whitish or yellowish tongue coating, and a superficial rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for treating cough and dyspnea due to the excessive heat transformed from exogenous wind which accumulates in the lung, impairing its purifying and descending functions. All the disorders should be treated by dispersing heat and relieving cough and asthma. Acting together as chief herbs, Ma Huang 
, with pungent and warm properties, disperses the lung to relieve asthma so that the interior heat reaches the outside; while Shi Gao 
is cool in property (and notably the largest component of this formula) and expels the lung heat to generate body fluid. These two herbs supplement each other in a rational combination to clear away heat in the lung. The bitter Xing Ren 
, the assistant herb, descends the lung-Qi and enhances the function of Ma Huang 
to relieve cough and asthma. Gan Cao 
, functioning as the guiding herb, replenishes Qi, regulates the middle Jiao, and mediates the properties of the other herbs. The formula possesses the three methods of heat-clearing, dispersion, and descension, with mutual supplementation and promotion.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Common cold, acute bronchitis, lobar pneumonia, infantile pneumonia, and bronchial asthma. The main symptoms are fever, cough, and asthma, and they are due to the accumulation of pathogenic heat in the lung accompanied by unrelieved exogenous pathogenic factors.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of sweating, the proper ratio of Ma Huang 
and Shi Gao 
should be 1:5; if there is no sweating, the ratio should be 1:3.
(b)For bronchial asthma, add Earthworm (Di Long, 
).
(c)For a stifling sensation in the chest and cough with profuse sputum, add Lepidium seed (Ting Li Zi, 
), Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi, 
), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
).
Cautions: This formula is not applicable to cough and asthma due to wind-cold or excessive phlegm-heat.