Formula Formulas for a rebellious Qi

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

苏子降气汤

Also known as:

Perilla-Seed Subduing Qi Decoction , Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward

Formula Composition

Zi Su Zi
Zi Su Zi
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Hou Pu
Hou Pu
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Dang Gui
Dang Gui
Qian Hu
Qian Hu
Rou Gui
Rou Gui
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
King
Main ingredient
Deputies
Assists main
Assistants
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula
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Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Directs rebellious Qi downward
  2. Arrests wheezing
  3. Stops coughing
  4. Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold

Patterns Treated

Rebellious Qi, Kidneys failing to receive Qi, Rebellious Lung Qi

Historical Origin

Important Formulas Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces (650 AD)

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

Main Actions

Directs rebellious Qi downward
Arrests wheezing
Stops coughing
Warms and transforms Phlegm-Cold

Key TCM Concepts

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang is a 8-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) as a principal ingredient.

 

Invented in 650 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas for a rebellious Qi. Its main actions are: 1) directs rebellious Qi downward and 2) arrests wheezing.

 

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 Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Rebellious Qi, Kidneys failing to receive Qi or Rebellious Lung Qi. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema or bronchial asthma for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Rebellious Qi
  • Kidneys failing to receive Qi
  • Rebellious Lung Qi

Common Applications

Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Bronchial asthma Morning sickness

Ingredients in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Zi Su Zi
Zi Su Zi

Perilla seeds

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Zi Su Zi is a primary herb for controlling Rebellious Qi of the Lungs. It directs it downward, expels phlegm, stops the coughing, and arrests the wheezing.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, it is used because it helps the key herb in directing Qi downward and transforming Phlegm.
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Hou Pu
Hou Pu

Houpu Magnolia bark

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried stem bark, root bark or branch bark
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
In general Hou Pu's main actions are as follows: "Moves Rebellious Qi downward, dries Dampness and relieves Food Stagnation. Transforms Phlegm and redirects Rebellious Qi of the Lung."

In the context of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, it is used because it helps the key herb in directing Qi downward and transforming Phlegm.
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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 Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
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 Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, it is used because it transforms Phlegm and regulates Qi.
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Dang Gui
Dang Gui

Dong quai

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Dang Gui treats the cough from Rebellious Qi and harmonize Qi and Blood when the latter has been devitalized by a chronic disorder. Lastly it prevents injury to the Yin and Qi from the acrid, dry properties of many of the other herbs in the formula.
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Qian Hu
Qian Hu

Hogfennel roots

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Qian Hu directs Qi downward and expels Phlegm. Although it is cool in nature, when combined with the warm herbs in this formula only its Phlegm-transforming and Qi-directing properties stand out.
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Rou Gui
Rou Gui

Cinnamon bark

Temperature Hot
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Liver, Spleen
Parts Used Dried stem bark
Role in Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Rou Gui warms the Fire at the Gate of Vitality and directs the floating Yang back to its source, thereby facilitating the Kidneys' ability to grasp the Qi.
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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 Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Gan Cao harmonizes the Middle Burner (which helps resolve the Phlegm) as well as the actions of the other ingredients.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

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

Contraindications

This formula is inappropriate for treating Lung and Kidney deficiency in the absence of an externally-contracted pathogenic influence and in cases of wheezing and a productive cough due to heat in the Lungs.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Su Zi Jiang Qi 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.