Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Specifically for COPD
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Why it works for COPD:
What it is (briefly). A classical TCM formula (“Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward”) used for cough/wheeze with copious white sputum where phlegm-cold obstructs the Lungs and the Kidneys are “too weak to grasp the breath.” The core actions are to descend rebellious Qi (ease breathlessness), transform phlegm, and gently warm. Ingredients typically include Perilla seed (苏子/zi su zi), Pinellia (半夏/ban xia, processed), Magnolia bark (厚朴/hou po), Peucedanum (前胡/qian hu), Tangerine peel (陈皮/chen pi) or equivalent aromatics, Cinnamon (肉桂/rou gui) or twig (桂枝/gui zhi), Dong quai (当归/dang gui), plus fresh ginger, jujube, licorice (炙甘草). TCM Wiki
Why this maps to COPD‐type symptoms. In modern terms, the formula’s expected effects—bronchial secretion mobilization/expectorant actions, antitussive/anti-inflammatory activity, and improved ventilatory mechanics via reduction of “airway phlegm load”—align with common COPD symptom drivers. Contemporary network-pharmacology and mechanistic work on Suzi-Jiangqi suggests multi-target anti-inflammatory, anti-infective and immune-modulating pathways relevant to COPD (e.g., NF-κB/TNF pathways), which is biologically plausible for symptom relief. search.bvsalud.org
How to use for COPD:
Classical preparation & dosing (decoction). The historical instructions are to decoct the herbs in water with fresh ginger and jujube and take warm. Traditional guidance gives rough quantities and method (powdered or decocted; with ginger/jube/Perilla leaf; taken hot; timing “not restricted”)—modern practice converts this to gram-weighted raw herbs brewed once or twice daily, or to granule equivalents. Use processed Pinellia (Zhi Ban Xia), never raw. zysj.com.cn
Modern clinic use for COPD. In practice it’s prescribed only when the patient fits the pattern (phlegm-cold with copious white sputum, wheeze worse lying down, cold signs). It’s commonly combined with standard COPD care (bronchodilators, inhaled therapies) and sometimes paired with Sanzi Yangqin Tang or given as a modified “Jia-wei” version. Course lengths in studies typically range 1–12 weeks for symptom control, with re-assessment for pattern fit and safety. zwyxyj.net
Formula contents & actions (for reference when discussing with a practitioner). Ingredient lists and actions are summarized here and can guide discussions about suitable modifications (e.g., if more cold, more phlegm, etc.). American Dragon
Scientific Evidence for COPD:
There is some—but limited and mixed—clinical evidence, mostly from Chinese journals, often as add-on therapy to usual COPD treatment. Quality varies (small samples, risk of bias). Representative sources:
- Hospital clinical study (AECOPD, n=100): Suzi Jiangqi Decoction + standard care + Compound Methoxyphenamine vs standard care alone improved symptom scores and selected lab indices during acute exacerbations (single-center; 2020–2022). (English abstract page). zwyxyj.net
- Protocol for meta-analysis (AECOPD): Planned systematic review of SZJQT for AECOPD—highlights existing trials but also the need for rigorous synthesis; protocol registered 2021. (Protocol only; not results.) INPLASY
- Modified combination formula (JWSZJQF = Su Zi Jiang Qi + Sanzi Yangqin; COPD): 2025 mechanistic/clinical observation paper (Journal of Ethnopharmacology) reports symptom improvements with biomarker changes when added to usual care; note this is a modified formula, not classical SZJQT alone. ScienceDirect
- Network-pharmacology/mechanism papers (SZJQT): Indicate multi-target anti-inflammatory/immune pathways relevant to COPD pathophysiology; these support biologic plausibility but aren’t clinical proof. search.bvsalud.org
- Broader context: Evidence summaries on Chinese medicine for COPD suggest many CHM formulas can improve symptoms/exacerbation rates as adjuncts, but heterogeneity and trial quality limit firm conclusions. Treat these as supportive context rather than SZJQT-specific proof. RMIT University
Specific Warnings for COPD:
Pattern mismatch = don’t use. Classical cautions: not for “phlegm-heat” wheeze (yellow, sticky sputum; fever; sore throat) and not for pure deficiency-type asthma without external constraint—it’s a warming, phlegm-transforming formula and can aggravate heat/dryness. American Dragon
Herb-specific cautions (relevant to COPD patients):
- Licorice (Gan Cao): May raise blood pressure, cause hypokalaemia, fluid retention, and interact with digoxin and diuretics—this matters in COPD patients with cardiovascular disease. Prefer modest doses and medical supervision. Medsafe
- Dong quai (Dang Gui): Anticoagulant/antiplatelet interactions reported (e.g., with warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel). If you’re on blood thinners, discuss with your clinician and monitor INR/bleeding. Drugs.com
- Pinellia (Ban Xia): Raw Pinellia is toxic; internal use must be processed (Zhi Ban Xia). Use caution with heat signs, hemoptysis, or throat irritation. American Dragon
- Cinnamon/Rou Gui (or Gui Zhi): Warming; avoid in significant “heat” presentations (thirst, bitter taste, red tongue, yellow sputum). (Classical caution via formula indications.) American Dragon
Medication co-management. SZJQT should be added to, not substituted for, your inhaled bronchodilators/ICS/LABA/LAMA or other COPD medications. Any changes should be coordinated with your respiratory physician. (General evidence on CHM is as add-on.) RMIT University
Who should avoid/seek extra monitoring:
- People with uncontrolled hypertension, edema, heart failure, severe kidney disease (because of licorice). Medsafe
- Those on warfarin/antiplatelets (because of dong quai) or digoxin/loop diuretics (because of licorice-related potassium loss). Drugs.com
- Pregnancy: avoid unless specifically prescribed and monitored (several ingredients, including Pinellia and dong quai, are commonly avoided). (Herb monograph cautions.) American Dragon
General Information (All Ailments)
What It Is
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (蘇子降氣湯 — “Perilla Seed Down-Bearing Qi Decoction”) is a classical TCM formula originating in the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang. It is built around perilla seed (Su Zi) together with herbs that descend counter-flow lung qi while warming, transforming cold phlegm, and supporting the lower source (kidney qi) to anchor the breath. It is traditionally indicated for cough, wheeze, dyspnea, copious phlegm that is white or clear, and chest/oppression specifically when triggered or worsened by cold or exertion, and especially when the person is characterized by a weak lower back/knees, fatigue, or aversion to cold — signaling “upper excess, lower deficiency”.
How It Works (Mechanistic-style, but still TCM logic)
1) Descends Rebellious Respiratory Qi
The chief herb Su Zi is aromatic, dispersing, and gently downward-directing. It relieves the “air hunger” state in which lung qi fails to descend, producing coughing fits and wheeze.
2) Warms and Disperses Cold-Constrained Fluids
Cold stagnation glues fluids into phlegm. The warming components (like Rou Gui and Gan Jiang in some lineages/variants) “melt” the gelled fluids back into mobilizable liquid so they can be moved and expelled.
3) Transforms and Expels Phlegm
Mobilized fluids are then transformed (by Ban Xia / Hou Po-type actions in variants) and sent down/out, reducing the “traffic jam” in the chest.
4) Supplements and Anchors the Lower Root (KD-qi)
By supporting the lower source (e.g., via Dang Gui in the canonical build or via kidney-yang-support in certain traditions), the formula treats the underlying failure of the “root to grasp qi” — analogous to a bellows without a stable hinge. This prevents relapse.
Why It’s Important (when correctly matched)
Targeted to a very specific pattern
This formula is not a general cough syrup. It is precise: upper excess (phlegm, counter-flow qi) with lower deficiency (root cannot grasp) in a cold-dominant presentation. When the match is correct it can rapidly reduce wheeze and cough while simultaneously blocking recurrence by securing the root.
Prevents chronic spiraling
Unanchored respiratory patterns in TCM tend to recur and progressively weaken the host. Addressing both the “branch” (acute lung counter-flow) and the “root” (kidney anchoring capacity) breaks that pattern.
Works with real-world triggers
This pattern is often seen in people whose breathing worsens with cold exposure, weather shifts, or exertion — high-friction situations for Western inhaler-only strategies — so it often integrates well in hybrid care plans.
Considerations (clinical relevance & cautions)
1) Pattern specificity matters
If cough is heat-dominant (yellow phlegm, thirst, sore throat, agitation, bitter taste, red tongue, rapid pulse), this formula may worsen heat. It is not for heat phlegm.
2) Structural contraindication
Do not use when there is pure deficiency without phlegm — the descending, dispersing and warm-mobilizing actions can further deplete or agitate a dry, depleted chest.
3) Comorbid cardiopulmonary disease
In anyone with diagnosed asthma, COPD, or cardiac-origin dyspnea (e.g. CHF), use only as pattern-matched adjunct, not replacement, and under supervision.
4) Drug / safety interactions
People on anticoagulants, anti-arrhythmics, or strong bronchodilators should involve a clinician knowledgeable in both pharmacology and classical formulas to avoid unintended synergy or antagonism.
5) Pregnancy & frailty
Because of the down-bearing respiratory qi + warming nature, pregnancy, postpartum depletion, and frail elders require case-by-case modification — never copy-paste a stock recipe.
Helps with these conditions
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang is most effective for general wellness support with emerging research . The effectiveness varies by condition based on clinical evidence and user experiences.
Detailed Information by Condition
COPD
What it is (briefly). A classical TCM formula (“Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward”) used for cough/wheeze with copious white sputum whe...
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Helps With These Conditions
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