Formula Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten

Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang

清燥救肺汤

Also known as:

Clear Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction，Eriobotrya and Ophiopogon Combination

Formula Composition

Sang Ye
Sang Ye
Shi Gao
Shi Gao
Mai Dong
Mai Dong
E Jiao
E Jiao
Hei Zhi Ma
Hei Zhi Ma
Xing Ren
Xing Ren
Pi Pa Ye
Pi Pa Ye
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Clears dryness
  2. Moistens the Lungs

Patterns Treated

Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire, Lung Yin Deficiency

Historical Origin

Precepts for Physicians (1658 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang

Main Actions

Clears dryness
Moistens the Lungs

Key TCM Concepts

Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 1658 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten. Its main actions are: 1) clears dryness and 2) moistens the Lungs.

 

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 Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire or Lung Yin Deficiency. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as influenza, acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
  • Lung Yin Deficiency

Common Applications

Influenza Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis Asthma Bronchiectasis Pulmonary tuberculosis Pneumonia Pertussis Lung cancer

Ingredients in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Sang Ye
Sang Ye

Mulberry leaves

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Dried leaves
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Sang Ye clears and disperses Dryness from the Lungs. It is said that the Mulberry leaves capture the Metal Qi of Autumn as they stay in the mulberry tree until after a frost.
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Shi Gao
Shi Gao

Gypsum

Temperature Cold
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used The mineral itself
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Shi Gao clears Heat from the Lung and Stomach Channels so as to relieve thirst. It is used to counterbalance the spreading action of the key herb.
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Mai Dong
Mai Dong

Dwarf lilyturf roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root tuber
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Mai Dong is sweet and cooling. It supports Body Fluids generating so as to nourish the Yin. It also assists the key herb in protecting the Yin and the Lungs from Heat Dryness invasion.
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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 Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
E Jiao moistens the Lungs and nourish the Lung Yin. It harmonizes the Heat-clearing and Lung Qi-disseminating actions of the other ingredients with a moistening action.
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Hei Zhi Ma
Hei Zhi Ma

Black sesame seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Kidneys, Liver
Parts Used Dried seeds
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Hei Zhi Ma moistens the Lungs and nourish the Lung Yin. It harmonizes the Heat-clearing and Lung Qi-disseminating actions of the other ingredients with a moistening action.
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Xing Ren
Xing Ren

Apricot seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Large Intestine, Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
In general Xing Ren's main actions are as follows: "Stops cough and wheezing caused by either Heat or Cold. Lubricates the Intestines and relieves constipation."

In the context of Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, it is used because it moistens the Lungs and also directs the Lung Qi to go downwards. .
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Pi Pa Ye
Pi Pa Ye

Loquat leaves

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried leaves
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
In general Pi Pa Ye's main actions are as follows: "Expels hot phlegm in the Lungs and redirects rebellious Lung Qi. Cools stomach Heat and redirects rebellious Stomach Qi. Relieves cough and vomiting."

In the context of Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, it is used because it moistens the Lungs and also directs the Lung Qi to go downwards.
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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 Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Ren Shen tonifies Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner. It supports the 'mother' (Spleen) in order to benefit the 'child' (Lungs). Glehnia roots or Crown prince ginseng are often used to replace Ginseng as they are less expensive, but also they nourish the Lung Yin directly and tonifies Qi in the Middle Burner.
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs in the formula. It also tonifies Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner. It supports the 'mother' (Spleen) in order to benefit the 'child' (Lungs).
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang

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

Contraindications

Use with caution for patients with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency due to the formula's rich cloying herbs.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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