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The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) states: If a patient coughs, has turbid saliva and froth in the mouth, and presents with a rapid and deficient pulse, this is Lung Wei (Lung Atrophy). This condition may arise from excessive sweating, vomiting, Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome) causing frequent urination, or constipation treated with harsh purgatives that severely deplete body fluids. In treating Lung Wei, the general principle is to use Gancao Tang (Licorice Decoction) as the sovereign herb to harmonize Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi), assisted by ministers that moisten dryness, clear heat, descend Qi, and resolve phlegm. These should be decocted into an electuary, taken frequently by holding in the mouth, allowing for slow recovery; only then can there be a slight chance of survival. If one aggressively expels saliva and froth seeking rapid results, death will be hastened instead.

Gancao Tang from the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* treats Lung Wei cough with incessant expectoration of froth. [When lung heat causes atrophy and loss of descending function, the essence transported upward cannot be retained and transformed, leading to the expulsion of turbid saliva.]
Gancao (Licorice Root, *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma*) alone, decocted in water and drunk frequently, gradually resolves heat. However, it is difficult to administer, as efficacy is not seen until after half a month. Er Dong (Tian Dong and Mai Dong, *Asparagi Radix* and *Ophiopogonis Radix*), Baihe (Lily Bulb, *Lilii Bulbus*), Li Zhi (Pear Juice), Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb, *Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus*), Suzi (Perilla Seed, *Perillae Fructus*), and Pipaye (Loquat Leaf, *Eriobotryae Folium*) are all usable.
This reflects the principle of "treating Wei syndromes by focusing on the Yangming channels." Xu Zhongke stated: My relative suffered from Lung Wei; initially, the phlegm and froth filled bowls. After taking single-herb Gancao Tang, the phlegm decreased after half a month, and they recovered.

The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* further states: If the mouth feels dry ("pipi" dryness), coughing causes dull pain in the chest, and the pulse is rapid and excess, this is Fei Yong (Lung Abscess). It is curable in the early stage, but fatal once pus forms. It also states: Cough with chest fullness, chills, rapid pulse, non-dry/non-thirsty throat, and occasional expectoration of turbid, foul-smelling sputum indicates Lung Abscess. If, over time, one expects pus like rice porridge, it is fatal. Jiayan stated: Whenever one sees rebellious Qi rising and coughing, one must guard against symptoms of Yong or Wei. When the lung is steamed by fire-heat, blood coagulates; coagulated blood becomes wrapped by phlegm, forming a small abscess. If recognized at the onset, while blood is knotted but pus has not yet formed, urgently draining the lung Qi is appropriate. Once blood transforms into pus, draining is useless; the lung tissue rots, and death occurs when the contents are expelled. Occasionally, if the abscess is small and the patient’s Qi is strong, stomach robust, and appetite good, the pus may exit via the anus or perforate through the ribs, allowing survival, though this accounts for only two or three out of ten cases.

Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang (Descurainia Seed and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lung) from the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* treats Lung Abscess with wheezing and inability to lie down.
Tian Tingli (Sweet Descurainia Seed, *Descurainiae Semen Lepidii Seminis*), drains lung excess and descends turbid pathogens, preventing putrefaction and pus expectoration. Dosage: 2-3 qian. Dazao (Jujube Fruit, *Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus*), secures the source of Spleen and Stomach Qi. Dosage: Several pieces.
It may be combined with Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction), which is also a formula for Lung Abscess. Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit, *Forsythiae Fructus*) disperses blood knots and Qi stagnation. Niubangzi (Arctium Fruit, *Arctii Fructus*) disperses various sores and toxic swellings. Yinjinhua (Honeysuckle Flower, *Lonicerae Japonicae Flos*) is a supreme drug for detoxification. Chen Nian Jie Lu (Aged Mustard Brine) is a divine pill for Lung Abscess. Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb, *Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus*) dissipates nodules and reduces swelling. Huafen (Trichosanthes Root, *Trichosanthis Radix*) clears heat and reduces swelling. All may be adopted.
This is a critical formula for treating Lung Abscess; modify it according to symptoms.

Regarding the pulse of cough: A floating and soft pulse is easy to treat. [Cough is a lung disease; a floating pulse is appropriate. If accompanied by fine and soft qualities, the disease is receding.] A deep pulse, or a floating and tight pulse, indicates death. [The pulse contradicts the syndrome, indicating deep disease.] For chronic cough, a weak pulse indicates survival; an excess, large, and rapid pulse indicates death. For rebellious Qi with wheezing cough, facial edema, and breathing with shoulder elevation, a floating and large pulse indicates death.