Su-Zi-Jiang-Qi-Tang

Chinese Herbal Formulas That Directs Rebel Qi Downwards

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang  -  Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downwards

Main Actions for Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

The functions of this Chinese medicine formula are to direct rebellious Qi downwards, stop coughing and wheezing while warming and expelling phlegm.  This TCM herbal formula is best suited for conditions of “excess above with deficiency below”.  The excess above pertains to the phlegm cold which obstructs the lungs giving rise to both coughing and wheezing.  The deficiency below refers to kidney deficiency and it’s lack of ability to grasp Qi from the lungs giving rise to both wheezing and shortness of breath.  There may be kidney yang deficiency which gives rise to poor transformation and transportation of fluids ending up with edema and other fluid metabolism disorders.

Indications and Symptoms for Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

coughing, wheezing, watery sputum, excessive amounts of sputum, stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm, shortness of breath, worse on inhalation with better exhalation, weakness of lower back, weakness of legs, edema of extremities, possible fatigue

Tongue – white slippery coat

Pulse –

Medicinal Ingredients of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

Su Zi   (Fructus Perillae Frutescentis, Purple Perilla Fruit, Perilla Seed) - 9-12g.

-directs rebel Qi downwards, expels phlegm, stops cough, stops wheezing

Ban Xia   (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae, Pinellia Rhizome) - 6-9g.

-expel phlegm, stop cough, stop wheezing

Dang Gui   (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Chinese Angelica Root, Tang-kuei) - 6-9g.

-stops cough due to rebel Qi, nourish blood, promote circulation

Gan Cao   (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, Licorice Root) - 3-4.5g.

-harmonize other herbs within the formula

Hou Po   (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis, Magnolia Bark) - 3-6g.

-expel phlegm, stop cough, stop wheezing

Qian Hu   (Radix Peucedani, HogfennelRoot, Peucedanum) - 6-9g.

-expel phlegm, stop cough, stop wheezing

Rou Gui   (Cortex Cinnamomi Cassiae, Cinnamon Bark) - 1.5-3g.

-warms kidney, aids kidney Qi to grasp Qi from the lungs, expels cold

Preparation Instructions of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

When preparing this Chinese medicine formula one should grind all the ingredients into a fine powder and take 6 gram doses as a draft.  Before drinking the draft add 2 slices of Sheng Jiang , three pieces of Da Zao and 5 leaves from Su Ye.  In some sources Chen Pi is also added.

Additional Points on Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

This traditional chinese medicine formula is able to treat both the excess in the upper jiao and the deficiency in the lower jiao.  This herbal formula is similar to that of Hei Xi Dan as they are both used to treat excess in the upper and deficiency in the lower.  Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang focuses more on the excess symptoms in the upper while Hei Xi Dan focuses more on the deficiency in the lower. 

When the appropriate symptoms are present this alternative medicine herbal formula is able to treat such disorders as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchial asthma and cardiac asthma.