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Preface: Various diseases can lead to deficiency and consumptive disease (Xu Sun Lao Zhai). Those who treat it must investigate the cause. This illness, since ancient times, has been difficult for even the most skilled physicians to manage. It is akin to digging a well only when thirsty or forging weapons only when battle begins; is this not too late? Therefore, medical sages of past dynasties have written treatises on formulas for consumptive disease, briefly stating these syndromes. If expanded upon, changes become myriad, depending entirely on the practitioner's insight.

Huangqi (Radix Astragali) (4 liang), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Guixin (Cortex Cinnamomi), each 2 liang; Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) (20 zhu); Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens) (8 liang); Dazao (Fructus Jujubae) (10 pieces).

Each of the five zang organs can suffer from labor/damage. When the lung is damaged by labor, symptoms include shortness of breath, deficiency-cold, withered and dry skin and hair, obstruction of body fluids, depletion of qi strength, and a slow and moderate pulse. This formula is indicated for such cases.

The Lung governs Qi. Prolonged sorrow, wheezing, and coughing can lead to Lung Labor (Fei Lao). Lung Labor causes shortness of breath and a weak voice. Qi belongs to Yang; Yang deficiency leads to cold, hence the manifestation of deficiency-cold. The Lung governs the skin and hair. In Lung Labor, there is insufficient fluid to nourish the skin and hair, resulting in withered and dry textures. Abundant Qi moistens objects; insufficient Qi and fluids fail to transform into fluids, leading to dry mouth and obstructed fluids. Strong Qi makes one robust; depleted Qi makes one weak. Since the Lung is injured by labor, Qi strength is depleted. A slow pulse indicates Cold; a moderate pulse indicates Deficiency. Huangqi and Renshen are sweet and warm, thus they can tonify Qi. The Classic states: "For damage to the Lung, benefit its Qi." Hence, they are used. Guixin and Fuzi are acrid and hot. Qi deficiency allows Yin pathogens to gather, causing Cold; Heat can strengthen Qi, hence they are used. Baizhu, Shengjiang, and Dazao are herbs for regulating the Spleen and Stomach. The Classic states: "For deficiency, regulate the mother organ." The Spleen is the mother of the Lung; hence, they are used. This formula is suitable because all the aforementioned conditions are deficiency-cold syndromes. However, if there is Lung Heat with a rapid pulse, this formula is inappropriate; instead, Er Mu San should be used.

Zhimu (Radix Anemarrhenae, de-haired, stir-fried), Beimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, core removed, lightly stir-fried), each 5 qian.

Grind together into fine powder.

This formula is indicated for Lung Labor accompanied by Heat, where patients cannot tolerate Qi-tonifying preparations.

There are two methods for treating the Lung: For Qi deficiency with Yin accumulation, use warming and tonification as in the previous formula. For Lung Metal deficiency with Fire encroachment, use yin-nourishment as in this formula. Cases suitable for warming and tonification are easier to cure; those suitable for yin-nourishment are harder to treat. Because Fire encroaching on Metal is called "Thief Evil," and may develop into Lung萎 (Fei Wei/Lung Atrophy), it is very difficult to treat. In this formula, both Zhimu and Beimu are bitter and cold. Bitterness can firm the Metal (Lung), and Coldness can overcome Heat; thus, ancients used it for this purpose.