This is frequent bouts of non-productive coughing, other accompanied symptoms include cough-induced chest pain, a flushed face, throat and mouth dryness. The symptoms usually fluctuate along with emotional changes. The tongue is red and covered by dry and yellow fur; the pulse is taut and rapid.

The remedy should clear the lungs, soothe the liver, smooth qi flow and check fire.

Sample prescription: Modified Purging Lung Powder plus Indigo and Clam Shell Powder plus baical skullcap root

In the prescription, the indigo and clam shell clear liver-heat and resolve phlegm; the baical skullcap root, mulberry root-bark and wolfberry root-bark clear the lung-heat; the rice and liquorice root nourish the stomach so as to replenish body fluids. Additional herbs are necessary when certain symptoms are obvious, for example:

clam shell

wolfberry root-bark

baical skullcap root

When there are symptoms like a flushed face and irritability, extra herbs are necessary to clear the liver-fire.

Severe chest tightness and breath shortness can be relieved by smoothing lung qi with herbs like:

TCM believes that chest or rib pain is a sign of stagnation in the liver meridian, and if this is the case other herbs should be added:

Excessive heat usually leads to sticky mucus which is difficult to expectorate; some herbs can help clear heat and promote expectoration.

Persistent coughing accompanied with excessive dryness in the throat and mouth, indicate that the lungs are damaged, and need proper nourishment. Suitable herbs include: