Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang  苏子降气汤
Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Qian Jin Yao Fang (Sun Si Miao) 650 CE

Preparation:

Decoction
Traditionally, the herbs were powdered, and 6 grams was taken as a draft with 2 slices of fresh Ginger and 3 pieces of Jujube (Da Zao).
Today, it is commonly prepared as a standard decoction using the doses above.
Can also be used in pills or powder.

Function:

Directs rebellious Lung Qi downward, stops Cough and Wheezing, clears Cold-Phlegm, warms the Kidney Yang

Use:

Chronic respiratory conditions with excess, thin, clear, or white foamy sputum, with shallow breathing, thick, white, slippery, or greasy coating, and the pulse is slippery and weak
Foundation formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating chronic respiratory conditions like COPD, chronic Bronchitis, or Emphysema.
1. Chronic Wheezing
2. Bronchial Asthma
3. Cardiac Asthma
4. Chronic Bronchitis
5. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
6. Emphysema
7. Chronic Allergic Rhinitis with Post-Nasal Drip
8. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) with Respiratory Symptoms

Dose:

The above is decocted to be taken in 2 equal doses over the day.
If used in Powder or Pill form, take 6–9 grams 2–3 times daily with Ginger tea.

Cautions:

1. Not for Lung Heat Cough
2. Not for Yin deficiency Cough
3. Use with caution during pregnancy and lower the dose of Cinnamon and Dang Gui.

Modifications:

1. Asthma, add Apricot / Almond kernel (Xing Ren) and Epedhra Ma Huang
2. Cough and Wheezing from reversal of the flow of (Lung) Qi, add Aloeswood
3. Cough and Wheezing from excess Phlegm, take with Er Chen Tang
4. With Qi deficiency, fatigue, poor digestion, take with Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
5. Cold and Deficiency, add Astragalus Huang Qi and increase the dose of Cinnamon.
6. Severe difficulty inhaling (from Kidney and Lung deficiency), add Walnut and Aloeswood (Chen Xiang)
7. For Blood Stasis with purple lips and tongue, add Ligusticum Chuan Xiong and Safflower (Hong Hua)
8. When cold phlegm begins to turn yellow (such as the beginning of low-grade infection) add Scutellaria Huang Qin.
9. Severe Leg and Facial Edema (Fluid Retention) associated with Chronic COPD or advanced Emphysema, add Descurainia Ting Li Zi and Poria Fu Ling.

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