This formula is traditionally used for treating copious phlegm. This problem is created by a digestive disharmony. In Chinese medicine, phlegm in the stomach leads to distention, copious sputum, a greasy tongue coating, and a slippery pulse. Heat in the gallbladder creates a bitter taste in the mouth. The combination of phlegm and heat causes organ dysfunction, which may lead to dizziness, nausea, and vomiting. Phlegm heat may also cause irritability, insomnia, palpitations, and anxiety. Chinese medicine also states that all strange diseases are due to phlegm, and therefore this formula may also be used for seizures, and mental disorders. Bamboo (zhu ru) clears heat and phlegm and also helps treat coughing and other signs of rebellious qi. Aurantium (zhi shi) reverses rebellious qi, and helps reduce distension. Pinellia (ban xia) and citrus (chen pi) dry dampness,and expel phlegm, while improving circulation in the stomach. Poria (fu ling) and licorice (gan cao) strengthens the spleen and leaches out dampness. Arisaema (tian nan xing) dries dampness, expels phlegm and is also used for phlegm obstructing the channels causing dizziness, numbness of the limbs, strokes, and seizures. Acorus (shi chang pu) opens the orifices, vaporizes phlegm, and quiets the spirit. It is used for epigastric fullness, abdominal pain due to dampness, dizziness, dulled senses, and seizures.
Pinellia rhizome (ban xia), Citrus peel (chen pi), Poria sclerotium (fu ling), Aurantium fruit (zhi shi), Bamboo shavings (zhu ru), Arisaema rhizome (tian nan xing), Agastache herb (huo xiang), Acorus rhizome (shi chang pu), Licorice root (gan cao)