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Gua Lou Zhi Shi Tang瓜蔞枳實湯

Trichosanthis Fruit and Unripe Bitter Orange Decoction

Also known asTrichosanthis Fruit and Immature Bitter Orange Decoction · Trichosanthis and Chih-Shih Combination · Trichosanthis and Aurantium Combination · Decoction of Trichosanthis Seed and Immature Bitter Orange

Medicinals
14

Composition

  • Gua LouFr. Trichosanthis3–9 g

    Clears Lung Heat, transforms Hot Phlegm and unbinds the chest.

  • Chuan Bei MuBul. Fritillariae Cirrhosae3–9 g

    Clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, stops cough and nourishes and moistens the Lung.

  • Chen PiPer. Citri Reticulatae3–6 g

    Regulates Qi, adjusts the Middle, relieves the diaphragm, dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm and Descends *Qi.*

    for Spleen and Stomach Qi Stagnation.
    for belching, nausea, and a stifling sensation in the epigastrium due to Disharmony of the Stomach Qi.
  • Chao Zhi ShiDry-fried Fr. Aurantii Immaturus3–6 g

    Breaks up Stagnant Qi, reduces accumu-lation, descends Qi, unblocks the bowels Transforms Phlegm and reduces distention.

    • Zhi Zi
    for a stifling sensation and distention in the epigastrium with feverishness.
    • Chen Pi
    strengthens the Middle Jiao.
  • Jie GengRx. Platycodi3–9 g

    Opens the Lungs, spreads Lung Qi, expels Phlegm, benefits the throat and opens and raises Lung Qi, directing the effects of other herbs to the upper body.

    disseminates Lung Qi, expels Phlegm, resolves toxicity, and expels pus for productive cough with hoarseness and pain and swelling of the throat due to Wind-Heat.
  • Mu XiangRx. Aucklandiae2–6 g

    Promotes the movement of Qi and alleviates pain.

    for distention, epigastric and abdominal pain, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dysentery, or tenesmus due to Qi Obstruction and/or Food Stagnation.
  • Sha RenFr. Amomi2–6 g

    Promotes the movement of Qi, aromatically transforms Dampness and strengthens the Spleen.

    for Qi stagnation due to Food Stagnation.
  • Fu LingPoria3–9 g

    Promotes urination, leaches out Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and transforms Phlegm.

  • Zhi ZiFr. Gardeniae3–9 g

    Clears Heat, reduces Fire, Drains Damp-Heat and eliminates irritability.

  • Huang QinRx. Scutellariae3–9 g

    Clears Heat, dries Dampness, drains Fire and detoxifies.

    • Zhi Zi
    powerfully clears and drains lurking Heat from the Lungs.
  • Dang GuiRx. Angelicae Sinensis2–9 g

    Tonifies, invigorates and harmonizes the Blood, stops cough and treats dyspnea.

  • Gan CaoRx. Glycyrrhizae1–6 g

    Moistens the Lungs, resolves Phlegm, stops cough and moderates and harmonizes the harsh properties of other herbs.

    for pain and swelling of the throat.
  • Sheng JiangRz. Zingiberis Recens1–6 g

    Stops cough and reduces the toxicity of other herbs.

    for cough and headache due to Heat induced Phlegm.
  • Zhu LiSuccus Bambusae1–9 g

    Transforms Phlegm-Heat and stops cough.

Actions

  • Disperses Stagnation
  • Melts Phlegm
  • Dispels Heat
  • Counters Dryness through moistening
  • Eases stuffiness in the chest

Patterns treated

The Lung Obstructed by Phlegm-Heat

Manifestations

  • Quickened breathing accompanied by a coarse voice
  • Coughing that brings up abundant thick, purulent, yellow-green phlegm, or foul-smelling pus streaked with blood
  • Phlegm that is hard to bring up
  • Possibly accompanied by chills together with fever
  • Labored breathing
  • A sense of fullness and bloating across the chest and diaphragm
  • A queasy stomach
  • Feverishness
  • Dislike of Cold
  • Asthmatic breathing
  • Thoracic pain
  • Discomfort along the ribs
  • Parched mouth
  • Bound-up bowels
  • Urine that is dark and diminished in volume
  • Trouble turning the torso because of chest pain
  • Occasionally confused, rambling speech
Tongue body
A scarlet-colored tongue body
Coating
Either Yellow, Yellow with greasiness, or Yellow with a smooth quality
Pulse
Quick and smooth, or slippery and quick

Indications

  • Coughing up of blood
  • Coughing episodes
  • Intense coughing fits upon waking
  • Cases of pneumonia
  • Cases of emphysema
  • Long-standing tracheitis
  • Asthmatic conditions
  • Pain occurring in the chest region
  • Neuralgia between the ribs
  • Dry coughing in tobacco smokers
  • Hardening of the arteries
  • Lymphatic fluid swelling
  • Inflammation of the bronchi
  • Infections affecting the airways
  • Bronchial tube dilation
  • Long-term rhinitis
  • Sinus inflammation
  • TB of the lungs
  • Copious phlegm production among long-term smokers
  • Unconsciousness accompanied by impaired speech
  • Breathlessness
  • Inflammation of the pleura
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Modifications