Library

The pharynx and larynx (Yanhou) serve as the gate of the Lung, the door of the Stomach, the pathway where the Shaoyin Heart meridian connects, and the area clamped by the Liver meridian and Chong vessel. These four meridians all govern blood. Therefore, individuals with a history of hemorrhage often present with sore throat.

When sore throat is accompanied by unclear or unsmooth voice, it indicates Lung Fire. The Lung governs Qi; pain in the airway results in unclear voice. This is treated with Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction), added with Aristolochiae Fructus (Madouling), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren), Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Chuanbeimu), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), and Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe).

When sore throat is accompanied by difficulty in swallowing, it indicates Stomach Fire. The upper opening of the Stomach leads to the esophagus; pain in the esophagus causes difficulty in eating and drinking. This is treated with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), added with Lonicerae Japonicae Flos (Jinyinhua), Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang), Platcodonis Radix (Jiegeng), and Aurantii Fructus (Zhike).

When sore throat occurs with rebellious Qi rising and flushed cheeks, it is due to Fire from the Liver meridian and Chong vessel rebelling upward. Yunu Jian (Jade Woman Decoction) is appropriate, added with Inulae Flos (Xuanjufu) and Belamcandae Rhizoma (Shegan). A small amount of Cassiae Cortex (Rougui) stir-fried with salt should be used to guide Fire downward.

Obstruction, swelling, and ulceration in the throat are all caused by Fire of the Shaoyin Heart meridian. Xiexin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) is indicated, added with Sophorae Radix (Shandougen), Arctii Fructus (Niubangzi), Platcodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe), Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin), and Arisaematis Cum Bile (Dannanxing), plus Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang). For obstruction and swelling, externally apply powder made from chicken claws, Intramen Stomaci (Jineijin), Solani Tuber (Jixingzi), Scorpio (Quanxie) stir-fried with Crotonis Fructus (Badou, discard Badou), then add Sal Nitrum (Huoxiao), Borax (Pengsha), Borneolum Syntheticum (Bingpian), Chalcanthitum (Danfan), Indigo Naturalis (Qingdai), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), and Alum (Kufan). Blowing this powder into the throat will cure the condition once bloody sputum is expectorated. For ulceration, externally apply powder made from Realgar (Xionghuang), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Pearl (Zhenzhu), Mantidis Ootheca (Sangpiaoxiao), Halloysit Rubra (Hanshuishi), Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang), Borax (Pengsha), and Moschus (Shexiang). Blowing this powder into the throat is effective. There is also the "Plum-pit Qi" syndrome; refer to the Phlegm-Fluid section for details.

Further note: Sore throat in patients with hemorrhage is mostly due to Deficient Fire in the Lung and Stomach, and rebellious Fire of the Chong vessel. I have discussed this in detail under the cough entries. Tubercle bacilli eroding the throat is seen in the Voice section; refer to the compilation.

Initial hoarseness in patients with acute hemorrhage is mostly due to Wind-Fire. Voice is governed by the Lung. When Lung Metal is clear and bright, voice is distinct. In hemorrhagic patients, Lung Yin is deficient and suppressed by Fire, causing obstruction of the lung orifices, nasal congestion, and closed voice. If caused by external pathogens blocking Qi, Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren), Platcodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), and Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe) is indicated. If caused by Excess Heat in the Lung obstructing the orifices and closing the voice, Ren Shen Xie Fei Tang (Ginseng Draining Lung Decoction) is used.

If dryness depletes fluids, leading to Lung atrophy and scorched lung leaves, resulting in hoarse and faint voice, this is a deficiency syndrome due to hemorrhage. Ren Shen Qing Fei Tang (Ginseng Clearing Lung Decoction) and Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Clear Dryness Rescue Lung Decoction) are used. Commonly, White Honey, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Chuanbeimu), Ginseng, Juglans Semen (Hutao), and Lilii Bulbus (Baihe) are steamed and taken together.

Tubercle bacilli residing in the lungs can damage lung tissue, causing "Metal erosion" and inability to speak, accompanied by itchy throat, cough, asthma, fever, and persistent heat. This is a difficult-to-treat stage of consumption (Lao Zhai). Baibu, Ginseng, Realgar (Mingxiong), Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum (not explicitly listed but implied by context of mineral drugs, here strictly translating text: Hydrargyri Oxidum Rubrum/Mingxiong), Hydræ Unguis (Latavet's Claws), Bletillae Rhizoma (Baiji), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Bombyx Batryticatus (Cansha), Moschus (Shexiang), Platcodonis Radix (Jiegeng), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), Hydræ Corium (Latavet's Liver), and Muraenidae Os (Eanyu Gu) are used.

Furthermore, any case of consumption with rotten and broken throat is considered incurable. Generally, the above formulas should still be used. Externally, powder made from Pearl, Ginseng, Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang), and Realgar (Mingxiong) is blown into the throat.

Voice is the exit of Qi. Qi originates from the Kidney; thus, the production of voice actually stems from the Kidney. If Qi fails to return to its root, cough worsens, Qi becomes more depleted, and voice becomes drier. Duqi Wan (Duqi Pill) is the primary treatment, added with Ginseng, Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum (Chenxiang), and Terminalia Chebulae Fructus (Hezi). Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) is also effective.