Tuanshen Huangqi Powder: Supplementing Deficiency and Stopping Cough

Tuanshen Huangqi San originates from Jifeng Puji Fang, a formula collected by the Song-dynasty physician Zhang Rui for treating lung qi deficiency with cough and shortness of breath.

The composition is: Renshen (Ginseng) and Huangqi (Astragalus), each in equal amounts; Gancao (Licorice) in half the amount. Prepare the medicines into coarse powder; each time take 2 qian, add 3 slices of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) and 2 Dazao (Jujubes), and decoct with 150 ml of water down to 90 ml, strain while warm, and take. Twice daily.

This formula boosts qi and supplements the lung. It is indicated for lung qi deficiency: cough with shortness of breath, irritability in the chest, palpitations, aching and weary limbs, dry mouth and throat, copious frothy saliva, emaciation with fever, poor appetite, somnolence, and night sweats.

This condition is usually a sequela of respiratory infection. The composition of this formula centers on supporting the righteous qi: Huangqi and Renshen bank up and supplement the original qi, raising the patient's own immunity, while a small amount of Gancao—which both stops cough and strengthens the spleen and boosts qi—treats the branch. The dosage is small, given as a slow supplementation without seeking rapid effect; this is a relatively prudent therapeutic approach.

Such patients usually have a chronic course; their illness has long been present, and treatment cannot be achieved in a day. Use this powder to slowly regulate; as long as it shows effect, one should persist.