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The *Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic) states that if chronic cough persists without resolution, the pathogen transmits to the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). The manifestations of Sanjiao cough include coughing accompanied by fullness in the face and abdomen, and a lack of desire to eat or drink. Cold qi accumulates in the Stomach and spreads to the Lung, causing excessive nasal discharge and saliva, facial and ocular edema, and rebellious Qi. The Lung governs Qi and corresponds to the skin and hair. Qi circulates among the Zang-Fu organs and flows through the meridians. If Lung Qi is deficient and Wind pathogen invades, the skin and pores become obstructed, causing internal Qi stagnation. This stagnant Qi combines with body fluids, preventing their dissemination and excretion. The fluid overflows into the skin, resulting in cough and facial edema.

Formulas

Shuqi Tang (Shuqi Decoction): Treats Sanjiao cough, abdominal distension with Qi rebellion, facial edema, and expectoration of phlegm-fluid.
Ingredients: Shuqi (Radix Datiscae), Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, peeled and stir-fried), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, roasted and crushed), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, sliced and dried), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri, stems removed), Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis, stamens removed), each 1 liang; Shegan (Rhizoma Belamcandae), Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride), Sangbaipipi (Cortex Morus Radicis), Xiong (Radix Ligustici Chuanxiong), Qianniuizi (Semen Pharbitidis, stir-fried), each 1.5 liang; Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, white pith removed and dried) 3 liang; Tianxiong (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, processed until cracked, peel and umbilicus removed) 2.5 liang; Gui (Ramulus Cinnamomi, coarse bark removed), Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, peel removed), each 0.3 fen; Taoren (Semen Persicae, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel) 20 pieces. Crush the ingredients to the size of hemp seeds. Take 5 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water and 5 slices of fresh ginger, decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Sanggenbaiti Tang (Mulberry Root Bark Decoction): Treats Sanjiao cough, flaccid edema of the face, inability to lie flat, excessive drinking with reduced appetite.
Ingredients: Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis), Caoudoukou (Fructus Cardamomi Rotundus, peeled, 3 pods), Tianxiong (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, processed until cracked, peel and umbilicus removed), Qumaisui (Spica Lychnidis), Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, peel removed), Mutong (Caulis Akebiae), Gui (Ramulus Cinnamomi, coarse bark removed), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, sliced and dried), Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis, stamens removed), each 1 liang; Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride), Shegan (Rhizoma Belamcandae), Qianniuizi (Semen Pharbitidis, stir-fried), each 1.5 liang; Taoren (Semen Persicae, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel, stir-fried) 20 pieces; Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, peel and pointed end removed) 0.3 fen; Wuzhuyu (Fructus Evodiae, stir-fried) 0.5 liang. Crush the ingredients to the size of hemp seeds. Take 5 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water and 7 slices of fresh ginger, decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Sanggenbaiti Tang (from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats cough, edema of the face and four limbs, shortness of breath preventing lying down.
Ingredients: Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, crushed), Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri, stems removed), each 1 liang; Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, crushed), Zhike (Fructus Aurantii, pulp removed, stir-bran fried), each 0.3 fen; Xingren (Semen Persicae, soaked in hot water, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel, stir-fried), Chi Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed), Huangqi (Radix Astragali, crushed), each 1 liang; Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, soaked in hot water, white pith removed and dried), Maidong (Radix Ophiopogonis, heart removed and dried), each 0.3 fen; Eshi (Fructus Arctii, stir-fried) 1 liang; Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, roasted and crushed) 0.3 fen. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 4 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water, 1 slice of fresh ginger, and one jujube-sized piece (smashed), decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Baihe Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction): Treats Lung Qi stagnation, cough with wheezing and chest oppression, discomfort in the diaphragm and wrists, Qi obstruction with excessive thirst, edema of the waist and navel, and dysuria.
Ingredients: Baihe (Bulbus Lilii), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Zisujingye (Folium et Caulis Perillae, crushed), Zhuling (Polyporus), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, roasted and crushed), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, crushed), Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed), Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, soaked in hot water, white pith removed and dried), each 1 liang; Madouling (Fructus Aristolochiae), Maimendong (Radix Ophiopogonis, heart removed and dried), Zhike (Fructus Aurantii, pulp removed, stir-bran fried), each 1 liang. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 4 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water, 1 slice of fresh ginger, and one jujube-sized piece (smashed), decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Jitexiang San (Litsea Powder, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats Lung Qi cough, facial edema, and rapid panting.
Ingredients: Jitexiang (Lignum Litseae Cubebae) 0.5 liang; Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 0.3 fen; Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae) 0.3 fen; Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis) 1 liang; Zisujingye (Folium et Caulis Perillae) 1 liang; Sangbaipi (Cortex Morus Radicis, crushed) 3 liang; Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, 0.5 liang, processed, peel and umbilicus removed); Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, 1 liang, peeled, soaked in hot water, slightly stir-fried); Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii) 0.5 liang; Binglang (Semen Arecae) 1 liang; Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 0.5 liang, roasted until red and crushed). Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhan of water, decoct until 0.6 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Haige San (Clam Shell Powder, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats Lung Qi cough, facial edema, urinary retention, rapid panting, approaching hydrops.
Ingredients: Haige (Concha Meretricis, finely ground) 1 liang; Zeqiye (Folium Euphorbiae Helioscopii) 1 liang; Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 1 liang; Sangbaipi (Cortex Morus Radicis, crushed) 1 liang; Baihe (Bulbus Lilii) 1 liang; Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed, crushed) 1 liang; Binglang (Semen Arecae) 1 liang; Mutong (Caulis Akebiae, crushed) 1 liang; Qianniuizi (Semen Pharbitidis, slightly stir-fried) 1 liang; Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, stir-fried between papers until purple) 1 liang; Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, 1 liang, soaked in hot water, peeled, slightly stir-fried). Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhong zhan of water, decoct until 0.6 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time, using bowel movement as the indicator.

Chifuling Tang (Red Poria Decoction): Treats wheezing cough, reduces swelling and fullness, promotes appetite.
Ingredients: Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed), Dafuzi (Fructus Citri Reticulatae Viride, crushed), Wuweizi (Fructus Schisandrae), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, crushed), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Zisujingye (Folium et Caulis Perillae, crushed), Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, soaked in hot water, white pith removed and dried), each 1 liang; Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, roasted and crushed) 0.5 liang. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 4 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water, 3 slices of fresh ginger, and 3 jujubes (split open), decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm.

Tingli San (Descurainia Seed Powder, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats cough with facial swelling, inability to lie flat, and thick sticky sputum.
Ingredients: Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 1 liang, stir-fried between papers until purple), Mutong (Caulis Akebiae, 0.5 liang, crushed), Xuanjufhua (Capitium Inulae), Ziwan (Radix Asteris), each 0.5 liang; Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, crushed) 3 liang; Binglang (Semen Arecae) 0.5 liang; Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, 1 liang, soaked in hot water, peeled, stir-fried); Sangbaipi (Cortex Morus Radicis, 1 liang, crushed). Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhong zhan of water and 0.5 fen of fresh ginger, decoct until 0.6 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Zeqi San (Euphorbia Powder, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats cough with rapid panting, inability to sit or lie comfortably, and facial edema.
Ingredients: Zeqi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopii) 0.5 liang; Sangbaipi (Cortex Morus Radicis, 1.5 liang, crushed), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed) 1.5 liang, Mutong (Caulis Akebiae, 1 liang, crushed), Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, 0.3 fen, soaked in hot water, pulp removed), Zisujingye (Folium et Caulis Perillae) 1 liang, Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, 0.5 liang, roasted until red and crushed), Dafupi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride, 0.3 fen, crushed). Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhong zhan of water and 0.5 fen of fresh ginger, decoct until 0.6 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Hanfangji San (Stephania Powder, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats Lung organ Qi stagnation and blockage, leading to facial edema, cough with rapid panting, and restlessness.
Ingredients: Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 0.3 fen; Sangbaipi (Cortex Morus Radicis, 1 liang, crushed), Mutong (Caulis Akebiae, 1 liang, crushed), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed) 1.5 liang, Baihe (Bulbus Lilii) 1 liang, Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 0.3 fen, stir-fried between papers until purple), Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, 0.3 fen, soaked in hot water, peeled, stir-fried), Zeqi (Herba Euphorbiae Helioscopii) 0.5 liang. Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhong zhan of water and 0.5 fen of fresh ginger, decoct until 0.6 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Yuliren Wan (Prunus Seed Pill, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats wheezing cough with phlegm-solidity, slight swelling of the body and face, and difficult urination.
Ingredients: Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, peeled, pointed end removed, ground, 1 liang 1 fen), Tinglizi (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, stir-fried between papers) 3 liang, Xingren (Semen Persicae, soaked in hot water, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel, stir-fried, ground) 0.3 fen, Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 2 liang, Zisuye (Folium Perillae) 1 liang 1 fen, Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, soaked in hot water, white pith removed), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed), each 1 liang. Grind into powder, mix with refined honey to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Take 20 pills per dose, after meals, with Zisu (Perilla) decoction. Another version uses equal parts of all ingredients.

Tingli Tang (Descurainia Seed Decoction): Treats cough with facial edema, thick sticky sputum, and intermittent panting.
Ingredients: Tinglizi (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 1 liang, stir-fried between papers and separately ground), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, crushed), Ziwan (Radix Asteris, stems and soil removed), each 1.5 liang; Binglang (Semen Arecae, crushed) 3 pieces, Mutong (Caulis Akebiae, crushed) 1.5 liang, Yuliren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae, stir-fried) 1 liang. Except for Tinglizi, crush the other ingredients to the size of hemp seeds. Take 5 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water, decoct until 0.8 zhan remains, strain, and take warm.

Chenxiang Binglang Tang (Agarwood and Areca Nut Decoction): Treats cough with upper wheezing and chest fullness, reduces swelling and fullness, promotes appetite.
Ingredients: Chenxiang (Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum, crushed), Chifuling (Poria Cocos with Black Skin Removed), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, slightly roasted and crushed), Wulingzhi (Faeces Trogopterori) 0.5 liang, Madouling (Fructus Aristolochiae), Binglang (Semen Arecae, crushed), each 0.1 fen. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 1.5 qian per dose, add 1 zhan of water, decoct until 0.7 zhan remains, strain, and take hot.

Tingli Wan (Descurainia Seed Pill, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Greatly treats Lung Qi cough, facial edema, panting, insomnia, difficulty walking, and dark scanty urine.
Ingredients: Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae), Beimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, baked until slightly yellow), Mutong (Caulis Akebiae), each 1 liang; Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, stir-fried between papers until purple), Xingren (Semen Persicae, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel, stir-bran fried until slightly yellow, separately ground), each 2 liang. Grind into fine powder, mix with jujube flesh to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Take 30 pills per dose, with Sanggenbaiti (Mulberry Root Bark) decoction, at any time. Xu Qixiang’s famous formula, named Fangji Wan, lacks Beimu and Mutong but adds Sangbaipi and three other ingredients in equal parts, ground together, and formed into pills with wheat paste.

Fangji Wan (Stephania Pill, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats persistent cough and facial edema.
Ingredients: Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 1 liang, Kuhuuluizi (Fructus Benincasae Semen, slightly stir-fried until yellow) 0.5 liang, Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis) 0.3 fen, Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, 0.5 liang, soaked in hot water, white pith removed), Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 1 liang, stir-fried between papers until purple). Grind into fine powder, mix with refined honey to form pills the size of phoenix tree seeds. Take 30 pills per dose with rice broth, three times daily.

Qianniuizi Tang (Pharbitis Seed Decoction, from *Taiping Shenghui Fang*): Treats cough, irregular Lung Qi, and facial edema.
Ingredients: Qianniuizi (Semen Pharbitidis, stir-fried), Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, stir-fried between papers), Chenjupi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, soaked in hot water, white pith removed and dried), Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata, roasted and crushed), Xingren (Semen Persicae, soaked in hot water, peel and pointed end removed, double-kernel, stir-fried), each 0.5 liang. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhan of water, 1 slice of fresh ginger, and two jujubes (split open, jujube-sized pieces), decoct until 0.7 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time. If cough prevents lying down, with facial edema and wiry or slow pulse, it indicates cold retention in Lung and Stomach, water accumulation forming fluid-retention, attacking Heart Qi, causing insomnia, termed "Pi Yin Sou" (Skin Fluid Retention Cough). It is suitable to purge with Shizao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction), followed by Fangji Tang.

Fangji Tang (also known as Fangfeng Tang, from *Ren Cun Fang*)
Ingredients: Hanfangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae) 3 liang, Renshen (Radix Ginseng) 4 liang, Guixin (Ramulus Cinnamomi Cordatae) 2 liang, Fuling (Poria Cocos) 2 liang. Grind into powder. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhan of water, decoct until 0.7 zhan remains, strain, and take warm.

Fuling Beimu Tang (Poria and Fritillaria Decoction): Treats deficiency Qi in Lung meridian, swelling and fullness with wheezing and chest oppression, shortness of breath and cough.
Ingredients: Baifuling (White Poria Cocos, black skin removed) 1 liang, Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis, crushed), Beimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae, baked), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis, roasted and crushed), each 0.3 fen. Coarsely grind and sieve. Take 3 qian per dose, add 1 zhan of water, decoct until 0.7 zhan remains, strain, and take warm at any time.

Xiao Tingli Tang (Minor Descurainia Seed Decoction): Treats cough with upward Qi, excessive salivation, facial edema, and rebellious Qi.
Ingredients: Tingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 0.3 fen, stir-fried between papers, separately pounded and ground to the size of a cherry), Sanggenbaiti (Cortex Morus Radicis Caulis) 2.5 liang, Dazao (Fructus Jujubae, 10 pieces, pits removed). Except for Tingli, crush the other ingredients to the size of hemp seeds. Take 5 qian per dose, add 1.5 zhan of water, decoct until 1 zhan remains, add one pill of Tingli, boil for one or two more boils, strain, and take warm on an empty stomach. If there is epigastric hardness and fullness, remove Sanggenbaiti.

Runfei San (Moisten Lung Powder): Treats stagnation cough and facial edema.
Ingredients: Tiantingli (Semen Lepidii et Descurainiae, 1 liang, slowly stir-fried in a small pot lined with paper), Madouling (Fructus Aristolochiae, large ones, 2 pieces, slightly stir-fried), Gui (Ramulus Cinnamomi, coarse bark removed) 0.2 fen. Grind into fine powder. After meals and before sleep, mix with warm water and take one "zi" or half a "zi". Another version suggests decocting and sipping frequently to keep the medicinal qi in the throat, which is excellent.