Ophiopogon Decoction

金匱要略

For fire counterflow and upward qi, with unfavorable throat, [when] stopping counterflow and descending qi, Ophiopogon Decoction governs it. (Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet))

Ophiopogon seven sheng, Pinellia one sheng, Ginseng two liang, Licorice two liang, non-glutinous rice three ge, Jujube twelve pieces. The above six items, with one dou and two sheng of water, decoct to obtain six sheng; take one sheng warm, three times in the day and once at night. (Shang Han Za Bing Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases))

The above six items, with one dou and two sheng of water, decoct to obtain six sheng; take one sheng warm, three times in the day and once at night. (Modern usage: decoct in water and take.)

湯劑

Clear and nourish the Lung and Stomach, descend counterflow and lower qi.

1. Pattern of insufficient Lung Yin. Cough with counterflow and upward qi, difficult expectoration, or coughing and spitting foamy saliva, dry mouth and throat, heat in the palms and soles, red tongue with little coating, and a deficient rapid pulse. 2. Pattern of insufficient Stomach Yin. Counterflow qi and vomiting, thirst and dry throat, red tongue with little coating, and a deficient rapid pulse.

Pulmonary tuberculosis complicated by hemoptysis: add Coptis 6, Huangming gelatin 10, raw Rehmannia 15. -- For Yin deficiency stomach pain and burning heat in the epigastrium and abdomen, with a red, smooth tongue without coating: add Dendrobium 10, white peony root 20.

Use with caution in those with a robust physique and a red, lustrous complexion.