Der gantzen Artzenei, Dryander, 1542

---

Primary Lung Medicines

Primary Tibetan Medicines for Lung Diseases

---

Differential Diagnosis

Hot Phlegm

Persistent Cough with yellow phlegm, stifling feeling in chest, maybe with fever, red face, a feeling of heat, thirst, fast pulse, red tongue with yellow coating

Simples

Compound

---

Cold Phlegm

Cough with white or clear mucus, heaviness in the chest, wheezing, pale face, white tongue coat, feels cold, slow or slippery pulse.
If Cold Phlegm and Fluid is obstructing the Lungs there is the sound of phlegm in the Lungs, excess watery sputum, and maybe vomiting of watery sputum. In this case, Vomiting is indicated if the person is strong.

Simples

Compounds

---

Lung Weakness–Lung Qi Deficiency

Weak cough, low voice, breathless after exertion, poor energy, pale face and weak pulse.

Simples

Compounds

---

Lung Wasting–Lung Yin Deficiency

Chronic Dry cough, dry mouth and throat, wheezing, worse at night, night sweats, tiredness, weak pulse or fast and weak pulse, dry tongue with cracks.
Lung dryness is less severe; there is dry cough, dry mouth and throat, and thirst, but without the deficiency, night sweats and tongue cracks of Lung Yin Deficiency. In practice, they are often treated with the same formulas, for example, Bai He Gu Jin Tang or Mai Men Dong Tang.

Simples

Compounds

---

The Pectoral Formulas

The Pectoral formulas are medicines appropriated to the Lungs. By definition, they are beneficial for the Lungs and may be viewed as tonics. They nourish Lung Yin and strengthen Lung Qi, clear Phlegm and sooth the Throat. They are a first-line treatment for Cough, Bronchitis and as a supportive in more chronic Lung diseases.

1. Species Pectoral (Lung Powder)
i. Marshmallow root (8), Licorice (3), Orris root (1), Coltsfoot leaf (4), Mullein (2), Aniseed (2) (German)
ii. Marshmallow leaf (40), Licorice (30), Marshmallow root (10), Barley (1), Flowers of Mullein, Mallow, Red Poppy (1 each) (Austria)
iii. Marshmallow root (40), Licorice (25), Mullein flower (10), Mallow leaf (10), Linden tree flower (10), Fennel seed (5). (Helv.)

2. Pectoral Decoction (Lung Decoction)
There are many variations, the following being a good representation which may be modified as needed:
  Coltsfoot
  Maidenhair
  Hyssop                       2 handfuls each
  Licorice
  Raisins                        2 oz. each
  Barley                         1 ½ oz,
  Figs
  Dates                          12 of each
  Blanched Almonds  40
Prepare a syrup with sugar. This is useful for Cough, Wheezing, and as an adjunct in chronic Lung diseases.
Dose: 2 oz. morning and night. (Natura exenterata, Philiatros, 1655)
  In many instances Pectoral Decoction has the fruit, Barley, Licorice with only one of either Hyssop, Maidenhair or Coltsfoot, also omitting the Almonds. The above is a more elborate version.

---

---

Lung Abscess

Cough with expectoration of foul sputum, sputum with pus, chest pain, fast pulse, red tongue with yellow coat.

---

Lung Ulcers

Lung Ulcers can include Lung Cancer.

---

Special formulas

BARLEY WATER FOR ALL DISEASES OF THE LUNGS
    Barley                       half pound
    Licorice                    half oz.
    Fennel seed
    Violet
    Parsley seed
    Rose                         2 drams each.
    Hyssop
    Sage                         a pennyweight each
    Hart’s Tongue         6 leaves
    Figs or Raisins        2 drams
Boil in a gallon of water. Decoct until the water has reduced 2 fingerbreadths.
  This clears Heat from the Lungs and Liver, promotes expectoration, reduces Thirst, purges the Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys and Bladder, (Brunschwig, 1561)