Herbs that regulate Qi are aromatic, pungent, and bitter. They are good for promoting the free flow of Qi, and are indicated in Qi stagnation and Qi perversion. Qi stagnation may be manifested as stifling distension and pain, while nausea, vomiting, belching, asthma, and cough occur with Qi perversion.
Several manifestations may appear, depending on the organs involved. If the lungs fail in their function of descending, the symptoms are discomfort, a stifling sensation in the chest, cough, and asthma. If the liver is stagnated, the manifestations are hypochondriac pain, a stifling sensation in the chest, hernia pain, nodules, distension and pain in the breasts, or irregular menstruation. If Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach impairs their normal functions of ascending and descending, the symptoms include fullness, distension and pain in the epigastric and abdominal regions, belching, sour regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea or constipation.
How Qi-regulating herbs are combined with other herbs is determined by the complex set of pathological conditions present. For example, if excessive heat and phlegm accumulate in the lungs with the resulting manifestations of cough and asthma, these herbs should be used with those that clear heat and resolve phlegm.
When one is using these herbs, it is important to remember that most are aromatic, pungent, and dry. Prolonged administration can injure Yin. They should be used with caution in patients with deficient Qi or deficient Yin.
Qi-regulating prescriptions are those that are composed mainly of herbs with the action of promoting the normal flow of Qi and are applied to functional disorders of Qi. Since functional disorders of Qi may exhibit either Qi stagnation or the reversed flow of Qi, this group of prescriptions is subdivided accordingly into two categories:
(1)Prescriptions for promoting qi circulation: They promote Qi circulation and remove stagnation, and are suitable for Qi stagnation syndromes of the liver, spleen, and stomach.
(2)Prescriptions for descending Qi: They conduct Qi downward and are used to treat syndromes caused by the upward perversion of lung-Qi or stomach-Qi.
Qi-Regulating Herbs
(i) Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Pericarpium Citri reticulatae
Part Used: Skin
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm
Channel Tropism: Spleen and lung
| Functions: | (a) | To regulate Qi in the spleen and stomach; |
| (b) | To dry dampness and resolve phlegm. |
Applications:
(a)Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, belching, nausea and vomiting, poor appetite, and diarrhea. Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, 
) is used with Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
) and Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
) for epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, with Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
) and Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, 
) for nausea and vomiting, and with Pilose Asiabell root (Dang Shen, 
) and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
) for poor appetite and diarrhea.
(b)Dampness blocking the spleen and stomach, manifested as fullness and a stifling sensation in the chest and epigastric region, poor appetite, lassitude, diarrhea, and a white sticky tongue coating. Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, 
) is used with Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu, 
) and Magnolia bark (Hou Po, 
).
(c)Excessive dampness, deficiency of the spleen, and turbid phlegm blocking the lungs, manifested as cough with profuse sputum. Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, 
) is used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, 
) and Poria (Fu Ling, 
).
(d)Dosage: 3–9 g.
(ii) Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Pericarpium Citri reticulatae viride
Part Used: Skin
Properties: Bitter, pungent, and warm
Channel Tropism: Liver, gall bladder, and stomach
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the free flow of Qi in the liver; |
| (b) | To relieve food retention and disperse stagnation. |
Applications:
(a)Stagnation of liver-Qi, manifested as distension and pain in the breast and hypochondriac regions. Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
) is used with Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
), Curcuma root (Yu Jin, 
), and Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
).
(b)Mastitis. Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
), Dandelion herb (Pu Gong Ying, 
), Honeysuckle flower (Jin Yin Hua, 
), and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
).
(c)Cold stagnated in the Liver Meridian, manifested as painful swelling of the testicles or scrotum, or hernia. Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
) is used with Lindera root (Wu Yao, 
), Fennel fruit (Xiao Hui Xiang, 
), and Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
).
(d)Retention of food, manifested as fullness, and distension and pain in the epigastric region. Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
) is used with Hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha, 
), Germinated barley (Mai Ya, 
), and Medicated leaven (Shen Qu, 
).
(e)Dosage: 3–9 g.
(iii) Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Aurantii immaturus
Part Used: Immature fruit
Properties: Bitter, pungent, and slightly cold
Channel Tropism: Spleen, stomach, and large intestine
| Functions: | (a) | To disperse stagnant Qi and relieve food retention; |
| (b) | To resolve phlegm and relieve the sensation of fullness. |
Applications:
(a)Retention of food, manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness and belching with a foul odor. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with Hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha, 
), Germinated barley (Mai Ya, 
), and Medicated leaven (Shen Qu, 
).
(b)Abdominal distension, fullness, and constipation. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with Magnolia bark (Hou Po, 
) and Rhubarb (Da Huang, 
).
(c)Weakness of the spleen and stomach in transporting and transforming, manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness after meals. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
).
(d)Damp-heat stagnating in the intestines, manifested as dysentery, tenesmus, and abdominal pain. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with Rhubarb (Da Huang, 
), Coptis root (Huang Lian, 
), and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin,
)
(e)Turbid phlegm blocking circulation of Qi in the chest, manifested as a stifling sensation and pain in the chest, epigastric fullness, and nausea. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, 
), Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
).
(f)Prolapse of the uterus, rectum, and stomach. Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) is used with White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
) and Astragalus root (Huang Qi, 
).
(g)Dosage: 3–9 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: This herb should be used with caution during pregnancy.
(iv) Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Aucklandiae seu Vladimiriae
Part Used: Root
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm
Channel Tropism: Spleen, stomach, large intestine, and gall bladder
| Functions: | (a) | To regulate Qi in the spleen and stomach; |
| (b) | To stop pain. |
Applications:
(a)Qi stagnation in the spleen and stomach, manifested as poor appetite, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, borborygmus, and diarrhea. Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
) is used with Poria (Fu Ling, 
), Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
), and Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, 
).
(b)Damp-heat dysentery, manifested as tenesmus and abdominal pain. Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
) is used with Rhubarb (Da Huang, 
) and Areca seed (Binglang, 
).
(c)Dosage: 1.5–6 g.
Cautions and Contraindications: The raw herb is used for Qi stagnation, and the baked herb for diarrhea.
(v) Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Cyperi
Part Used: Rhizome
Properties: Pungent, slightly bitter, slightly sweet, and neutral
Channel Tropism: Liver and triple Jiao
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the free flow of liver-Qi; |
| (b) | To regulate menstruation and stop pain. |
Applications:
(a)Liver-Qi stagnation, manifested as costal pain and a stifling sensation in the chest. Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
) is used with Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
), Curcuma root (Yu Jin, 
), and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(b)Liver-Qi attacking the stomach, manifested as epigastric and abdominal distension and pain. Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
) is used with Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
), Citron (Xiang Yuan, 
), and Finger citron (Fo Shou, 
).
(c)Cold and Qi stagnation in the stomach. Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
) is used with Galangal rhizome (Gao Liang Jiang, 
).
(d)Cold stagnation in the Liver Meridian, manifested as painful swelling of the testicles or scrotum, or hernia. Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
) is used with Fennel fruit (Xiao Hui Xiang, 
) and Lindera root (Wu Yao, 
).
(e)Liver-Qi stagnation, manifested as irregular menstruation, dysmenorrheal, and distension and pain in the breasts. Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
) is used with Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
), Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
), and Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong, 
).
(f)Dosage: 6–9 g.
(vi) Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, 
)
Pharmaceutical Name: Bulbus Allii macrostemi
Part Used: Bulb
Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm
Channel Tropism: Lung, stomach, and large intestine
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the flow of Yang and dissipate cold-phlegm; |
| (b) | To regulate Qi and reduce stagnation. |
Applications:
(a)Cold-phlegm stagnated in the chest, manifested as a stifling sensation and pain in the chest and dyspnea. Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, 
) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
).
(b)Dysentery, manifested as tenesmus. Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, 
) is used with immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
), Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
), and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
(c)Dosage: 5–9 g.
Prescriptions for Regulating Qi
Prescriptions for Promoting Qi Circulation
(i) Yue Ju Wan 
(Depression-Resolving Pill)
| Composition: | Atractylodes rhizome (Cang Zhu,  ) |
15 g |
Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu,  ) |
15 g | |
Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong,  ) |
15 g | |
Medicated leaven (Shen Qu,  ) |
15 g | |
Cape jasmine fruit (Zhi Zi,  ) |
15 g |
Administration: The herbs are ground into powder and mixed with water, and made into pills. Take 6–9 g twice daily with warm boiled water.
Function: To promote Qi and remove stagnation.
Indication: Syndromes of six kinds of stagnation, involving Qi, blood, fire, dampness, food, and phlegm, especially Qi stagnation, marked by chest distress and fullness, epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, acid regurgitation, nausea and vomiting, and indigestion.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for Qi stagnation of the liver and spleen. The Qi stagnation is regarded as the primary cause of the six stagnations. This formula focuses on promoting the flow of Qi to eliminate stagnation. Therefore, treatment should focus on activating Qi to relieve stagnation. Xiang Fu 
, as the chief herb, is used to promote the flow of Qi and remove the Qi stagnation; Chuan Xiong 
invigorates the flow of blood and Qi, so it can release constrained blood as well as assist the chief in relieving the Qi stagnation; Zhi Zi 
focuses on resolving fire from constraint with the action of clearing heat and purifying fire; Cang Zhu 
dries dampness and activates the spleen; and Shen Qu 
promotes digestion and relieves constraint caused by food stagnation. These four herbs function as the assistant and adjuvant.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Chronic gastritis, gastric or duodenal ulcer, irregular menstruation, intercostal neuralgia, dysmenorrheal, and cholecystitis.
Modifications:
(a)For severe Qi stagnation, add Costus root (Mu Xiang, 
), Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
), Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi, 
), or Citrus peel (Ju Pi, 
).
(b)For severe blood stagnation, add Peach seed (Tao Ren, 
), Safflower (Hong Hua, 
), Red sage root (Dan Shen, 
), and Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
)
(c)For severe accumulation of fire, add Coptis root (Huang Lian, 
), Natural indigo (Qing Dai, 
), and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, 
).
(d)For severe accumulation of dampness, add Poria (Fu Ling, 
), Alismatis rhizome (Ze Xie, 
), Plantain seed (Che Qian Zi, 
), and Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren, 
)
(e)In cases of food retention, add Hawthorn fruit (Shan Zha, 
), Germinated barley (Mai Ya, 
), and Chicken gizzard skin (Ji Nei Jin, 
).
(f)If there is excessive phlegm, add Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou 
), Arisaema with bile (Dan Nan Xing, 
), and Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, 
).
(g)For cold manifestations, add Evodia fruit (Wu Zhu Yu, 
), Galanga (Gao Liang Jiang, 
), and Dried ginger (Gan Jiang, 
).
(h)For dysmenorrhea, add Curcuma root (Yu Jin, 
), Motherwort (Yi Mu Cao, 
), Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
), and White peony root (Bai Shao, 
).
Cautions: The formula is contraindicated in any deficiency syndromes.
(ii) Ban Xia Hou Po Tang 
(Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction)
| Composition: | Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia,  ) |
12 g |
Magnolia bark (Hou Po,  ) |
9 g | |
Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang,  ) |
9 g | |
Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye,  ) |
6 g | |
Poria (Fu Ling,  ) |
12 g |
Administration: The herbs are cooked with water by decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote Qi and remove nodules; |
| (b) | To conduct adversely rising Qi downward and resolve phlegm. |
Indications: Plum-stone syndrome. A feeling of something caught in the throat that can neither be swallowed nor ejected, chest distress, coughing or vomiting, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a taut smooth pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for treating plum-stone syndrome due to stagnation of seven emotions and phlegm-Qi complex, and disorders of the dispersing and descending functions of the lung and stomach. The syndrome should be treated by promoting the circulation of Qi, sending adversely rising Qi downward, and eliminating phlegm. Ban Xia 
is capable of eliminating phlegm, descending the adversely rising Qi, and regulating the stomach. Hou Po 
promotes the flow of Qi and removes stagnation, directs Qi downward, and relieves fullness. Both act as the chief herbs, together resolving the issues of Qi stagnation and the presence of phlegm. Fu Ling 
with sweet and mild properties leaches out dampness, invigorates the spleen, promotes diuresis, and helps Ban Xia 
remove phlegm. Aromatic in nature and having a diaphoretic effect, Zi Su Ye 
enhances the Hou Po 
function of regulating the flow of Qi. Both function as the assistant herbs. Sheng Jiang 
, the adjuvant herb, regulates the stomach to relieve vomiting, helps Ban Xia 
to transform phlegm, directs adversely rising Qi downward, regulates the stomach to stop vomiting, and reduces the toxicity of Ban Xia 
.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Neurasthenia, chronic pharyngitis, hysteria, and esophagismus, which pertain to Qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation. The chief manifestations are the sensation of an object lodged in the throat which can neither be spat out nor swallowed, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a taut smooth pulse.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of severe distension and fullness in the chest and hypochondriac region, add Bupleurum root (Chai Hu, 
), Cyperus tuber (Xiang Fu, 
), White peony root (Bai Shao, 
), and Curcuma root (Yu Jin, 
).
(b)For a red tongue with a white, slightly moist coating, add Glehnia root (Sha Shen, 
), Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, 
), and Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, 
).
(iii) Gua Lou Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang 
(Trichosanthes, Chinese Chives and White Liquor Decoction)
| Composition: | Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou,  ) |
12 g |
Macrostem Onion (Xie Bai,  ) |
12 g | |
White Wine (Bai Jiu,  ) |
30 cc |
Administration: The herbs and wine are put in an appropriate amount of water to decoct for drinking.
| Functions: | (a) | To activate yang and remove stagnation; |
| (b) | To promote Qi and resolve phlegm. |
Indications: Slight obstruction of Qi in the chest due to dejected thoracic-Yang and phlegm-Qi complex, marked by a vague pain in the chest with fullness, even radiating to the upper back, wheezing and cough, shortness of breath, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a deep and taut or tense pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the stuffiness and fullness and pain in the chest, or pain radiating from the chest to the back resulting from dejected thoracic-Yang and Qi stagnation. All the disorders should be treated by activating Yang, removing obstruction, promoting the flow of Qi, and eliminating phlegm. Sweet and cold Gua Lou 
, the chief herb, resolves phlegm, promotes the circulation of Qi, and relieves the sensation of stuffiness in the chest. The acrid and warm Xie Bai 
acts as the assistant herb, activating Yang and relieving stagnation, and promoting the flow of Qi and relieving pain. These two herbs complement each other and are the primary herbs for treating obstruction of Qi in the chest, with one herb transforming phlegm of the upper energizer and ventilating lung-Qi, and the other activating Yang. Pungent and warm in nature, Bai Jiu 
regulates Qi and blood, strengthens the effect of activating chest Yang, and serves as the adjuvant herb. All the symptoms will be relieved by arousing thoracic-Yang, descending phlegm, dispersing cold, and smoothing Qi movements.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Angina pectoris and intercostal neuralgia, which pertain to obstruction of the chest Yang by phlegm and are chiefly manifested as chest pain, shortness of breath, a whitish tongue coating, and a taut pulse.
Modifications:
(a)For severe angina pectoris, add Red sage root (Dan Shen, 
), Red peony (Chi Shao, 
), Safflower (Hong Hua, 
), and Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong, 
).
(b)For severe pathogenic cold, add Cinnamon twigs (Gui Zhi, 
) and Dried ginger (Gan Jiang, 
).
(c)In cases of blockage by turbid phlegm, add Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, 
) and Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
).
(d)For severe stifling sensations in the chest, add immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, 
) or Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
) and Magnolia bark (Hou Po, 
).
(iv) Tiantai Wu Yao San 
(Heavenly Platform Lindera Powder)
| Composition: | Lindera root (Wu Yao,  ) |
12 g |
Costus root (Mu Xiang,  ) |
6 g | |
Fennel fruit (Xiao Hui Xiang,  ) |
6 g | |
Green tangerine peel (Qing Pi,  ) |
6 g | |
Galanga (Gao Liang Jiang,  ) |
9 g | |
Areca seed (Bin Lang,  ) |
9 g | |
Sichuan chinaberry (Chuan Lian Zi,  ) |
12 g | |
Croton seed (Ba Dou,  ) |
7 pcs |
Administration: Ba Dou 
and Chuan Lian Zi 
are first carbonized, and then decocted with the above formula in water. Before drinking, wine is added to the decoction. An alternative method of Administration is to grind the whole of the above composition into powder.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the circulation of Qi in the liver; |
| (b) | To dispel cold and stop pain. |
Indications: Intestinal hernia due to congealing cold and Qi stagnation, marked by lower abdominal pain radiating to the testicles, the swelling and falling to one side of the testicle, a pale tongue with a whitish coating, and deep, slow, or taut pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by cold accumulation in the Liver Meridian, leading to disordered liver-Qi function. The syndrome should be treated by regulating the flow of Qi and dispelling cold to relieve pain. Wu Yao 
is used as the chief herb to promote the flow of Qi, scatter cold, and alleviate pain. Pungent, warm, and aromatic in nature, Qing Pi 
disperses stagnated liver-Qi, Mu Xiang 
promotes the flow of Qi to relieve pain, Xiao Hui Xiang 
warms the liver to dispel cold, and Gao Liang Jiang 
dispels cold and relieves pain. They function as the assistant herbs and together enhance the effect of Wu Yao 
in promoting the flow of liver-Qi. Bin Lang 
descends Qi and removes stagnation. Chuan Lian Zi 
regulates the flow of Qi and alleviates pain. The bitter and cold properties are restrained while being stir-baked with Ba Dou 
, and the actions of promoting the flow of Qi and dispersing clumps are reinforced.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Hernia, dysmenorrhea, orchitis, epididymitis, gastroduodenal ulcer, chronic gastritis, and other conditions which are ascribed to the accumulation of cold and the stagnation of Qi.
Modifications:
(a)In cases of severe cold, add Evodia fruit (Wu Zhu Yu, 
) and Cinnamon bark (Rou Gui, 
).
(b)For dysmenorrhea, add Chuan Xiong rhizome (Chuan Xiong, 
), Safflower (Hong Hua, 
). and Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, 
).
Prescriptions for Descending Qi
(i) Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang 
(Perilla Seed Qi-Ascending Decoction)
| Composition: | Perilla seed (Su Zi,  ) |
9 g |
Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia,  ) |
9 g | |
Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui,  ) |
6 g | |
Baked licorice (Zhi Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g | |
Peucedanum root (Qian Hu,  ) |
6 g | |
Magnolia bark (Hou Po,  ) |
6 g | |
Cinnamon bark (Rou Gui,  ) |
3 g |
Administration: Two slices of Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, 
), one piece of Jujube (Da Zao, 
), and five leaves of Perilla (Zi Su Ye, 
) are added to the mixed herbs listed above, put into decocted.
| Functions: | (a) | To direct Qi downward and arrest wheezing; |
| (b) | To resolve phlegm and relieve cough. |
Indications: Wheezing and coughing due to excess above and deficiency below, marked by wheezing and coughing with copious sputum, a fullness and stuffiness sensation in the chest and diaphragm, or pain in the lower back and weakness of the feet, or edema of the extremities, a white slippery or greasy tongue coating, and a taut smooth pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for wheezing and coughing due to phlegm obstructing the lungs, excess above and deficiency below. “Excess above” means phlegm obstructing the lungs and the adverse rising of lung-Qi. “Deficiency below” refers to failure of the kidney to receive Qi, which manifests with wheezing and shortness of breath. The treatment of “excess above” should be to direct Qi downward and dispel phlegm, stop coughing, and arrest wheezing. And the treatment of “deficiency below” should be to warm and tonify the kidney. Su Zi 
functions as the chief herb to descend Qi and eliminate phlegm for relieving coughing and wheezing. While all the assistant herbs eliminate phlegm, Ban Xia 
also dries dampness and descends Qi, while Hou Po 
descends Qi and relieves wheezing, and Qian Hu 
disperses lung-Qi to relieve coughing. The chief and assistant herbs focus on righting the excess syndrome in the upper body, and the following adjuvant herbs work to balance the deficiency syndrome in the lower body. The acrid and hot Rou Gui 
invigorates kidney-Yang to increase the kidney’s ability to receive Qi, and relieves the wheezing. The acrid, sweet, and moist Dang Gui 
enriches blood, moistens dryness and relieves cough, and supports Rou Gui’s 
actions. The guiding herb, Zhi Gan Cao 
, mediates the properties of the other herbs. Sheng Jiang 
, Da Zao 
, and Zi Su Ye 
are added to the formula to regulate the stomach and eliminate phlegm, disperse lung-Qi, and dispel cold.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Bronchitis, asthma, emphysema, and cor pulmonale, manifested as chest distress, profuse white sputum, and a white slippery or greasy tongue coating.
Modifications:
(a)For severe edema, add Poria (Fu Ling, 
), White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, 
) and Alismatis rhizome (Ze Xie, 
).
(b)For exterior symptoms manifested by chills and fever, add Ephedra (Ma Huang, 
) and Apricot seed (Xing Ren, 
).
Cautions: The formula is contraindicated in a person with cough and asthma due to deficiency of the lung and kidney, or due to heat in the lung.
(ii) Dingchuan Tang 
(Panting-Arresting Decoction)
| Composition: | Ginkgo seed (Bai Guo,  ) |
9 g |
Ephedra (Ma Huang,  ) |
9 g | |
Perilla seed (Su Zi,  ) |
6 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
3 g | |
Tussilago flower (Kuan Dong Hua,  ) |
9 g | |
Apricot seed (Xing Ren,  ) |
9 g | |
Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi, ) |
9 g | |
Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ) |
9 g | |
Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia,  ) |
9 g |
Administration: Decoct the above herbs in water for oral use.
| Functions: | (a) | To promote the function of the lung in descending and dispersing; |
| (b) | To resolve phlegm and soothe asthma. |
Indications: Asthma due to the invasion of exogenous pathogenic cold and the existence of heat in the interior, marked by cough with copious thick yellow sputum and labored breathing, chest distress and hypochondriac fullness, slight aversion to wind-cold, a greasy yellowish tongue coating, and a smooth rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: The formula is commonly used to treat asthma and cough due to phlegm-heat accumulation in the interior and wind-cold constraining the exterior. The long-term phlegm-heat accumulation in the interior may lead to failure of the lung in purification. It is treated by disseminating and redirecting the lung-Qi, clearing heat to eliminate phlegm, and also dispelling wind-cold. Ma Huang disperses lung-Qi, relieves asthma, and dispels wind-cold, and Bai Guo 
relieves asthma and eliminates phlegm with its astringent effect on the lung. Both act as the chief herbs. Bai Guo 
is integral to this formula because it not only strengthens Ma Huang’s effect of relieving asthma, but also modulates Ma Huang’s pungency and dispersing nature, protecting lung-Qi from any potential damage. Xing Ren 
, Su Zi 
, Kuan Dong Hua 
, and Ban Xia 
descend Qi to remove asthma and eliminate phlegm to relieve cough, and are used as the assistant herbs. Sang Bai Pi 
and Huang Qin 
act as the adjuvant herbs, purging heat from the lung, and eliminating phlegm to relieve asthma. Gan Cao 
) serves as the guiding herb, mediating the properties of the other herbs and stopping coughing. The combination focuses on the coordination of ventilating and clearing, dispersing and astringing by the way of dispersing the exterior wind-cold, clearing the interior heat-phlegm, and directing the rebellious lung-Qi downward to stop asthma.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Asthma, bronchitis, and other related conditions, which chiefly manifest as large amounts of yellow sputum, a greasy yellowish tongue coating, and a smooth rapid pulse.
Modifications:
(a)For severe heat-phlegm, add Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, 
), Cape jasmine fruit (Zhi Zi, 
), Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, 
), and Arisaema with bile (Dan Nan Xing, 
).
(b)For a severe stifling sensation in the chest, add Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, 
), Citrus peel (Ju Pi, 
), and Magnolia bark (Hou Po, 
).
(c)For severe chills, add Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye, 
).
(iii) Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
(Inula and Hematite Decoction)
| Composition: | Inula flower (Xuan Fu Hua,  ) |
9 g |
Ginseng (Ren Shen,  ) |
6 g | |
Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang,  ) |
10 g | |
Hematite (Dai Zhe Shi,  ) |
9 g | |
Baked licorice (Zhi Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g | |
Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia,  ) |
9 g | |
Jujube (Da Zao,  ) |
4 pcs |
Administration: The herbs are cooked with water by decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To conduct reversed flow of Qi downward and resolve phlegm; |
| (b) | To tonify Qi and harmonize the stomach. |
Indications: Counterflow of Qi due to stomach insufficiency and phlegm stagnation, marked by frequent belching, regurgitation, vomiting, epigastric fullness and rigidity, a pale tongue with a whitish slippery coating, and a taut feeble pulse.
Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for deficient stomach Qi and phlegm turbidity retention in the middle Jiao. The syndrome should be treated by descending the reversed Qi and reducing the phlegm, supplementing the Qi, and regulating the stomach. Xuan Fu Hua 
descends Qi, reduces phlegm, and arrests belching, and Dai Zhe Shi 
descends adversely rising Qi of the lung and stomach with its heaviness, and relieves vomiting, with both acting as the chief herbs. Ban Xia 
dries dampness, reduces phlegm, and descends reversed Qi, and Sheng Jiang 
is involved in three aspects: stopping vomiting by harmonizing the stomach and suppressing the rebellious Qi; enhancing dispelling phlegm by dispersing retained water; and restricting the cool nature of Dai Zhe Shi 
in case of damaging the stomach. Both Ban Xia 
and Sheng Jiang 
promote the function of the chief herbs and play the part of assistant herbs. Ren Shen 
, Da Zao 
, and Zhi Gan Cao 
not only supplement Qi, nourish and regulate the stomach, but also prevent Dai Zhe Shi 
from impairing the stomach. These three herbs all serve as the adjuvant herbs. Zhi Gan Cao 
also functions as the guiding herb to mediate the properties of the other herbs.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Chronic gastritis, gastroptosis, nervous belching, hiccupping or vomiting which is ascribed to deficiency of the stomach and phlegm retention.
Modifications:
(a)For mild Qi deficiency, omit Ren Shen 
and Da Zao 
.
(b)For cold in the stomach, replace Sheng Jiang 
with Dried ginger (Gan Jiang, 
) and Evodia fruit (Wu Zhu Yu, 
).
(c)In cases of heat in the stomach, add Bamboo leaf (Zhu Ye, 
) and Loquat leaf (Pi Pa Ye, 
).
(d)For excessive phlegm fluid, add Citrus peel (Ju Pi, 
) and Poria (Fu Ling, 
).
(iv) Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tant 
(Citrus Peel and Bamboo Shavings Decoction)
| Composition: | Citrus peel (Ju Pi,  ) |
12 g |
Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru,  ) |
12 g | |
Jujube (Da Zao,  ) |
5 pcs | |
Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang,  ) |
9 g | |
Licorice (Gan Cao,  ) |
6 g | |
Ginseng (Ren Shen,  ) |
3 g |
Administration: The herbs are cooked with water by decoction.
| Functions: | (a) | To conduct reversed flow of Qi downward and stop hiccups; |
| (b) | To tonify Qi and clear heat. |
Indications: Hiccups or vomiting due to weakness of the stomach and existence of heat in the interior, marked by hiccupping or retching, shortness of breath, dry mouth, a light-red tongue, and a feeble rapid pulse.
Formula Analysis: The syndrome is caused by deficiency of the stomach with heat and reversely ascending stomach-Qi. It should be treated by descending the adverse flow of Qi to relieve hiccupping, supplementing Qi and clearing heat. The acrid, bitter, and warm Ju Pi 
is capable of promoting the flow of Qi and regulating the stomach to relieve hiccupping, and Zhu Ru 
with sweet and slightly cold properties clears heat from the stomach to relieve vomiting. Both act as the chief herbs and their combination effectively clears heat from the stomach and descends reversed Qi. Ren Shen 
invigorates the stomach and Qi, and replenishes the middle Jiao; Sheng Jiang 
is very effective in regulating the stomach and relieves vomiting; both serve as the assistant herbs. Gan Cao 
and Da Zao 
supplement Qi and regulate the stomach, and enhance the ability of Ren Shen 
to reinforce the spleen. In their role as the adjuvant herbs, they also mediate the properties of the other herbs. With all the herbs combined, the formula can clear heat without side effects produced by cold herbs.
Applications in Bio-medicine: Vomiting during pregnancy, phrenospasm, incomplete pylorochesis and incessant hiccupping after abdominal surgery, all of which pertain to deficiency of the stomach with heat.
Modifications:
(a)For Yin deficiency in the stomach manifested by thirst, a small amount of dry tongue coating, and a thready rapid pulse, add Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, 
), Glehnia root (Sha Shen, 
), Reed root (Lu Gen, 
), and Loquat leaf (Pi Pa Ye, 
).
(b)For mild Qi deficiency conditions, omit Ren Shen 
.