"Kuanqi Wan": Expelling Fluid and Calming Wheezing

The Shengji Zonglu records a formula called "Kuanqi Wan" (Qi-Relaxing Pill). It is composed of: Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) and Tian Tinglizi (desalted Lepidii/Descurainiae Semen, fried between paper), each 5 qian (15 g); Heiqianniu (black Pharbitidis Semen, fried fragrant and cooked) 1 liang (30 g). The above are ground together into fine powder, refined honey added to form pills the size of a parasol-tree seed (about 6 mm in diameter, roughly the size of a soybean). Take 20 pills each time, washed down with a strong decoction of Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) after meals or before bedtime.

This formula expels phlegm and promotes diuresis, downbears qi and calms wheezing. It governs phlegm-rheum lodging in the lung with upward-qi panting, thick, sticky mucus and saliva, and prolonged non-resolution. Today it is often used for pleural effusion, asthma, and chronic bronchitis presenting the pattern of phlegm-rheum lodging in the lung.

Fangji, Tinglizi and Heiqianniu in this formula are all diuretic herbs; Heiqianniu is the black variety of Qianniuzi (Pharbitidis Semen), a harsh purgative and diuretic with slight toxicity, but with controlled dosing its side effects are not great. Used together, these three have some efficacy against pleural effusion. Taken with Sangbaipi decoction, Sangbaipi itself both clears heat, resolves toxin and reduces inflammation, and promotes diuresis and calms wheezing.

However, this formula contains only heat-expelling and diuretic herbs, with no root-supporting, healthy-qi-securing herb; those with good constitution may use it, but the frail should use it cautiously. In addition, this formula should not be used for prolonged periods or in excessive doses.