QING QI HUA TAN WAN (BP018) Scutella&TrichisanthesFormula Complex

Indication

This formula was first recorded in the ‘Investigations of Medical Formulas’ (yi fang kao), by Wu Kun, 1584. It is an elegant formula that is directed towards both the pathogens (Phlegm and Heat) as well as their pathogenesis.

Phlegm-Heat may develop in the Lung as a consequence of invasion by exogenous Wind-Heat or Wind-Cold (which transforms into Heat). As such it is often seen as an acute disorder – with or without the concomitant clinical manifestations of an Exterior syndrome. Because the pathogens obstruct the Lung Qi, fluids stagnate in the Lung and are readily transformed into Phlegm under the influence of Heat.

Alternatively, Phlegm-Heat may develop in the Lung in patients with chronic Phlegm-Damp obstruction of the Lung. In these cases, the underlying cause is deficiency of the Spleen Qi with impaired fluid metabolism, which leads to the development of Phlegm. This scenario manifests in an acute episode of coughing or dyspnea in patients with a chronic respiratory disease, e.g. bronchitis or asthma.

Treatment of acute on chronic conditions requires ongoing therapy with appropriate tonification and Phlegm dispelling formulas during the remission stage.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

Fritillaria bulb (zhe bei mu), Trichosanthes seed (gua luo ren), Scutellaria root (huang qin): clear Phlegm-Heat from the Lung.

Citrus fruit (zhi shi), Citrus fruit peel (chen pi), Trichosanthes seed (gua luo ren), Prunus seed (xing ren): regulate the Lung Qi, redirect the Lung Qi downwards, dispel Phlegm and alleviate cough.

Fritillaria bulb (zhe bei mu), Pinellia tuber (ban xia): expel Phlegm from the Lung.

Poria cocos (fu ling), Citrus fruit peel (chen pi), Pinellia tuber (ban xia): strengthen the Spleen and dispel Damp (in order to prevent the production of Phlegm).

Indications:

Bronchitis

Rhinitis

Nasosinusitis

Influenza

Pneumona

Emphysema

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Signs & Symptoms:

Productive cough with thick yellow sputum that is difficult to expectorate

Thirst, dry mouth with sticky and unpleasant taste

Fever

Chest oppression

Cough worse at night and early morning

Wheezing

Rattles and rales

Dyspnoea

Nausea

Red tongue with a yellow greasy coat

Rapid and slippery pulse

Combinations –

Bronchitis or asthma with concurrent URTI:

YU PING FENG SAN

SI MIAO YONG AN WAN (Jia Wei)

Bronchitis, chronic with copious yellow sputum:

COUGH CLEAR 2 Formula

Common cold or ‘flu with productive cough (thick yellow sputum):

GAN MAI DA ZAO WAN (Jia Wei)

swollen lymph nodes:

NEI XIAO LUO LI WAN

TCM Syndromes: Phlegm-Heat obstruction of the Lung.

TCM Actions: Clears Heat, resolves Phlegm redirects the Lung Qi downward and alleviates cough.