In TCM, this condition is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind and Dispel Cold, Diffuse the Lung and Stop Cough
Formula: San Ao Tang (Three Unbending Decoction); Zhisou San (Cough-Stopping Powder)
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind and Clear Heat, Diffuse the Lung and Stop Cough
Formula: Sangju Yin (Mulberry Leaf and Chrysanthemum Drink)
Treatment principle: Dispel Wind and Clear the Lung, Moisten Dryness and Stop Cough
Formula: Sangxing Tang (Mulberry Leaf and Apricot Kernel Decoction)
Treatment principle: Dry Damp and Resolve Phlegm, Regulate Qi and Stop Cough
Formula: Erchen Pingwei San (Two-Cured Stomach-Calming Powder); Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Three-Seed Filial Devotion Decoction) — from *Han Shi Yi Tong*
Treatment principle: Clear Heat and Resolve Phlegm, Purify the Lung and Stop Cough
Formula: Qingjin Huatan Tang (Clear the Metal and Transform Phlegm Decoction)
Treatment principle: Clear the Lung and Drain the Liver, Resolve Phlegm and Stop Cough
Formula: Huangqin Xiebai San (Scutellaria Powder to Drain the White); Daige San (Indigo and Clam Shell Powder)
Treatment principle: Nourish Yin and Clear Heat, Moisten the Lung and Stop Cough
Formula: Shashen Maidong Tang (Glehnia and Ophiopogon Decoction) — from *Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases*
Treatment principle: Diffuse the Lung and Dispel Cold
Formula: Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*; Huagai San (Ornamental Canopy Powder) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*
Treatment principle: Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior, Resolve Phlegm and Calm Panting
Formula: Maxing Shigan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum and Licorice Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*
Treatment principle: Dispel Phlegm and Descend Counterflow, Diffuse the Lung and Calm Panting
Formula: Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*; Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Three-Seed Filial Devotion Decoction) — from *Han Shi Yi Tong*
Treatment principle: Resolve Depression and Descend Qi to Calm Panting
Formula: Wumo Yinzi (Five Milled-Herb Drink) — from *Investigations of Medical Formulas*
Treatment principle: Warm Yang and Promote Diuresis, Drain the Lung and Calm Panting
Formula: Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*; Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang (Lepidium and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lungs) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*
Treatment principle: Supplement the Lung and Boost Qi
Formula: Shengmai San (Pulse-Engendering Powder) — from *Origins of Medicine*; Bufei Tang (Tonify the Lung Decoction) — from *Yong Lei Qian Fang*
Treatment principle: Supplement the Kidney and Grasp Qi
Formula: Jingui Shenqi Wan (Golden Cabinet Kidney Qi Pill) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*; Shenge San (Ginseng and Gecko Powder) — from *Formulas to Aid the Living*
Treatment principle: Support Yang and Secure Collapse, Subdue and Astringe Kidney Qi
Formula: Shenfu Tang (Ginseng and Aconite Decoction)
Treatment principle: Warm the Lung and Dispel Cold, Descend Counterflow and Flush Phlegm
Formula: Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue-Green Dragon Decoction)
Treatment principle: Resolve Phlegm and Descend Qi, Fortify the Spleen and Boost Qi
Formula: Suzi Jiangqi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction to Direct Qi Downward); Sanzi Yangqin Tang (Three-Seed Filial Devotion Decoction) — from *Han Shi Yi Tong*
Treatment principle: Flush Out Phlegm and Open the Orifices
Formula: Ditan Tang (Scour Phlegm Decoction) — from *Qi Xiao Liang Fang*; Angong Niuhuang Wan (Peaceful Palace Bovine Bezoar Pill) — from *Systematic Differentiation of Warm Diseases*; Zhibao Dan (Greatest Treasure Pill)
Treatment principle: Flush Out Phlegm and Dispel Stasis, Drain the Lung and Calm Panting
Formula: Tingli Dazao Xiefei Tang (Lepidium and Jujube Decoction to Drain the Lungs) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*; Guizhi Fuling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill)
Treatment principle: Warm Yang and Transform Fluid Retention to Promote Diuresis
Formula: Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*; Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Poria Powder) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*
Treatment principle: Supplement the Lung and Kidney to Grasp Qi, Descend Qi and Calm Panting
Formula: Buxu Tang (Tonify Deficiency Decoction); Shenge San (Ginseng and Gecko Powder) — from *Formulas to Aid the Living*
Treatment principle: Supplement the Lung and Fortify the Spleen, Descend Qi and Resolve Phlegm
Formula: Liujunzi Tang (Six-Gentleman Decoction) — from *Yi Xue Zheng Chuan*; Yupingfeng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) — from *Teachings of Master Danxi*
These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.
Chronic bronchitis is a chronic, nonspecific inflammation of the trachea and bronchial mucosa and surrounding tissues caused by repeated internal and external factors; its etiology is complex and not yet fully understood. It is more common in northern regions, and symptoms are more obvious in cold autumn and winter seasons or during acute respiratory infections. The main clinical manifestations can be summarized as cough, sputum, wheezing, and inflammation, with long-term recurrent cough being the most prominent. Middle-aged and older adults with many years of chronic bronchitis may develop obstructive emphysema and gradually worsening dyspnea, initially shortness of breath after activity, progressing to breathlessness even at rest. In cold seasons, respiratory infections often worsen the symptoms, which may even lead to cyanosis or respiratory failure. Long-term recurrent coughing causes the alveoli to overinflate, raising pressure and compressing the capillaries around them, increasing resistance and burdening the heart; over time this can lead to cor pulmonale (pulmonary heart disease).
This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.