Su Xiao Zhi Ke Fang for Quick Cough Relief

In clinical TCM practice, cough is one of the most common symptoms. Whether it is due to external pathogens, internal injuries, or a chronic, stubborn cough, patients often have an urgent need for respiratory support. Su Xiao Zhi Ke Fang is a commonly prepared prescription widely used in this context. TCM practitioners regard this formula for its sophisticated composition and reliable efficacy.

Formula Composition

Jin Yin Hua	Clears heat and toxins, cools and disperses wind-heat. Traditionally associated with addressing patterns described as heat pathogens affecting the lungs.
Kuan Dong Hua (Mi)	Moistens the lungs, directs qi downward, supports normal breathing functions. Traditional Pao Zhi honey-processing enhances its lung-moistening and yin-nourishing effects.
Jiang Can (Chao)	Calms wind, resolves phlegm, disperses nodules, and relieves cough. Often used for cough due to wind-phlegm obstructing the lungs.
Xing Ren (Chan)	Directs qi downward, relieves cough, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements. Considered an important herb within TCM texts for formulas related to the lungs.
Zi Wan (Mi Zhi)	Moistens the lungs, directs qi downward, resolves phlegm, and relieves cough. Traditionally included when patterns involve deficiency phlegm in the lungs.
Ai Di Cha	Described in TCM literature as calming throat discomfort and supporting lung balance. A commonly used herb in Southern China (Lingnan region).
Sang Ye	Disperses wind-heat, clears lung heat, and moistens dryness. Applied in traditional formulas for patterns identified as wind-heat affecting the lungs.
Ju Hong	Regulates qi, resolves phlegm, dries dampness, and harmonizes the middle burner. Assists in promoting lung qi circulation.
Chuan Bei Mu	Clears heat, resolves phlegm, moistens the lungs, and relieves cough. Frequently referenced in TCM sources for addressing phlegm-heat presentations in the lungs.
Jie Geng	Diffuses lung qi, soothes the throat, and directs the effects of other herbs upward. Enhances the guiding function of the formula.
Quan Xie	Calms wind, relieves spasms, disperses nodules, and unblocks collaterals. In this formula, it plays a special role in resolving phlegm, dispersing nodules, and relieving cough and wheezing.

Formula Characteristics and Compatibility Features

Multi-pathway approach in formulation: The formula includes heat-clearing and toxin-removing herbs (Jin Yin Hua, Sang Ye, Chuan Bei Mu), lung-moistening and phlegm-resolving herbs (Kuan Dong Hua, Zi Wan, Xing Ren), as well as qi-regulating and phlegm-resolving herbs (Ju Hong & Jie Geng). This comprehensive approach harmonizes lung qi and addresses both heat and phlegm patterns.
Addresses both wind-heat and phlegm obstruction: It can be flexibly applied for various pathological mechanisms, such as external wind-heat, phlegm-heat congesting the lungs, or chronic cough with excessive phlegm.
Balances rapid and sustained effects: Kuan Dong Hua, Zi Wan, and Xing Ren directly enter the lung channel quickly, while Chuan Bei Mu and Jie Geng support long-term regulation. This combination enables herbs to address acute imbalances, while others promote longer-term balance.
Special herbs enhance efficacy: Jiang Can and Quan Xie are traditionally regarded for their ability to transform phlegm, disperse nodules, and calm wind, making them important components in the classical design of this formula.

Clinical Application Value

Wide range of applications: Traditionally referenced for a wide range of TCM pattern presentations, such as wind-heat or phlegm-heat affecting the lungs.
Classical foundations: The formula’s design reflects principles that quickly address both excess and phlegm-related conditions in the Lung system.
Use in integrative practice: Practitioners sometimes integrate this formula alongside common Western cough and phlegm-relieving medications to enhance efficacy and reduce adverse reactions.

Su Xiao Zhi Ke Fang is recognized for its sophisticated composition and broad applicability. Within TCM theory, it is valued for addressing both the root and branch of lung-related patterns. Its design reflects classical principles that harmonize the Lung, transform phlegm, and direct qi flow, making it a well-regarded formula in clinical practice.

Having the quick relief cough formula readily available in daily clinical practice can help TCM practitioners better address patients’ urgent needs, thereby improving treatment efficacy and patient satisfaction.

This article is provided only as an educational resource - it is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, and the herbs and/or formulas within are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases. The statements regarding Traditional Chinese Medicine and herbal formulas have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This information is intended only for licensed healthcare practitioners.