Bu Fei Tang — Tonify the Lung Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Formula actions
5. Conditions treated
6. Cautions

Overview

Bu Fei Tang — the “Tonify the Lung Decoction” — is from the Song-dynasty Yong Lei Qian Fang. It addresses chronic Lung Qi deficiency — the pattern presenting as chronic cough with thin clear sputum, recurrent respiratory infections, low/weak voice, spontaneous sweating with mild exertion and shortness of breath. The formula combines Lung Qi tonics (Huang Qi, Ren Shen, Wu Wei Zi) with Lung Yin nourishers (Shu Di Huang) and surface-protecting herbs.

I prescribe Bu Fei Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

TCM pattern

Bu Fei Tang is prescribed for chronic Lung Qi deficiency:

• Chronic cough with thin clear or white sputum
• Recurrent colds, frequent respiratory infections
• Shortness of breath on exertion
• Weak, soft voice; reluctance to speak
• Spontaneous sweating with mild exertion
• Pale or wan complexion
• Tongue — pale, thin coat
• Pulse — weak, soft

Key herbs

1. Ren Shen (Rx. Ginseng, 3–9g) — tonifies Lung Qi at the root
2. Huang Qi (Rx. Astragali, 9–30g) — tonifies Lung-Spleen Qi; consolidates the exterior
3. Shu Di Huang (Rx. Rehmanniae Preparata, 9–15g) — tonifies Kidney Yin; benefits Lung at the root
4. Wu Wei Zi (Fr. Schisandrae, 3–9g) — astringes Lung Qi; stops cough
5. Zi Wan (Rx. Asteris, 6–9g) — descends Lung Qi; stops cough
6. Sang Bai Pi (Cx. Mori, 6–9g) — descends Lung Qi; mild diuretic

Formula actions

1. Tonifies Lung and Spleen Qi
2. Consolidates the Lung surface; stops spontaneous sweating
3. Astringes Lung Qi; stops chronic cough
4. Nourishes Kidney Yin to support Lung at the root

Conditions treated

1. Chronic bronchitis with Lung Qi deficiency
2. COPD with chronic cough in deficient patients
3. Post-viral chronic cough with Lung depletion
4. Frequent recurrent respiratory infections
5. Chronic asthma in remission with Qi deficiency
6. Convalescence after pneumonia with residual cough and weakness
7. Allergic rhinitis with Lung Qi deficiency

Cautions

Not appropriate for acute Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat patterns, or for Phlegm-Damp / Phlegm-Heat cough — the tonifying action would trap pathogenic Qi.

Use during the recovery / stable phase, not during acute exacerbation.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.

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