This is a modern empirical formula that has been developed to cover the commonly occurring deficiency syndromes that underlie chronic asthma or bronchitis, i.e. Kidney, Spleen and Lung deficiency. Patients may present with predominantly Yin deficiency signs and symptoms (i.e. thirst, dry mouth, night sweating, dry skin, red cheeks, red tongue and rapid pulse) or predominantly Qi deficiency features (i.e. fatigue, weak voice, susceptibility to colds, spontaneous perspiration, poor appetite, epigastric distension after meals, pale complexion, pale tongue and weak pulse) or a mixture of both.

In order to enhance clinical results, this formula may be combined with a more specific ‘constitutional’ formula as noted above, under ‘Combinations’. Patients with a significant degree of Phlegm retention (productive cough, thick and greasy tongue coat) should use DIGESTIVE TONIC Formula (CM155) together with this formula.

Patients may need to take this formula periodically for several years (e.g. for 6 to 9 months each year) in order to improve the constitution and prevent or reduce the frequency of further acute episodes.

TCM ACTIONS
Nourishes the Kidney and Lung Yin, enriches the Kidney Essence, tonifies the Spleen and Lung Qi, redirects the Lung Qi downward to alleviate coughing and dyspnea

TCM SYNDROMES

• Kidney-Lung Yin deficiency
• Kidney Essence deficiency
• Spleen-Lung Qi deficiency

INDICATIONS
Chronic asthma or chronic bronchitis – for remission stage treatment.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
(Key clinical features in bold)

• Cough, dyspnea or shortness of breath that is brought on or aggravated by exertion
• Fatigue, weak voice, susceptibility to colds, spontaneous perspiration
• Poor appetite, epigastric distension after meals
• Thirst, dry mouth, night sweating, dry skin
• Pale complexion possibly with red cheeks
• Pale tongue that may have a red tip, with a thin or absent coat
• Weak and thready pulse that may also be rapid