Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang — Lepidium and Jujube Drain the Lung Decoction
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Overview
Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang is from Zhang Zhongjing’s Jin Gui Yao Lue. The simple two-herb formula combines Ting Li Zi (lepidium seed, a powerful Phlegm-draining Lung herb) with Da Zao (jujube, to protect Stomach Qi from Ting Li Zi’s drying action). It addresses excess water-Phlegm accumulating in the Lung with severe breathlessness — the picture of acute pulmonary edema, pleural effusion, or severe productive cough with significant Phlegm-fluid retention.
I prescribe Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang as part of bespoke herbal formulas from pharmaceutical-grade granules sourced from Sun Ten in Taiwan, always alongside conventional respiratory or cardiology care.
TCM pattern
Ting Li Da Zao Xie Fei Tang is prescribed for Phlegm-fluid excess in the Lung:
- Severe breathlessness — worse on exertion or lying flat
- Cough with copious watery sputum
- Chest fullness and oppression
- Possible facial puffiness
- Reduced urination
- Tongue — pale to slightly cyanotic, slippery white coat
- Pulse — slippery, possibly tight or forceful
Key herbs
- Ting Li Zi (lepidium seed) — chief; powerfully drains Phlegm-fluid from the Lung
- Da Zao (ten jujubes) — protects Stomach Qi
Formula actions
- Drains Phlegm-fluid from the Lung
- Stops severe wheezing and chest fullness
- Promotes urination of accumulated fluid
Conditions treated
- Acute pulmonary edema (alongside emergency care)
- Pleural effusion
- Congestive heart failure with breathlessness (alongside cardiology care)
- Severe productive cough in chronic bronchitis
- Bronchiectasis exacerbation
- Cor pulmonale
Cautions
Acute pulmonary edema and severe breathlessness are medical emergencies — call 999. This formula is an adjunct to conventional emergency care, not a substitute.
Ting Li Zi is a powerful purgative herb — use at proper dose and not for long courses.
Not appropriate for Yin-deficient dry cough or Qi-deficient cough.
Use cautiously in pregnancy.
Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the RCHM.
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