Siqi Tang and the Jufang Siqi Tang
Siqi Tang (Four-Seven Decoction), also known as Banxia Houpo Tang (Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction), comes from San Yin Ji Yi Bing Zheng Fang Lun (Systematic Treatise on Causes and Manifestations of Disease), by the Song-dynasty physician Chen Yan. The formula is composed of Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 5 qian (15g), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) 3 qian (9g), Fuling (Poria) 4 qian (12g), and Zisuye (Perillae Folium) 2 qian (6g).
This formula descends counterflow and resolves phlegm, and moves qi and resolves stagnation. It is indicated for binding and accumulation of phlegm-rheum and qi stagnation due to the seven emotions, presenting as a sensation of something lodged in the throat that can neither be coughed up nor swallowed down, chest fullness with rapid breathing, or cough or vomiting, or rushing pains. The tongue coating is white and slippery; the pulse is wiry and moderate or wiry and slippery. In modern practice it is often used for esophageal spasm, chronic laryngitis, plum-pit qi (mei he qi), respiratory inflammation, gastrointestinal neurosis, chronic gastritis, and gastroptosis presenting as phlegm-qi stagnation.
The main indication for this formula is the sensation of something obstructing the throat, which cannot be swallowed or coughed up; some patients also have chest fullness and rapid breathing, cough or vomiting, or a feeling of qi rushing upward from the lower abdomen, causing stomach and chest pain.
In the formula, Banxia descends counterflow and resolves phlegm, scatters nodules and opens stagnation, and harmonizes the stomach to stop vomiting. Houpo downbears qi and eliminates fullness, and is a key herb in TCM for abdominal distension. Fuling fortifies the spleen and leaches out dampness, resolving phlegm and draining water. Zisuye both disperses cold to release the exterior and broadens the middle to remove distension. The combined action of these herbs is to descend counterflow, resolve phlegm, move qi, and resolve stagnation. Adding appropriate amounts of Shengjiang (fresh ginger) and Dazao (jujube) when decocting to boost stomach qi gives a better effect.
The formula verse for this decoction is as follows: "Siqi Tang regulates the qi of the seven emotions; Banxia, Houpo, Fuling, and Suye. Decoct with ginger and jujube to loosen stagnation; phlegm-rheum and vomiting are all relieved. There is also the Jufang Siqi, with Renshen, Rougui, Gancao, and Banxia, more wondrous and distinct."
The Jufang Siqi Tang mentioned in this verse is composed of Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 1 liang (30g), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) 1 liang (30g), Zhi Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix, prepared) 1 liang (30g), and Fa Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, prepared) 5 liang (150g). Method: grind the four herbs into a coarse powder; each time take 3 qian (9g), with 3 slices of Shengjiang, and decoct in water down to half a cup; take warm.
Jufang Siqi Tang dissipates nodules and resolves phlegm, warms the middle and resolves stagnation. It is also a formula for binding and accumulation of phlegm-rheum, qi stagnation from the seven emotions, and deficiency-cold ascending qi, presenting as colicky pain in the heart and abdomen, distension and rapid breathing, and absence of appetite. This disease seems to correspond to modern allergic conditions; because the ancients generally held it to be caused by excess of the seven emotions (joy, anger, grief, thought, anxiety, fear, and fright), Jufang Siqi Tang is also called Qi Qi Tang (Seven-Qi Decoction).