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(The treatment methods can be referred to in the previous chapter on Cough.)

For chronic dry cough, Yin-nourishing methods should be used; internal heat with no phlegm is most harmful. Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) can serve as the main formula, supplemented by Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), and Xuanshen (Scrophularia Root). Dengxincao (Juncus Effusus Pith) and Gancao (Licorice Root) harmonize the various herbs; Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root), and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) are used together. Fuling (Poria) and Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) are employed to eliminate phlegm; Tandong (Asparagus Stem), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Kuandonghua (Farfara Flower), and Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark) increase moistening effects. For heat in the blood, Danpi (Moutan Cortex) and Bei Shayuan (Astragalus Complanatus Seed) are used; for lung injury, Baiji (Bletilla Rhizome) and Renshen (Ginseng Root) taken orally are applied. Astringents include Hezi (Chebulic Myrobalan) and Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit); for purging the lung, Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark) is used; for dispersing acridly, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) are used effectively when applied appropriately. For red face, hemoptysis, and flaming-up of fire, Tongbian (Child's Urine) and Ou Zhi (Lotus Rhizome Juice) are effective as if divine.

The etiology of Asthma (Chuan Bing): In the Lung, it is Excess; in the Kidney, it is Deficiency.
The Lung is the highest and purest organ, intolerant of obstruction; once disturbed by pathogens, asthma becomes urgent. Internally caused by Phlegm-Fire, externally by Wind-Cold, the six pulses are floating, surging, and more forceful. This is an Excess syndrome; Wuhu Tang (Five Tigers Decoction) can be used, containing Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Xin (possibly Xinyi or a typo for another herb, literal translation: Acrid), Gancao (Licorice Root), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Mahuang (Ephedra Herb). Adding Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark), Xingren (Apricot Kernel), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Congbai (Green Onion White) is beneficial; modifications should be made according to symptoms without fixed formulas. If there is Phlegm-Asthma characterized by rising phlegm, Fuling (Poria), Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome), Nanting (Arisaema Rhizome), and Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) are used. Sudden onset and retreat is called Fire-Asthma; adding Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Suzye (Perilla Leaf), Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit), Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) is beneficial. Asthma caused by food stagnation uses Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) and Yiya (Sprouted Barley); if the abdomen is full and solid, Shanzha (Hawthorn Fruit) is added. For dry stool constipation unable to pass, Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Yuanmingfen (Mirabilite), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) are superior. What constitutes Righteous Qi Deficiency? It manifests after overexertion, feeling like pathogenic oppression. Difficulty inhaling and weak pulse indicate that Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction to Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi) can be applied. If accompanied by fire, Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) and Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit) are used; if accompanied by phlegm, Fuling (Poria) and Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) are suitable.

Lung Qi Stagnation with Water-Qi failing to descend:
Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Yiren (Coix Seed), Xingren (Apricot Kernel), Gancao (Licorice Root), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Fuling (Poria), Renshen (Ginseng Root), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Wuwei Zi (Schisandra Fruit), Tinglizi (Lepidium Seed), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark), Chuanpo (Magnolia Bark), Zhuling (Polyporus), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Mutong (Akebia Stem), Fupi (Tangerine Peel/Amomum Fruit depending on context, here likely Fu Ling Pi or similar diuretic agent), Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) minus Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Shaoyao (Peony Root), plus Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Xingren (Apricot Kernel). This thoroughly eliminates fluid retention to align with the Taiyang channel.

Liver Qi Rising with Fluid-Evil reversing upward:
Yuebi Tang (Major Yellow Beard Decoction) [Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Gancao (Licorice Root), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Dazao (Jujube)]; Xuanfuhua Tang (Inula Flower Decoction).

Kidney Qi failing to grasp:
Shudi (Rehmannia Root), Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gel), Yurou (Cornus Fruit), Fuling (Poria), Guiban (Tortoise Shell), Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root), Huaixi (Dioscorea Hypoglauca Rhizome), Yuanzhi (Polygala Root), Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit), Cishi (Magnetite), Qiushi (Sea Urine Salt), Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome), Huangjing (Polygonatum Rhizome), Dancai (Edible Mussel), Hetao (Walnut Kernel), Qizi (Goji Berry), Qingyan (Rock Salt), Renshen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Haishen (Sea Cucumber), Qianshi (Euryale Seed), Lianzi (Lotus Seed), Qingqian (Lead Carbonate), Gejie (Gecko), Buguzhi (Psoralea Fruit), Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), Shengjiang Zhi (Fresh Ginger Juice), Cheqian (Plantago Seed), Zhigancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root).

For Essence damage, fill with thick/nourishing agents and combine with calming/subduing methods:
Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) plus Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood); Duqi Wan (Duqi Pill) plus Qingqian (Lead Carbonate).

Middle Qi Deficiency (This is middle deficiency leading to spirit exhaustion, Earth failing to generate Metal):
Renshen Jianzhong Tang (Ginseng Building the Middle Decoction) minus Jiang (Ginger).

Stomach Deficiency:
Huangjing (Polygonatum Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), Huma (Sesame Seed), Gancao (Licorice Root).

Kidney Yang Deficiency with Turbid Yin reversing upward:
Renshen (Ginseng Root), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Zexie (Alisma Rhizome), Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root), Fuling (Poria), Zhuling (Polyporus).

Mr. Chen said: Danxi held that asthma due to external pathogens treats the Lung, while asthma due to internal injury treats the Kidney. Since the Lung governs exhalation and the Kidney governs inhalation. Asthma preceding bloating treats the Lung; bloating preceding asthma treats the Spleen. The Lung benefits from Acrid flavors to promote circulation, and slightly Bitter flavors to promote descent. Directly entering the Middle and Lower Jiao is not the method for treating the Lung.