Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction

金匱要略

-- When a woman feels as if there is a piece of roasted meat in her throat, Banxia Houpo Tang governs it. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet)) -- It is asked: the patient suffers from water, with swelling of the face, eyes, body and four limbs, and difficult urination; on palpating the pulse he does not speak of water, but instead speaks of pain in the chest, with qi rushing upward to the throat, like roasted meat, and there should be mild cough and wheezing. If it is exactly as the master says, what is his pulse like... (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), "Water Qi Disease")

Banxia one sheng, Houpo three liang, Fuling four liang, Shengjiang five liang, dried Zisu two liang. The above five ingredients: with seven sheng of water, boil down to take four sheng, divide into four warm doses — three in the day and one at night. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun)

With seven sheng of water, boil down to take four sheng, divide into four warm doses — three in the day and one at night. (Modern usage: decoct in water for oral administration.)

湯劑

Move qi and disperse the knot, direct rebellious qi downward and Resolve Phlegm.

A sensation of obstruction in the throat, binding depression of the seven emotions, congealing of phlegm and saliva; as if something is lodged in the throat, which cannot be coughed out or swallowed down; fullness of the chest with rapid breathing, either cough or vomiting, or distending, propping pain in the chest, and the like.

Liver Qi stagnation with blood deficiency, such as depression, irregular menstruation, distending breast pain, etc.: combine with Xiaoyao San. -- Liver Qi stagnation with blood deficiency accompanied by stagnant heat, such as vexation and easy anger, insomnia, etc.: combine with Jiawei Xiaoyao San. -- Abdominal distention, stomach bloating: combine with Sini San. -- For severe cough with copious phlegm: add Suzi 6. -- For deficiency cold, chest pain, distending stomach pain: combine with Gancao Ganjiang Tang. -- For cold stomach pain: add Wuzhuyu 10. -- For chest oppression: add Zhishi 6. -- For throat constriction and spasm: add Jiegeng 10, Zhishi 6.

The formula contains many pungent, warm, bitter and drying items, and is only suitable for those with phlegm and qi mutually bound without heat. If there is reddening of the cheekbones, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a red tongue with little coating, belonging to qi depression transforming into fire with damage to yin and scant Body Fluids, then even if the features of plum-pit qi are present, this formula should not be used.