These herbs work predominantly by any of four major actions:
1. Descending Lung Qi.
2. Astringing Lung Qi.
3. Dispersing Lung Qi.
4. Moistening the Lungs.
As appropriate, consider combining with:
– herbs that resolve phlegm
– astringents
– herbs that warm the interior
– yin tonics
– Qi tonics
– yang tonics
– surface releasing herbs
– herbs that clear heat
– herbs that eliminate food retention, etc.
In my own practice, I have encountered some stubborn cases of cough that didn’t respond satisfactorily to any/all the herbs in this category (administered, of course, in an appropriate formula based on the zangfu pattern). Perhaps my formulas were flawed. However, over the years I have grown to trust three herbs more than any others for difficult coughs: Chuan bei mu, the Western herb Mullein (leaf and fower), and the needles of evergreens (Pine, Spruce, and Fir). The Western herb Lobelia (inflata sp.) is also a powerful, if also enigmatic, herb in the treatment of respiratory complaints. While it is an emetic in moderate doses, small doses can be used as an “activator” of the respiratory tract in combination with an appropriate formula.
Nice site. I saw your bit on cough and thought I’d contribute my two cents. Cough is often due to the body’s attempt to eliminate the pathogen. A chronic cough is when the zheng-qi is not strong enough to get the pathogen lodged deeply in the tissue. Chronic cough will exhaust the qi, so we’re dealing with qi, possibly even the yang. The yin factors importantly as well. Consider Maimendong and Fuzi in bold doses, the former at more than 30g and the latter starting at least at 9g.
Good points, thanks for contributing.