Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang — Perilla Seed Descend the Qi Decoction

On this page

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

What is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang — Perilla Seed Descend the Qi Decoction — is a classical Song dynasty formula from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (1107) for cough and wheeze from rebellious Lung Qi in deficient constitutions. In Chinese herbal medicine it is one of the most useful formulas for chronic bronchitis and asthma in elderly patients where there is excess phlegm above and Kidney deficiency below.

I prescribe Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan.

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang TCM pattern

Prescribed for upper excess (Phlegm in the Lung) with lower deficiency (Kidney Yang): chronic cough with copious phlegm, wheezing with shortness of breath worse on exertion, chest oppression, fatigue, weak knees and lower back, cold extremities, a pale moist tongue with a slimy white coat and a deep weak pulse.

Key herbs

1. Su Zi (Perilla seed) — chief herb; descends Lung Qi, transforms Phlegm and arrests wheezing
2. Ban Xia — transforms Phlegm and stops cough
3. Hou Po, Qian Hu — move Qi and descend Lung Qi
4. Rou Gui — warms Kidney Yang
5. Dang Gui — nourishes the Blood and assists Kidney
6. Sheng Jiang, Su Ye, Gan Cao, Da Zao — harmonise

Formula actions

1. Descends rebellious Lung Qi and arrests wheezing
2. Transforms Phlegm and stops cough
3. Warms Kidney Yang to grasp the Qi

Conditions treated

1. Chronic bronchitis and COPD in elderly patients with phlegm and weak knees
2. Cardiac asthma and dyspnoea on exertion with Kidney-Yang deficiency
3. Chronic productive cough that worsens with cold and exertion
4. Sleep apnoea symptoms with phlegm and exhaustion (adjunctive)

Cautions

Contraindicated in Yin-deficient dry cough, hot-pattern wheezing and pregnancy. Best used in stable phases of chronic respiratory disease, alongside conventional inhaled therapy where indicated.

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available.

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