ZHI SOU SAN

Wind-Dispelling & Lung-Ventilating • Phlegm-Transforming & Cough-Relieving Formula

Symptoms

Lingering cough following a cold or flu.

Sensation of an itchy throat that triggers the cough.

Cough with or without phlegm (phlegm is usually thin and white).

Difficulty in expectorating (clearing) the phlegm.

Slight aversion to wind or chills (lingering exterior signs).

Tongue: Normal body color with a thin, white coating.

Pulse: Moderate (Huan) or floating (Fu).

Ingredients

Zi Wan (Aster tataricus)
Raw Herbs 10g Granules 14.7g

Jing Jie (Schizonepeta tenuifolia)
Raw Herbs 10g Granules 14.7g

Bai Bu (Stemona sessilifolia)
Raw Herbs 10g Granules 14.7g

Bai Qian (Cynanchum stauntonii)
Raw Herbs * Granules 17.7g

Jie Geng (Platycodon grandifl.)
Raw Herbs 10g Granules 14.7g

Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata)
Raw Herbs 10g Granules 14.7g

Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Raw Herbs 6g Granules 8.8g

Posology

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

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

Description

Zhi Sou San is neither too drying nor too cloying. It follows the TCM principle that "The Lung is a delicate organ; it must be treated with gentle herbs."

Zi Wan and Kuan Dong Hua are the chief herbs; they work together to moisten the Lung and stop coughing without trapping the pathogen inside.

Bai Qian and Jie Geng focus on the "Qi mechanism." Jie Geng lifts the Lung Qi while Bai Qian descends it, creating a "ventilation" effect that clears phlegm.

Bai Bu is specific for the "itchy throat" sensation and helps to stop the spasmodic nature of the cough.

Chen Pi regulates the Qi and dries the residual dampness/phlegm.

Gan Cao harmonizes and soothes the throat.

Contraindications

Contraindicated for Cough due to Yin Deficiency (dry cough with no phlegm, night sweats, red tongue).

Not suitable for Lung-Heat Cough (thick yellow phlegm, high fever, red tongue—use Sang Ju Yin instead).

Not for use during the very first day of a high-fever flu (acute stage).