Library

For treating cough with a deep pulse. This decoction is the primary treatment.
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, half sheng). Zeqi (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Herba, three sheng. Boil with five dou of flowing water from east to west until one dou and five sheng remain). Zishen (Pulsatillae Radix; another version reads Ziwan, Asteris Radix).
Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Baiqian (Cynanchi Stauntonii Caulis et Radix) (each five liang). Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (each three liang).
The above nine ingredients. Coarsely crush. Add into the Zeqi decoction. Boil until five sheng remain. Take warm, five he per dose. Finish by nightfall.
The song states: Five liang each of Zishen, Shengjiang, and Baiqian. Three sheng of Zeqi are decocted separately according to method. Guizhi, Huangqin, Renshen, and Gancao are each three liang. Half a sheng of Banxia specializes in eliminating fluid retention.
Yu Xi’s commentary: Cough with a floating pulse indicates pathogenic factors on the exterior. If exterior pathogens are not resolved, they disturb internal fluid retention, causing cough. Nongpu Mahuang Tang (Magnolia Bark and Ephedra Decoction) is used to broaden the chest and release the exterior.
Qi fails to descend and rebels upward. Auxiliary herbs are used to direct rebellious Qi downward. They also harmonize the interior. Shengjiang and Guizhi harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, and circulate Yang Qi, simultaneously addressing fluid retention and Qi dynamics. Renshen and Gancao stabilize the Middle Jiao (Earth), interconnecting Yin and Yang to harmonize them. This is like a water controller who first builds dikes to prevent flooding. Zeqi is decocted first to extract its strong flavor and aroma, guiding the other herbs into the Kidney, replenishing Kidney Qi, so that its grasping function becomes effective. Thus, it can unblock the Fu organs to demonstrate its miraculous efficacy.
Student Lin Lifeng’s commentary: This formula primarily treats the interior of Taiyang (Greater Yang). The underside of Taiyang is Shaoyin (Lesser Yin). Cough with a deep pulse indicates disease located in the interior of Taiyang and the exterior of Shaoyin. Generally, Taiyang governs the skin and hair; pathogens injuring the skin and hair must affect the Lung. When the Lung is injured, it cannot generate Water, causing the pivot of Shaoyin to rebel downward. Therefore, this formula is established. Zeqi serves as the Sovereign herb because its bitter and cold nature strengthens Kidney Yin, promotes urination, and stops cough. Baiqian is added to diffuse Lung Qi, Huangqin to clear Lung heat, and Renshen to tonify Lung deficiency.

For treating Fire rebellion causing ascending Qi and discomfort in the throat, aiming to stop rebellion and direct Qi downward. This decoction is the primary treatment.
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Tuber, seven sheng). Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, one sheng). Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (each two liang). Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Germen, three he). Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, twelve pieces).
The above six ingredients. Use one dou and two sheng of water. Boil until six sheng remain. Take warm, one sheng per dose. Three times during the day, once at night.
The song states: Fire rebellion originally causes Qi to rush upward. One sheng of Banxia with seven sheng of Maidong. Two liang each of Renshen and Gancao, three he of Jingmi. Twelve pieces of Dazao constitute the authentic prescription.
Yu Jiayan stated: Within the group of herbs that greatly build Middle Qi and generate body fluids, adding one pungent and warm herb, Banxia, allows it to benefit the throat and direct Qi downward. This effect is not solely due to the merit of Banxia. It excels in...