Formula Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind

Zhi Sou San

止嗽散

Also known as:

Stop Coughing Powder

Formula Composition

Zi Wan
Zi Wan
Bai Bu
Bai Bu
Jie Geng
Jie Geng
Bai Qian
Bai Qian
Jing Jie
Jing Jie
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Transforms Phlegm and stops coughing
  2. Disperses the Exterior
  3. Spreads the Lung Qi

Patterns Treated

Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs

Historical Origin

Awakening of the Mind in Medical Studies (1732 AD )

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Zhi Sou San

Main Actions

Transforms Phlegm and stops coughing
Disperses the Exterior
Spreads the Lung Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Zhi Sou San is a 7-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Aster Roots (Zi Wan) and Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1732 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind. Its main actions are: 1) transforms Phlegm and stops coughing and 2) disperses the Exterior.

 

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 Zhi Sou San is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs or Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as upper respiratory tract infections, acute bronchitis or chronic bronchitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
  • Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs

Common Applications

Upper respiratory tract infections Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis Pertussis Early stages of viral and mycoplasmic pneumonia Bronchitis Whooping cough

Ingredients in Zhi Sou San

Detailed information about each herb in Zhi Sou San and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Zi Wan
Zi Wan

Aster roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Zhi Sou San
Zi Wan is able to warm without causing Heat as well as moisten without causing Coldness. It is better and is effective in stopping coughs and transforming Phlegm in both acute and chronic disorders.
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Bai Bu
Bai Bu

Stemona roots

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used The root
Role in Zhi Sou San
Bai Bu is able to warm without causing Heat as well as moisten without causing Coldness. It is better and is effective in stopping coughs and transforming Phlegm in both acute and chronic disorders.
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Jie Geng
Jie Geng

Platycodon roots

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Zhi Sou San
Jie Geng focuses on opening the Lung Qi Stagnation, by facilitating its spreading. It assists the key herbs in treating the root of coughing.
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Bai Qian
Bai Qian

Cynanchum roots and rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used The root and rhizome
Role in Zhi Sou San
Bai Qian focuses on opening the Lung Qi Stagnation, by directing the Lung Qi downward. It assists the key herbs in treating the root of coughing.
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Jing Jie
Jing Jie

Japanese catnip

Temperature Neutral
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Liver, Lungs
Parts Used Aerial portion and flowers, or the spikes only (in which case it is called Jing Jie Sui)
Role in Zhi Sou San
Jing Jie gives the formula a slight, Exterior-releasing (sweating) action that helps eliminate the lingering pathogenic influence.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Zhi Sou San
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Zhi Sou San, it is used because it regulates the Qi to transform Phlegm.
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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 Zhi Sou San
Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other herbs. It is very effective in treating throat disorders due to externally-contracted wind, when used together with Japanese catnip and Platycodon root.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Zhi Sou 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 a tendency to dry and should therefore not be used in treating coughs associated with Yin Deficiency. It was designed for treating Wind-Cold and should not be used, without modification, in treating coughs due to Heat in the Lungs

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Zhi Sou 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.