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Asthma (Chuan Zheng) is the most severe and difficult-to-treat condition. I have observed that quack doctors, whenever they encounter asthma, invariably prescribe Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Fruit Descending Qi Decoction) for one or two doses; if it fails, they immediately use Zhen Yuan Yin (True Origin Drink); if still ineffective, they add Chen Xiang (Aquilaria Wood), Hei Qian (Black Lead), Ci Shi (Magnetite), Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) and similar substances. They say: "We follow Jing Yue's method of treatment, but unfortunately the disease is deep-rooted and ineffective." This assertion was initiated by a certain old doctor and has now become a rigid rule, which is truly lamentable. I shall correct this view using Jing Yue's own words. Jing Yue stated: "Asthma is divided into deficiency (Xu) and excess (Shi)." Excess type manifests as chest distension and coarse breathing, loud voice and surging respiration, with the chest appearing swollen and unable to contain air, finding relief only in exhalation. The treatises never fail to differentiate treatment based on wind-cold, dryness, fire, anger, phlegm, and fluid retention. He further stated: "Deficiency-type asthma presents with panic and shortness of breath, low voice and short respiration, looking terrified as if breath were about to cease; lifting seems impossible, swallowing seems impossible, worsening with exertion, finding relief only in taking a long breath." The treatises never fail to list and differentiate treatment for conditions such as advanced age, chronic illness, severe deficiency of Spleen, Lung, Kidney, post-hemorrhage, post-sweating, and postpartum states among women. There are indeed errors within these statements, likely due to a failure to deeply study the principles of Shang Han Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage) and Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), relying merely on superficial reading of medical texts, hence the presence of shallow and seemingly plausible yet incorrect points. Adapting to contemporary preferences, I base my approach on Jing Yue's distinction between deficiency and excess, incorporating ancient methods, listing classic prescriptions (Jing Fang) and appropriate contemporary formulas (Shi Fang) for clinical selection.

Yue Bi Jia Ban Xia Tang (Ma Huang Decoction plus Pinellia): Cough accompanied by rebellious Qi, indicating Lung Distension (Fei Zhang). The patient wheezes, eyes appear protruding as if falling out, pulse is floating and large.
Xiao Qing Long Tang (Minor Green Dragon Decoction): Lung Distension with cough and rebellious Qi, fluid retention below the heart, pulse is floating.
Gui Ling Wu Wei Gan Cao Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Poria, Schisandra, and Licorice Decoction): Although Xiao Qing Long Tang is an excellent formula for cold-fluid retention causing cough and rebellious Qi, patients with lower deficiency cannot tolerate dispersing methods, which may stir up Chong Qi (Rebellious Qi). Urgently use Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fu Ling (Poria) to attack Kidney pathogenic factors, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) to astringe Lung Qi and quell fire, and Gan Cao (Licorice) to regulate Middle Qi and control fluids.
Gui Ling Wu Wei Gan Cao Jia Gan Xin Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Poria, Schisandra, Licorice plus Ginger and Asarum Decoction) (See Jin Gui Yao Lue): Having utilized the Gui Ling formula to subdue Chong Qi, if cough and chest fullness worsen, it indicates cold pathogen stored in the chest. Although Gui Zhi is used, the pathogen remains unconquered, as it tends to disperse via the exterior. Add Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Xi Xin (Asarum), utilizing their pungent and hot nature to expel cold and relieve fullness.
According to Jin Gui Yao Lue: If the aforementioned symptoms are accompanied by dizziness and vomiting, add Ban Xia (Pinellia) to expel fluid, named Gui Ling Wu Wei Gan Cao Qu Gui Jia Gan Jiang Xi Xin Ban Xia Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Poria, Schisandra, Licorice minus Cinnamon Twig plus Dried Ginger, Asarum, and Pinellia Decoction); if accompanied by edema, it indicates Lung Qi stagnation causing swelling, add Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) to promote drainage, named Ling Gan Wu Wei Jia Gan Xin Ban Xia Xing Ren Tang (Poria, Licorice, Schisandra plus Dried Ginger, Asarum, Pinellia, and Apricot Seed Decoction); if additionally accompanied by facial heat resembling intoxication, this indicates Stomach Heat rushing upward to the face, add Da Huang (Rhubarb) 3 qian to promote drainage. (Qi and pulse are obstructed, stagnating externally causing edema, internally causing Stomach Heat. After using Xing Ren to benefit Qi in the chest, Da Huang is used to clear Heat in the Stomach.) Named Ling Gan Wu Wei Jia Gan Xin Ban Xia Da Huang Tang (Poria, Licorice, Schisandra plus Dried Ginger, Asarum, Pinellia, and Rhubarb Decoction).
Xu Zhongke stated: Among Zhongjing's several formulas, Ginger and Asarum are never removed, even when facial heat is present. Why? Because Ginger and Asarum are best at relieving fullness and stopping cough. Whenever fluid pathogen remains, these two herbs must be constantly employed for prevention.
Gui Zhi Jia Nong Po Xing Ren Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Magnolia Bark and Apricot Seed) (See Shang Han Lun): Indicated for asthma. If Tai Yang disease is treated with purgatives leading to slight asthma, this formula resolves the exterior.
She Gan Ma Huang Tang (Belamcanda and Ephedra Decoction): Cough with rebellious Qi, sound of water fowl in the throat.
Zao Jia Wan (Soap Pod Pill): Rebellious Qi and cough, frequent expectoration of turbid saliva, inability to lie down, can only sit. (Thick phlegm adhering to the lungs; only this formula can thoroughly cleanse thick phlegm.)
Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang (Descurainia Seed and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lung): Lung obstruction due to Zhi Yin (Supporting Fluid) causing fullness and stifling sensation. Qi closure prevents free respiration. This formula uses bitter descent to drain excess pathogen.
Shi Zao Tang (Ten Date Decoction): For patients with Zhi Yin experiencing cough, irritability, and chest pain.
Yu Jiayan stated: Among the five types of fluid retention, only Ge Shang Zhi Yin (Supporting Fluid above the Diaphragm) is the root cause of cough. External pathogens entering and combining with it certainly cause cough; even without external pathogens, Zhi Yin infiltrating the lungs naturally causes persistent cough. Moreover, since Zhi Yin accumulates long-term above the diaphragm, Qi from the Lower Jiao rebelling upward easily combines with upper pathogenesis. Due to Zhi Yin, external pathogens can enter inward, and lower pathogenic factors can rise upward. Without eliminating Zhi Yin, cough will never find peace.
Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction) (See Jin Gui Yao Lue): Fire rebellion causing upward Qi, unsmooth throat. This formula governs stopping rebellion and descending Qi.
Xie Bai San (Drain White Powder): Treats Lung Fire causing asthma and cough.
Si Mo Yin (Four Knocks Drink): Treats cough caused by Qi rebellion due to seven emotions, and also treats all types of excess asthma.
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Fruit Descending Qi Decoction) (See Shi Fang): Treats phlegm-cough, distension, fullness, asthma, with excess above and deficiency below.
Zi Su Tang (Perilla Decoction) (See Sheng Ji Zong Lu): Treats sudden shortness of breath.
Zi Su (Perilla Leaf) 4 qian, Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) 1 qian, Hong Zao (Jujube) 2 pieces.
Decoct in water and wine, take orally.