BAI HE GU JIN TANG

Lung & Kidney Yin Nourishing • Heat-Clearing & Phlegm-Transforming Formula

Symptoms:

Chronic cough with blood-streaked sputum or hemoptysis

Wheezing or shortness of breath (especially upon exertion)

Dry, sore, or parched throat (worse in the evening)

Five-center heat (hot palms, soles, and chest)

Night sweats and low-grade afternoon fever

Key Indicator: A dry, hacking cough that eventually damages the Lung collaterals, leading to blood in the phlegm

Tongue: red with very little coating;

Pulse: thin and rapid

Ingredients:

Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 17.3g

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix)

Raw Herbs: 5g | Granules: 9.6g

 Dang Gui (Angelicae sinensis Radix)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 17.3g

Bai He (Lilii Bulbus)

Raw Herbs: 5g | Granules: 9.6g

Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix preparata)

Raw Herbs: 9g | Granules: 17.3g

Bei Mu (Fritillariae Bulbus)

Raw Herbs*     | Granules: 9.6g

Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix alba)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granules: 5.8g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 3g | Granules: 5.8g

Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix)

Raw Herbs: 2g | Granules: 3.8g

Jie Geng (Platycodi Radix)

Raw Herbs: 2g | Granules: 3.9g

Posology

Granules

3 to 9g per day after main meals, diluted in hot water.

Raw Plants

Boil in 1000 or 1200ml of water and drink 1 to 3 cups per day.

Description

Bai He Gu Jin Tang, known as the "Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal," is a sophisticated formula designed to treat the "Mother-Son" relationship between the Kidneys and the Lungs. In TCM, the Kidneys are the "root" of Qi and the Lungs are the "canopy." When Kidney Yin is depleted, "Empty Heat" flares upward, scorching the Lungs and drying out the fluids necessary to keep the respiratory tract moist and flexible.

Bai He is the Chief herb, specifically entering the Lung and Heart channels to moisten the Lungs, clear heat, and stop coughing.

Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang work together to deeply nourish the Kidney Yin and clear heat from the blood level. Shu Di tonifies the essence, while Sheng Di cools the heat.

Mai Men Dong and Xuan Shen act as deputies to further moisten the throat and Lungs. Xuan Shen is particularly effective at "salty-cold" softening, which helps dissipate the "fire" and soothe the dry throat.

Bei Mu (Fritillaria) is essential for transforming the dry phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, while Jie Geng acts as a "guide," lifting the actions of the formula to the upper burner (the Lungs) and soothing the throat.

Dang Gui and Bai Shao nourish the Blood. By supplementing the Blood, the formula ensures that the Yin has a substantive base, preventing the "fire" from flaring back up.

Gan Cao harmonizes the various cooling and tonifying herbs, protecting the digestive system from the heavy, cloying nature of the Yin tonics.

Together, these herbs "Solidify the Metal" (strengthen the Lungs) by replenishing the "Water" (Kidneys) at the root, effectively stopping the cough and cooling the blood.

Contraindications

Not recommended for patients with Spleen deficiency, loose stools, or poor appetite, as the formula is quite "heavy" and moistening. Not for use in acute coughs caused by external Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat. Consult a practitioner before use.