QING FEI YIN

Clear Lung Heat • Moisten Dryness • Restore Lung Descent

Qing Fei Yin (Clear the Lungs Decoction) is a specialized "Cooling and Moistening" strategy. Unlike formulas that focus on drying up phlegm, this decoction is designed for Heat-Induced Dryness. It is the primary choice when internal heat has "scorched" the Lungs, evaporating healthy fluids and leaving the respiratory tract dry, irritated, and unable to descend Qi.

Symptoms

Dry or Scanty Cough: A hacking cough that is either completely dry or produces very small amounts of thick, sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate.

Respiratory Irritation: A persistent dry or "sore" throat, nasal dryness, and a constant thirst for cold water.

Chest & Breath: Shortness of breath accompanied by a sensation of "stuffiness" or heat in the chest.

Heat Signs: A feeling of heat in the body, red cheeks, or a mild fever that worsens in the afternoon.

Key Indicator: "Heat Injuring Lung Yin"—where the "Metal" element (the Lungs) has been overheated by "Fire," causing the delicate tissues to wither and the Lung Qi to "rebel" upward as a cough.

Tongue: Red body, possibly with a thin yellow coating or a "peeled" (dry) appearance.

Pulse: Rapid (Shu) and potentially Thin (Xi).

Ingredients

Sang Bai Pi (Mori Cortex)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 15.4

Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 11.5g

Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 11.5g

Mai Men Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 15.4g

Tian Men Dong (Asparagus cochinchinensis)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 15.4g

Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 11.5g

Fu Ling (Poria)

Raw Herbs: 12g | Granules: 15.4g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granules: 3.9g

Description

Qing Fei Yin operates as a "Cooling Mist" for the respiratory system. Its technical brilliance lies in its ability to clear heat without further drying the patient out.

Clearing the Fire: The combination of Huang Qin and Zhi Zi acts like a fire extinguisher for the chest. They address the "Excess" heat that is causing the inflammation.

Replenishing the Reservoir: While the fire is being put out, Mai Men Dong and Tian Men Dong act like a cool rain, replenishing the "Lung Yin" (the lubrication of the airways). This is vital because a dry Lung is a brittle Lung.

Restoring the "Descending" Law: In TCM, the Lungs are the "Upper Source of Water." If they are too hot, they cannot send Qi and fluids down to the rest of the body. By cooling the Lungs, this formula restores the natural downward flow of the "Metal" element.

Posology

Raw Herbs

Decoct in 1000ml of water down to 400ml. Drink warm in two divided doses.

Granules

4.5 to 9g daily, dissolved in warm water.

Cautions

Not for Cold or Damp Phlegm. Do not use if the cough produces large amounts of clear or white, watery phlegm, or if the patient is shivering. Spleen Deficiency: Use with caution in those with chronic diarrhea or a very weak appetite, as the cold/moistening herbs can be heavy on the digestion. Discontinue once the heat signs (red tongue, thirst) have resolved and the cough has softened to avoid over-cooling the system.