Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Essential of the Golden Cabinet, c. 220

Preparation:

Prepare a standard decoction

Function:

Moves Qi and resolves Stagnation, clears and transforms Phlegm, lowers Qi

Use:

Specifically used for ‘Plum Pit Qi’–a feeling as if there is a Plum stone stuck in the throat caused by Qi stagnation with Phlegm; moist, greasy Tongue coat with a wiry or Slow and slippery pulse
1. Feeling of obstruction in the Throat which cannot be cleared
2. Nausea, Vomiting
3. Gastro-esophageal Reflux Disease
4. Cough, Chronic Bronchitis, Asthma with excess clear or white Phlegm
5. Chronic Pharyngitis or Chronic Laryngitis
6. Difficulty Breathing, Emphysema due to excess Phlegm
7. Fullness in the Chest and Hypochondria
8. Pain associated with Scarring; Adhesions
9. Pain from Shingles
10. Emotional problems; Anxiety; Hysteria; Neurosis
11. Hypo-or Hyper-Thyroid conditions with the above symptoms

Dose:

The above can be decocted to be taken over the course of the day.
If used as a powder, 2 or 3 grams can be taken 2 or 3 times daily with Ginger tea.

Comment:

This is quite commonly used formula, being one of the 50 most important TCM formulas. It is specifically used for ‘Plum Stone Qi’, a sense of blockage in the Throat caused by Phlegm and Qi stagnation, and associated with Emotional constraint

Cautions:

Due to its drying nature, it is not used in Yin deficiency (dryness).

Modifications:

1. More severe Qi stagnation, add Bupleurum Chai Hu, Cyperus Xiang Fu, Citrus Qing Pi and Curcuma Yu Jin. It can also be combined with the formula Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
2. More sever Phlegm and Damp, add Citrus Chen Pi
3. Abdominal distention, add Amomum Sha Ren and Costus Mu Xiang
4. Cough, add Prunus Ku Xing Ren (Bitter Almond) and Fritillaria Chuan Bei Mu.

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