The holistic concept and syndrome differentiation treatment are the core of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. In TCM, it is said that all organs can cause coughing, not just the lungs. The spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the lungs are the storage organ for phlegm. Coughing is classified in TCM as either external or internal. External coughing can be further divided into wind-cold cough and wind-heat cough, while internal coughing can be categorized into phlegm-damp obstructing the lungs, liver fire invading the lungs, lung qi deficiency, lung and kidney yin deficiency, and kidney yang deficiency. The treatment of coughing in TCM emphasizes understanding the disease and seeking the cause, treating based on the cause, and using flexible medication. Next, I will share a traditional Chinese medicine formula that I have used clinically to treat coughing, which I hope will be helpful to everyone.
The herbal prescription is as follows:
Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 10g, Qian Hu (Hogfennel) 10g, Mi Sang Bai Pi (Honey-fried Mulberry Bark) 12g, Ginger Ban Xia (Pinellia) 10g, Huang Qin (Scutellaria) 10g, Roasted Gan Cao (Licorice) 6g
Water decoct and take warm, divided into two doses in the morning and evening.
This formula is a modified version of the Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), which has shown significant efficacy in treating cough, especially suitable for those diagnosed with Shao Yang syndrome.
Original text from Shang Han Lun: On the fifth or sixth day of a cold, if there is wind, alternating chills and fever, fullness in the chest and hypochondria, lack of desire to eat or drink, irritability with a tendency to vomit, or discomfort in the chest without vomiting, thirst, abdominal pain, hardness in the hypochondrium, palpitations, difficulty urinating, or no thirst with slight fever, or coughing, Xiao Chai Hu Tang is the main treatment. This original text provides a theoretical basis for using Xiao Chai Hu Tang to treat cough.
TCM Tips for Cough Treatment—Recommended Dietary Remedies:
Steamed Pear with Chuan Bei
Two snow pears (with skin), cut open and remove the core, add 5g of Chuan Bei (Fritillaria) powder and a small amount of rock sugar, place in a bowl, and steam for half an hour. After taking it out, let it cool before consuming.
Regular consumption of steamed pear with Chuan Bei can alleviate coughing, especially suitable for those with cough, yellow and thick phlegm, or difficulty in expectoration.