Qingjin San: A Formula for Yin-Deficiency Cough
In the book He's Heart Transmission on Consumption (He's Xulao Xinchuan) there is a formula called Qingjin San (Metal-Clearing Powder). It consists of: Ophiopogon (Maidong) 4 qian (12 g), Asparagus (Tiandong) 2 qian (6 g), Lily bulb (Baihe) 1 liang (30 g; double the dose if there is blood in the phlegm), Mulberry bark (Sangbaipi, honey-fried) 2 qian (6 g; double for severe cough), Wolfberry root bark (Digupi) 2 qian (6 g; add 3 g if internal heat is pronounced), Mint (Bohe) 1 qian (3 g), Trichosanthes root (Tianhuafen) 2 qian (6 g), Poria (Fuling) 2 qian (6 g), Fritillaria bulb (Beimu) 2 qian (6 g; double for profuse phlegm or blood-tinged phlegm), Loquat leaf (Pipaye, honey-fried) 3 large leaves (double for severe cough), and Coix seed (Yiyiren) 5 qian (15 g; double if poor appetite and blood in phlegm).This formula differs from an ordinary decoction taken in doses. The mint and fritillaria in this formula should be ground into a fine powder. The other herbs are decocted with an appropriate amount of human milk and cow's milk (about 200 ml each); once decocted, add several spoonfuls of refined honey or malt sugar, and then use this liquid to decoct the powdered mint and fritillaria. It is not taken twice or three times a day, but sipped frequently.Qingjin San mainly treats yin-deficiency cough. Whether the cough is dry or produces much phlegm, whether there is blood in the sputum or frank hemoptysis, this formula can be used. If there is hemoptysis, one may also add rehmannia root (Shengdihuang) 3–5 qian (9–15 g), cogongrass rhizome (Baimaogen) 4 liang (120 g), lotus root juice, and clear boy's urine in suitable amounts. If the patient has pronounced heat with profuse phlegm and dry bound stools, add an appropriate amount of pear juice, warmed before taking.Qingjin San is a formula for chronic respiratory diseases presenting with cough and hemoptysis belonging to the TCM yin-deficiency pattern. In lung yin deficiency, the tongue is red, the mouth dry, the pulse fine, and there is a sense of dryness and heat. In this formula, ophiopogon, asparagus, and lily bulb nourish yin and clear the lung; mulberry bark clears the lung, resolves phlegm, and stops cough; wolfberry bark clears deficiency heat; mint disperses wind and heat; trichosanthes root, fritillaria, and loquat leaf stop cough and resolve phlegm; poria and coix seed fortify the spleen and drain dampness. Such a combination both nourishes yin and clears heat, and also dispels phlegm and stops cough. Although this formula can stop bleeding, its hemostatic power is not strong; hence those with hemoptysis need added cogongrass rhizome, rehmannia root, lotus root juice, and boy's urine to stop the bleeding, and one may also add bletilla root (Baiji) to strengthen the hemostatic effect. For yin-deficiency patients with dry bound stools, pear juice is added to clear heat, moisten the intestines, and free the bowels.This formula may be used to treat pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer, bronchitis, asthma, and the sequelae of respiratory infections, in patients presenting with fatigue, dry cough, dry mouth, hemoptysis, and dryness-heat.