Formula Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing

Jiu Xian San

九仙散

Also known as:

Nine-Immortal Powder

Formula Composition

Ying Su Ke
Ying Su Ke
Wu Mei
Wu Mei
Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
E Jiao
E Jiao
Kuan Dong Hua
Kuan Dong Hua
Chuan Bei Mu
Chuan Bei Mu
Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi
Jie Geng
Jie Geng
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Secures the Lungs
  2. Stops coughing
  3. Augments Qi
  4. Nourishes Yin

Patterns Treated

Lung Qi Deficiency, Lung Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

recious Mirror of Health (Yuan dynasty)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Jiu Xian San

Main Actions

Secures the Lungs
Stops coughing
Augments Qi
Nourishes Yin

Key TCM Concepts

Jiu Xian San is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in Yuan dynasty, it belongs to the category of formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing. Its main actions are: 1) secures the Lungs and 2) stops coughing.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Jiu Xian San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Lung Qi Deficiency or Lung Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, asthma or emphysema for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Lung Qi Deficiency
  • Lung Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Chronic bronchitis Asthma Emphysema Silicosis Pertussis

Ingredients in Jiu Xian San

Detailed information about each herb in Jiu Xian San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ying Su Ke
Ying Su Ke

Poppy capsules

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used The capsule
Role in Jiu Xian San
Ying Su Ke is astringent and sour. In fact, it is the most effective herb in restraining the Lungs and stopping coughing. Frying it in honey increases its moistening quality and helps it to transform Phlegm. As this herb is illegal in most countries, it can be replaced by other herbs that restrains the Lungs such as Terminalia fruits or Ginkgo nuts.
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Wu Mei
Wu Mei

Chinese plums

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sour
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Liver, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Jiu Xian San
Wu Mei assist the key herb in securing the Lungs and stopping the coughing. It is also said to enhance the Poppy capsule effect by moderating its side effects.
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Wu Wei Zi
Wu Wei Zi

Schisandra berries

Temperature Warm
Taste Sour, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruits
Role in Jiu Xian San
In general Wu Wei Zi's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen)."

In the context of Jiu Xian San, it is used because it helps Ginseng augment the Lung Qi.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Jiu Xian San
In general Ren Shen's main actions are as follows: "Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit)."

In the context of Jiu Xian San, it is used because it is very effective in tonifying and augmenting Qi. It supports the Lungs' function of dissemination.
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E Jiao
E Jiao

Donkey-hide gelatin

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Solid glue prepared from the dried or fresh skin of donkeys
Role in Jiu Xian San
In general E Jiao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies and nourishes Blood. Stops bleeding. Moistens and lubricates Yin."

In the context of Jiu Xian San, it is used because it nourishes the Lung Yin, also serves a minor astringent function.
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Kuan Dong Hua
Kuan Dong Hua

Coltsfoot flowers

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried flower bud
Role in Jiu Xian San
Kuan Dong Hua stop the coughing, transform Phlegm, and direct the Rebellious Qi downward to calm the wheezing. It is also lubricating and moistening.
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Chuan Bei Mu
Chuan Bei Mu

Sichuan Fritillary bulbs

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs
Parts Used Dried bulb
Role in Jiu Xian San
Chuan Bei Mu stop the coughing, transform Phlegm, and direct the Rebellious Qi downward to calm the wheezing. It also clears Lung Heat.
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Sang Bai Pi
Sang Bai Pi

Mulberry bark

Temperature Cold
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root bark
Role in Jiu Xian San
Sang Bai Pi stop the coughing, transform Phlegm, and direct the Rebellious Qi downward to calm the wheezing. It also clears Lung Heat.
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Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Jiu Xian San
Jie Geng focuses the actions of all the ingredients on the Lungs, while also disseminating the Lungs and transforming the Phlegm.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Jiu Xian San

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Contraindications

This formula has rather strong Lung-restraining and antitussive effects. Without significant modification, it should not be used in cases with pronounced Phlegm or where there is a concurrent Exterior condition, even if the patient has suffered from long-term, unremitting cough and otherwise fits the presentation.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Jiu Xian San may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.