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Treats deficiency consumption (Xu Lao) with wheezing and rebellious Qi, reduced appetite, or accompanied by coughing; also treats all syndromes of Yin deficiency with emaciation and weakness.
Raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao, 1 liang)
Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu/Yushu, 3 qian, stir-fried)
Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi, 2 qian)
Arctii Fructus (Niubangzi, 2 qian, stir-fried and crushed)
Raw Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao/Hangshao, 3 qian)
Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen, 3 qian)
Raw Haematitum (Zheishi, 3 qian, finely ground)
Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Zhigancao, 2 qian)

Phlegm stagnating in the lung orifices causes wheezing; Kidney deficiency failing to grasp Qi also causes wheezing. Therefore, when discussing wheezing, blame is usually placed on the Lung and Kidney organs, rarely on the Spleen and Stomach. However, one should not ignore that Stomach Qi should descend continuously. If it fails to descend and instead rebels upward, forcing Lung Qi to rebel as well, wheezing can occur. The Spleen has a hollow structure, capable of containing blood from various returning vessels and transforming Qi in the Middle Jiao, serving as a spacious place for Qi and Blood. If it loses this hollow nature, becoming either contracted or distended, it may cause Qi and Blood to stagnate and rebel upward, pressing upon the Lung, which can also lead to wheezing. Furthermore, the Spleen pulse is slow and large, representing the normal image of Taiyin Damp Earth. Patients with deficiency consumption and wheezing/cough often present with wiry and rapid pulses, which oppose the slow and large pulse, indicating a pathological pulse of Spleen Earth. Thus, Raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) is heavily used to nourish Spleen Yin, assisted by Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) to regulate Spleen Yang. When Spleen Yin and Yang are harmonized, there is no risk of contraction or distension. Specifically, the Spleen and Stomach are internally-externally related; any herb tonifying the Spleen also tonifies the Stomach. Yet, their functions differ: the Spleen primarily strengthens transportation, grinds accumulation, and disseminates fluids; the Stomach primarily rots and ripens food and transmits waste. If only tonifying herbs are taken, they may obstruct the descending mechanism, causing Stomach Qi to rebel easily. Therefore, herbs that descend Stomach Qi should be added as assistants, such as Haematitum (Zheishi), Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi), and Arctii Fructus (Niubangzi) in this formula. Moreover, these herbs clear phlegm and benefit Lung Qi. Combined with Raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) and Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen), they become key items for nourishing the Lung and stopping cough. Licorice Root (Gancao) and White Peony Root (Baishao) are used for their sweet-bitter combination, which greatly benefits the Spleen and Stomach and simultaneously nourishes the Yin aspect. It also treats all deficiency consumption syndromes because robust Spleen and Stomach function increases appetite, allowing for the transformation of essence and micro-nutrients to cultivate Qi and Blood.

A case: A 22-year-old patient suffered from severe wheezing and rebellious Qi, with a rapid pulse beating seven times per respiration. All other anti-wheezing medicines were ineffective. This formula was prescribed. After decoction, due to severe wheezing, the patient could not swallow immediately. Three doses of warm water were given before administering the medicine. After one dose, symptoms improved; after several more doses, full recovery was achieved.

Question: Herbs that strengthen the Spleen and Stomach often cannot nourish Yin, and those that nourish Yin often cannot strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. How does the combination of Peony Root (Shaoyao) and Licorice Root (Gancao) in this formula achieve both? Answer: The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states Shaoyao is bitter, while later materia medica state it is sour. In reality, Shaoyao possesses both bitter and sour flavors. Chen Xiuyuan firmly believed the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, asserting Shaoyao is only bitter and not sour. However, chewing about one qian of Shaoyao often causes an astringent sensation in the teeth, proving the presence of sourness. Taking its bitter flavor combined with Gancao creates the wonder of "Sweet-Bitter transforming into Yin" (a theory initiated by Ye Tianshi), thus nourishing Yin. Taking its sour flavor combined with Gancao creates the wonder of "Jia-Ji transforming into Earth" (Jia Wood is sour, Ji Earth is sweet), thus benefiting the Spleen and Stomach. This utilizes the transformed properties of the herbs. Chen Xiuyuan also stated: Shaoyao is bitter and neutral, breaking stagnation; it is originally a purgative, not a tonic. But combined with Gancao, it becomes a Yin-nourishing agent; combined with Shengjiang, Dazao, and Guizhi, it harmonizes Ying and Wei; combined with Fuzi and Ganjiang, it converges Yuan Yang back to Yin, becoming a Kidney-tonifying agent. Although not originally a tonic, past sages often used it as a main tonic, revealing subtle principles. I consider this analysis exquisite, demonstrating the subtleties of herbal modification, so I mention it here.

Western medicine states: Heart disease can affect the Lung, causing wheezing. This is credible and evidenced. Wheezing patients often have rapid pulses. Since the driving force of the pulse originates in the Heart, a rapid pulse indicates rapid heartbeats. The red blood in the left atrium and purple blood in the right atrium both communicate with pulmonary circulation. If the heartbeat is too rapid, the force propelling blood exceeds normal limits, causing pulmonary respiration to speed up accordingly. This is natural law. However, the Heart and Kidney are opposing yet complementary organs. If the Heart beats so rapidly, the True Yin of the Kidney cannot ascend to calm the Heart Yang. Thus, wheezing caused by Heart affecting the Lung is essentially the same as Kidney deficiency failing to grasp Qi.

Western medicine also states: Wheezing syndromes are caused by phlegm blocking small bronchioles in the Lung, leading to sudden constriction, blocked airflow, shortness of breath, and relief only after expectoration. Some attack daily; others every few days or triggered by fatigue/cold; some are hereditary from parents. Attacks are extremely distressing, with no effective treatment. One method involves soaking paper in saltpeter solution, drying it, burning it in a basin, and inhaling the smoke rich in oxygen. Alternatively, inhale dried leaves of *Datura metel* (Zuixiantao) as smoke. Internally, take Camphor and Opium wine (1-2 qian) mixed with ginger powder (1.5 fen) and Alum (7 li) as a powder, taken with water. While not curative, it may gradually alleviate symptoms. Note: This syndrome is Lung damage from consumption, named "Lung Consumption" (Fei Lao). Though severe during attacks, it can persist for years. Treatment should use my formulated [Missing Character] Paste.

In Lung Consumption, branch tubes in the Lung often have stasis. During heat, alveoli relax, allowing external Qi transformation to diffuse, so symptoms feel lighter. During cold, alveoli contract, and phlegm/saliva block further, worsening symptoms. This is a stubborn Lung disease with no guaranteed cure since ancient times. Only using Datura paste combined with Lung-regulating herbs can mostly cure it. The formula is detailed below:
When Datura flowers are in full bloom, chop the whole plant, extract 4 liang of raw juice, boil in a pot until thick like rice soup. Add 2 liang of Borax, boil until melted. Then add 4 liang each of Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi) fine powder and Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gancao) fine powder, plus 6 liang of Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) fine powder. Mix with the boiled paste, form into small pills. Take 1.5 qian per dose; if ineffective, increase to 2 qian, taken with warm water, twice daily. Long-term use can eradicate the root. If feeling hot after taking, increase Gypsum dosage.

The Lung possesses opening and closing mechanisms. If these operate freely, Lung Consumption does not occur. Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi) and Borax best resolve Lung tube stasis. Fine Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gancao) powder, taken uncooked and unboiled, effectively diffuses Lung Qi transformation, assisting the Lung's opening. Datura paste has strong astringent power, assisting the Lung's closing. Gypsum is used because Datura is very hot, and Gypsum clears this heat. Yuanzhi, Gancao, and Borax all nourish the Lung, generating fluids and melting phlegm, making the Lung's opening/closing flexible and unobstructed, thereby curing Lung Consumption wheezing/cough.

Note: Zuixiantao is Datura flower. Flowers are white, larger than morning glory, leaves palm-sized with tips, fruits walnut-sized with coin-like calyx, skin spiny like hemp, containing seeds like hemp seeds. Abundant in Bohai coast, commonly called Yangjinhua. Li Shizhen said: "Ingestion causes drunken stupor, usable as anesthetic." Also: "Boiling water washes prolapsed rectum effectively." It has great astringent power. Western pharmacology says: Fresh Datura flowers, fruits, and leaves juiced, dried, or made into paste. Take 3 li per dose, warms fire, stops pain, induces sleep, treats wheezing/cough. Similar to Li Shizhen's view. However, it is toxic and must not be used lightly. Modern practitioners treating consumption wheezing often smoke its flowers and leaves, achieving immediate effects, which is safer than ingesting the paste.