ZHI SOU SAN

Stop Cough Powder

Zhi Sou San is a classical formula used to stop cough by gently dispersing the Exterior and transforming Phlegm, without strongly warming or cooling. It is primarily indicated in prolonged or lingering cough following an exterior invasion, where the pathogen has not been fully resolved but is no longer acute.

This formula is especially appropriate when cough persists after Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, with relatively mild symptoms and minimal systemic involvement.

Key actions

• Stops cough

• Gently releases the Exterior

• Transforms Phlegm

• Regulates Lung Qi

Herbal composition

• Jing Jie (荆芥) – Schizonepetae Herba

• Bai Qian (白前) – Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma

• Zi Wan (紫菀) – Asteris Radix

• Bai Bu (百部) – Stemonae Radix

• Chen Pi (陈皮) – Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium

• Jie Geng (桔梗) – Platycodi Radix

• Gan Cao (甘草) – Glycyrrhizae Radix

Clinical indications

Traditionally used in presentations such as:

• Persistent cough after a cold or flu

• Cough with scanty or moderate sputum

• Mild aversion to Wind

• Throat irritation

• Normal or slightly red tongue

• Floating or moderate pulse

Pattern focus

This formula treats residual Exterior pathogen affecting the Lungs, with mild Phlegm obstruction.
It is most appropriate when the cough is neither clearly Cold nor clearly Heat, and when deficiency is not the primary issue.

Cautions

• Not indicated for cough due to severe Heat, Cold, or Yin deficiency

• Adjust treatment if cough becomes productive with thick sputum or systemic signs

• Prescribe according to individual pattern differentiation