Decoction for Nourishing Yin and Clearing the Lung

重樓玉鑰

Large raw Rehmannia 2 qian; Ophiopogon root 1 qian 2 fen; raw licorice 5 fen; Scrophularia root 1 qian 5 fen; Fritillaria bulb, core removed, 8 fen; Moutan cortex 8 fen; mint 5 fen; stir-fried white peony root 8 fen. (Chonglou Yuyue)

Decoct in water and take orally. Generally, 1 dose per day; in severe cases, 2 doses per day may be taken.

湯劑

Nourish yin and clear the lungs, resolve toxin and benefit the throat.

Diphtheria. White patches like curd form in the throat and are not easy to wipe away; throat swelling and pain; at onset there may or may not be fever; dry nose and lips; cough may be present or absent; audible breathing; panting and rebellious qi; in severe cases, flaring of the nasal alae; rapid pulse.

For severe lung heat: add Scutellaria baicalensis and Isatis root. -- For marked lung dryness with yin damage: add Glehnia root, Asparagus root, and prepared Rehmannia. -- For severe heat toxin: add honeysuckle flower and Forsythia fruit. -- For severe dry heat: add Asparagus root and Dendrobium.

Diphtheria contraindicates diaphoresis, and especially contraindicates acrid-warm sweating. According to a note after the original formula: 'If there is internal heat and fever, there is no need to administer exterior-releasing medicinals; take the formula as prescribed, and the heat will resolve by itself.'