Formula Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold

San Zi Yang Qin Tang

三子养亲汤

Also known as:

Three-Seed Decoction to Nourish One's Parents

Formula Composition

Bai Jie Zi
Bai Jie Zi
Zi Su Zi
Zi Su Zi
Lai Fu Zi
Lai Fu Zi
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Directs the Qi downward
  2. Transforms Phlegm
  3. Reduces harbored food

Patterns Treated

Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Cold-Phlegm, Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation

Historical Origin

Extensive Essentials of Miscellaneous Diseases (1856 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of San Zi Yang Qin Tang

Main Actions

Directs the Qi downward
Transforms Phlegm
Reduces harbored food

Key TCM Concepts

San Zi Yang Qin Tang is a 3-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) and Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1856 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold. Its main actions are: 1) directs the Qi downward and 2) transforms Phlegm.

 

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 San Zi Yang Qin Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Cold-Phlegm or Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma or emphysema for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
  • Cold-Phlegm
  • Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation

Common Applications

Chronic bronchitis Bronchial asthma Emphysema Pediatric asthma Spasms of the diaphragm

Ingredients in San Zi Yang Qin Tang

Detailed information about each herb in San Zi Yang Qin Tang and their roles

Kings
Bai Jie Zi
Bai Jie Zi

White mustard seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used The seeds, dried
Role in San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Bai Jie Zi has the distinctive ability to penetrate the Yin and restore movement to the Yang. It enters and warms the Lungs, regulates the Qi, and expels Phlegm.
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Zi Su Zi
Zi Su Zi

Perilla seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in San Zi Yang Qin Tang
In general Zi Su Zi's main actions are as follows: "Stops coughing and wheezing, expels Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Lung Qi. Lubricates the Intestines."

In the context of San Zi Yang Qin Tang, it is used because it directs the Lung Qi downward and thereby stops the coughing and wheezing.
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Lai Fu Zi
Lai Fu Zi

Radish seeds

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe seeds
Role in San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Lai Fu Zi enters the Lung Channel to direct the Qi downward and transform Phlegm, and mobilizes the Spleen Channel to promote the flow of Spleen Qi and reduce harbored food.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for San Zi Yang Qin Tang

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

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, San Zi Yang Qin 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.