CYNANCHUM:, Bai Qian, Radix et Rhizoma Cynanchii Stautoni - relieves cough, expectorant, cough suppressant.
PINELLIA; Ban Xia, Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae - reduces clear phlegm in the lungs
CITRUS; Chen Pi, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae - dries damp phlegm in the lungs, expectorant, anti-asthmatic
HOELEN/PORIA; Fu Ling, Sclerotium Poriae Cocos - reduces dampness in the lungs by strengthening the lungs, clears phlegm.
PERILLA SEED; Zi Su Zi, Fructus Perillae Frutescentis - decreases cough, asthma and phlegm in the lungs, cough suppressant.
STEMONA; Bai Bu, Radix Stemonae - decreases cough and asthma.
INULA; Xuan Fu Hua, Flos Inula - reduces lung phlegm, decreases cough and asthma.
APRICOT SEED; Xing Ren, Semen Pruni Armeniacae - reduces cough and asthma,
CYNANCHUM (Radix et Rhizoma Cynanchii Stautoni): In Traditional Chinese Medicine Bai Qian is used in the treatment of coughs with excessive sputum which is clear or white in color. It also directs the Qi downward; lung Qi or energy is supposed to go downward rather than upward as it does in cough conditions. This herb is also used to stop wheezing.
PINELLIA (Rhizoma Pinelliae Ternatae): Oral administration of Ban Xia effectively stopped coughing (for 5 hours) which had been artificially induced in cats. The Chinese use this herb to dry dampness and phlegm in the lungs. It also causes rebellious lung Qi (which is going upward) to return to its healthy direction of flow (which is going downward).
CITRUS (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae): There are several useful clinical studies done on Chen Pi, none of which relates to the lung. The Chinese traditionally use it to dry dampness and phlegm in the lung; to treat loose coughs with clear/white sputum and a sense of tightness or constriction in the chest. It also directs Qi downward which helps to reduce coughing. The Properties of this herb include carminative, aromatic, expectorant and tonic.
HOELEN/PORIA (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos): There are several useful clinical studies done on Fu Ling, none of which relate to the lung. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used generally to reduce phlegm and dampness throughout the body and all its organs. It has the properties of diruetic, sedative and tonic.
PERILLA SEED (Fructus Perillae Frutescentis): The Chinese have found Zi Su Zi to be very effective in the alleviation of cough and wheezing, directing the Qi downward, and dissolving phlegm in the lung. Also useful in relieving constriction of the chest.
STEMONA (Radix Stemonae): Bai Bu has been shown in vitro to inhibit the growth of many pathogenic bacteria, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, B-hemolytic Streptococcus, Neisseria meningitidis, and Staphylcoccus aureus. In a clinical series of over 100 patients Bai Bu showed 85% effectiveness in the treatment of pertussis. In another study Bai Bu did not significantly decrease coughing induced by intrapleural infection of iodine in cats. In Traditional Chinese Medicine it is used to moisten the lung and alleviate both acute and chronic coughs. In this formula it is used to treat cough while at the same time protecting the lung from the excessive drying qualities of some of the other herbs present in this formula.
INULA (Flos Inulae): The clinical research available on this herb does not relate to the lung. In Chinese Medicine it is used to redirect rebellious Qi downward (the healthy direction of Qi flow in the lungs), and to clear phlegm from the lungs. Also useful in treating wheezing.
APRICOT SEED (Semen Pruni Armeniacae): A study of Xing Ren used in 124 cases of chronic bronchitis effected a cure in 23 cases and significant improvement in 66 others. Coughing, wheezing, and production of phlegm were usually improved within 3-4 days. Toxicity: in rare cases use and/or overdose of this herb can result in dizziness, nausea, vomiting and headacheif any of these symptoms occur the use of this formula should be discontinued. The Chinese use Xing Ren to relieve all types of cough and wheezing, depending on which other herbs it is combined with in the formula. It is an antitussive, expectorant and laxative.
ASTER (Radix Asteris Tatarici): Clinical tests show that Zi Wan has a significant expectorant effect on dogs, rats and mice. It has been shown to have an in vitro antimicrobial effect on many pathogenic bacteria including Shigella sonnei, E. coli, Vibrio proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The Chinese use it to relieve cough and to reduce clear/white phlegm in various types of respiratory conditions. It is especially useful in chronic coughs, but is effective when combined with other herbs for the treatment of acute coughs as well. It is an antitussive and expectorant.
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