Nature: bitter, sweet, slightly warm

Enters: Lung

Actions: Resolves phlegm; stops coughing; descends Lung Qi.

Indications:

• Coughs of various etiologies – including phlegm or Lung deficiency: sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate, difficulty breathing, or coughing of blood-streaked sputum. Especially for chronic cough or cold-induced cough.
• Can be combined with Bai bu for phlegm that is difficult to expectorate.
• Stronger than Bai bu at resolving phlegm.
• Fry in honey to strengthen its action of moistening the Lungs and stopping coughs.
MLT: Expectorant; antibiotic against E. coli, Shigella sonnei, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, more.
Hsu: Expectorant (increases secretions in respiratory tract), antibacterial (especially against tuberculosis), antiviral, diuretic.

Dose: 3-9g