Enpao San for Clearing Lung Heat and Stopping Bleeding

The "Chishui Xuanzhu" records a formula named "Enpao San." It consists of Sheng Puhuang (raw Pollen Typhae), Gan Heye (dried Lotus Leaf), and Baimaogen (Imperata Root) in equal parts. When used, grind the above into a fine powder; take 3 qian (9g) each time, mixed with a strong, concentrated decoction of Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark) after meals, twice daily. This formula clears lung heat and stops bleeding. It is indicated for hemoptysis, hematemesis, and spitting blood.

This is a very simple formula, and the herbs are easy to obtain. Raw Puhuang is the pollen of Typha orientalis, Typha angustifolia, or related species (Typhaceae); it astringes and stops bleeding, invigorates blood and resolves stasis, and promotes diuresis and relieves stranguria. Dried Lotus Leaf clears summerheat and drains dampness, promotes diuresis, and relaxes the bowels. Baimaogen cools blood and stops bleeding, clears heat and generates fluids, and promotes diuresis. Sangbaipi clears and discharges lung heat, stops cough and calms wheezing, and promotes diuresis and reduces swelling. Used together, the four clear lung heat, promote urination, and cool blood to stop bleeding; they have a symptomatic effect on hemoptysis, hematemesis, and spitting blood caused by exuberant lung heat, and even on hematuria.

This formula is suitable for various bleeding conditions presenting the TCM pattern of blood-heat reckless movement or exuberant lung heat. After taking it, patients may develop loose stools. However, many patients with blood-heat reckless movement or exuberant lung heat also have constipation as a concomitant symptom, so using this formula both stops bleeding and resolves their constipation. Those who already have chronically loose stools should use it cautiously.