Qi-Regulating Formulas

蘇子降氣湯 · Sū Zǐ Jiàng Qì Tāng

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

A classical formula for upper excess lower deficiency wheezing — phlegm above, Kidney Yang deficiency below.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryQi-Regulating Formulas

Primary PatternPhlegm-Dampness

Primary FunctionDirect rebellious Qi down, resolve phlegm, stop wheezing

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleDescend upper excess phlegm while warming lower deficiency

Main HerbsPerilla Fruit · Pinellia Rhizome · Chinese Angelica Root · Licorice Root · Magnolia Bark · Peucedanum Root · Cinnamon Bark

Classical SourceTai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for upper-excess lower-deficiency wheezing — phlegm above, Kidney Yang weakness below — rather than exterior-interior heat, simple elderly phlegm, or cold fluids.

Overview

What Is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

1. Ancient Classics Inheritance

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (苏子降气汤), or Perilla Fruit Decoction for Directing Qi Downward, is a classical Song-dynasty formula from the Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era). It belongs to the category of formulas that descend rebellious Qi, transform Phlegm, and stop wheezing.

This formula addresses excess above with deficiency below: Cold-Phlegm obstructing the Lungs while Kidney Yang is too weak to grasp Qi. Typical signs include wheezing and cough with copious white watery or sticky phlegm, chest fullness, shortness of breath that is worse on exertion, a pale tongue with white greasy coating, and a slippery weak pulse.

Combining Su Zi as the chief herb to descend Lung Qi and transform Phlegm, Ban Xia, Hou Po, and Qian Hu to dry Dampness, move Qi, and stop cough, Rou Gui to warm Kidney Yang and help the Kidney grasp Qi, Dang Gui to nourish Blood and prevent dryness from the acrid herbs, and Su Ye, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, and Zhi Gan Cao to release residual constraint and harmonize the Middle, Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang directs rebellious Qi downward, resolves Phlegm, and treats both the overflowing excess in the chest and the deficient root below.

2. Chronic Bronchitis

This formula is traditionally used for chronic bronchitis when a person experiences coughing, wheezing, and heavy phlegm, especially if they also have signs of weak kidney yang, such as a sore lower back, weak knees, and a tendency to feel cold.
By treating this specific "excess above and deficiency below" pattern, Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward) helps clear mucus and warm the kidneys, which can relieve coughing fits and support better lung function.

3. Bronchial Asthma

During asthma flare-ups characterized by shortness of breath, a rattling sound of phlegm in the throat, and chest tightness—alongside signs of kidney weakness like fatigue and lower back aches—this formula can serve as a supportive therapy.
It is traditionally valued for its ability to help ease breathing difficulties, reduce tightness in the airways, and make it easier to expel stubborn phlegm, playing a positive role in stabilizing respiratory health.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. King Herb

Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed): Warm and spicy in nature, this is the primary herb in the formula. It focuses on the lung and spleen meridians to direct qi downward, resolve phlegm, stop coughing, and calm wheezing. By helping the lung qi flow downward properly, it naturally clears away phlegm, making it highly effective for respiratory issues like coughing and shortness of breath.

2. Minister Herbs

Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome): Known for its warm and drying properties, it helps dry up dampness and resolve stubborn phlegm. It works closely with the king herb to push rebellious qi (energy flowing in the wrong direction) downward and stop vomiting or nausea.
Hou Po (Magnolia Bark): This warm, slightly bitter herb is excellent at relieving chest and abdominal fullness. It partners with Zi Su Zi and Ban Xia to strengthen the formula's ability to clear phlegm and calm asthma.

3. Assistant Herbs

Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root): Slightly cold in nature, it helps descend qi and clear phlegm while also dispersing wind-heat from the lungs. This makes it useful if the respiratory issue is complicated by a mild external heat or cold.
Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark): A very warm herb that targets the lower body. Its main job here is to warm the kidneys so they can "grasp the qi" (a TCM concept where the kidneys help anchor the breath). It also helps balance out the colder properties of other herbs in the mix.
Dang Gui (Angelica Root): A well-known herb for nourishing and invigorating the blood. In this formula, its moistening properties prevent the drying herbs (like Ban Xia and Hou Po) from dehydrating the body or damaging yin fluids.

4. Guide Herb

Gan Cao (Licorice Root): This sweet, neutral herb acts as the peacemaker. It harmonizes all the different herbs, moderates any harsh effects, and protects the stomach and digestive system during treatment.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

This section explains the core logic behind Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward).

1. Pathogenesis

The main target of this formula is a specific TCM pattern known as "excess above and deficiency below."

Excess Above: This refers to heavy phlegm blocking the lungs and lung qi rebelling upward, causing symptoms like severe coughing, wheezing, and excess mucus.
Deficiency Below: This means the kidney yang is too weak to perform its function of "anchoring" the breath. Because the kidneys can't pull the qi down, the lung qi continues to rebel upward, creating a vicious cycle that makes the condition hard to shake off.

2. Efficacy

The primary action of this formula is to break that cycle by descending lung qi, calming wheezing, and clearing phlegm, while simultaneously warming the kidneys to help them anchor the breath. It tackles both the immediate respiratory distress (the branch) and the underlying weakness (the root).

3. Clinical Indications

Primary Symptoms: It is heavily used for asthma and chronic coughing accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the chest. Patients often experience a specific breathing pattern where exhaling is long but inhaling is short and difficult.
Secondary Symptoms: Due to the lower-body deficiency, patients might also have lower back pain, weak legs, general fatigue, mild swelling in the limbs, and a white, slippery coating on the tongue.
Modern Applications: In modern clinical settings, this formula is frequently used to manage chronic respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and bronchial asthma, provided the patient's symptoms match this specific "excess above, deficiency below" pattern.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. The Role of the King Herb

Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) acts as the king herb, directly working to descend qi, resolve phlegm, and calm wheezing. This targets the core issue of rebellious lung qi.
It is supported by Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), which enhance its phlegm-clearing and downward-pushing power. Together, these three tackle the "excess above" problem, helping to clear out turbid mucus and restore the normal downward flow of lung energy.

2. Assisting and Balancing Herbs

Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root) assists in pushing qi downward and clearing phlegm, while also helping to disperse wind-heat, which is useful if there are mild external cold or heat factors involved.
Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) addresses the "deficiency below" by warming the kidneys. This helps the kidneys "grasp" or anchor the qi, providing stability so the lung energy can descend properly.
Dang Gui (Angelica Root) is added to nourish the blood and moisten dryness. Because many phlegm-resolving herbs can be quite drying, this herb acts as a buffer to protect the body's natural moisture (yin) and balance the formula.

3. Harmonizing the Formula

Gan Cao (Licorice Root) acts as the ultimate peacemaker. It harmonizes all the ingredients, ensuring they work together smoothly as a unified team. This boosts the therapeutic effect while minimizing any harsh interactions between the herbs, making the formula safer and more effective.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang	Ding Chuan Tang	San Zi Yang Qin Tang	Xiao Qing Long Tang
Primary Function	Direct rebellious Qi down, resolve phlegm, stop wheezing	Diffuse Lung, direct Qi down, clear heat, resolve phlegm, calm wheezing	Direct Qi down, resolve phlegm, promote digestion	Release exterior, transform congested fluids, stop cough and wheezing
Formula Category	Qi-Regulating Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas	Phlegm-Resolving Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Phlegm-Dampness	Phlegm-Heat	Phlegm-Dampness	Wind-Cold
Main Conditions	Asthma & Wheezing, Chest Tightness	Asthma & Wheezing, Cough	Asthma & Wheezing, Poor Appetite	Cough, Asthma & Wheezing, Excessive Mucus, Nasal Congestion, Cold Limbs
Main Herbs	Perilla Fruit · Pinellia Rhizome · Chinese Angelica Root · Licorice Root · Magnolia Bark · Peucedanum Root · Cinnamon Bark	Ginkgo Seed · Ephedra Herb · Perilla Fruit · Licorice Root · Coltsfoot Flower · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Mulberry Root Bark · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Pinellia Rhizome	White Mustard Seed · Perilla Fruit · Radish Seed	Ephedra Herb · Cinnamon Twig · Dried Ginger · Asarum / Wild Ginger · Schisandra Fruit · White Peony Root · Pinellia Rhizome · Honey-fried Licorice
Classical Source	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)	Ming-Qing classical formulary	Classical TCM formulary	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)

How to tell them apart

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang, Ding Chuan Tang, San Zi Yang Qin Tang and Xiao Qing Long Tang all treat wheezing or phlegm. Ding Chuan Tang is exterior cold with interior phlegm-heat; San Zi Yang Qin Tang is simple phlegm-damp with food stagnation in the elderly; Xiao Qing Long Tang is exterior cold with interior fluids. Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang descends upper excess phlegm while warming lower deficiency for upper-excess lower-deficiency wheezing.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

1. For Stubborn, Hard-to-Expectorate Phlegm

If phlegm is thick, heavy, and difficult to cough up, herbs like Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed) and Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed) are frequently added.
Bai Jie Zi excels at warming the lungs and breaking up stubborn phlegm, while Lai Fu Zi helps descend qi and relieve chest or digestive bloating. Together with the main formula, they make it significantly easier for the airways to clear out mucus.

2. For Significant Kidney Yang Deficiency

When signs of weak kidney yang are prominent—such as persistent coldness, fatigue, and lower back soreness—herbs like Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) and Xian Ling Pi (Epimedium) can be included.
Bu Gu Zhi warms the spleen and kidneys, and Xian Ling Pi strengthens the bones and boosts yang energy. These additions provide deeper structural support to help the body "anchor" the breath.

3. For Concurrent Lung Qi and Yin Deficiency

If a patient has underlying dryness (yin deficiency) alongside their coughing—presenting with a dry throat or dry mouth—moistening herbs like Sha Shen (Glehnia Root) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Root) are added.
Both herbs are excellent at nourishing yin and moistening the lungs. This ensures that the warm, phlegm-drying herbs in the base formula do not accidentally dehydrate the respiratory tract.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Research

Modern studies show that key ingredients like Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed) and Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) have measurable cough-suppressing, phlegm-clearing, and airway-relaxing properties.
For example, the essential oils in Zi Su Zi help relax bronchial smooth muscles, reducing spasms. Meanwhile, Ban Xia can gently stimulate the gastric lining, which triggers a natural reflex that increases respiratory secretions. This effectively dilutes thick mucus, making it much easier for the body to expel.

2. Mechanisms for "Warming the Kidneys and Anchoring Qi"

Science has taken an interest in how this formula achieves the traditional goal of "anchoring qi." Research indicates that warming herbs like Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) may help regulate the body's renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.
By supporting systemic kidney and adrenal function, the formula provides a physiological basis for improving respiratory mechanics in patients who suffer from combined lung and kidney weakness.

3. Clinical Research Developments

Numerous clinical trials have confirmed that Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction for Directing Qi Downward) is highly effective for managing chronic respiratory conditions like COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) and bronchial asthma, provided the patient fits the "excess above, deficiency below" pattern.
The formula has been shown to successfully improve clinical symptoms, boost lung function metrics, and enhance the overall quality of life for patients. Today, researchers are actively exploring how to best combine this ancient formula with modern respiratory therapies to maximize patient outcomes.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Contraindications and Dietary Precautions

Because this formula is warm and drying, it is unsuitable for cough caused by lung heat or for individuals with yin deficiency and excess fire, as it may worsen heat or further deplete body fluids. During treatment, avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods; choose a light diet instead.

2. Pregnancy Precaution

Pregnant women should use this formula cautiously. Ingredients such as Banxia may pose risks to the fetus, so use during pregnancy only under a qualified doctor’s guidance.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Hoi Tin Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $24.93

Nong's Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Seed Decoction to Direct Qi Downward) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $44.83

Hoi Tin Ding Chuan Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ding Chuan Tang (Calm the Wheezing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $26.32

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ding Chuan Tang (Arrest Wheezing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $65.16

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin San Zi Yang Qin Tang (Three Seed Decoction to Nourish One's Parents) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $26.32

Nong's San Zi Yang Qin Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's San Zi Yang Qin Tang (Three Seeds Nourishing the Parents) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $53.39

FAQ

Questions About Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang has the actions of directing rebellious Qi downward, transforming Phlegm, and stopping wheezing. It treats the classical picture of excess above and deficiency below: Phlegm-Qi flooding the chest while the Kidney fails to grasp Qi.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within upper excess and lower deficiency wheezing, including chronic bronchitis or asthma of Cold-Phlegm type with a weak lower body, elderly wheeze with copious white Phlegm and sore low back, and some COPD presentations of this pattern after medical evaluation.

Q3: Is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang suitable for improving wheezing with lots of white phlegm and weak legs?

For presentations of cough and wheeze with copious white Phlegm, chest and diaphragmatic fullness, shortness of breath that is worse on exertion, weak sore lower back and legs, a white greasy coating, and a slippery or weak pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms excess above and deficiency below — TCM commonly applies Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang as an adjunct. Acute severe breathlessness requires emergency care.

Q4: Who should not take Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

Those with Phlegm-Heat wheezing (yellow sticky sputum, red tongue), Wind-Heat exterior, or Yin-deficiency dry wheeze without Cold-Phlegm are generally not suitable. The formula is warming and descending. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why treat the Lung Phlegm and the Kidney root in one formula?

When the Kidney cannot grasp Qi, breath floats upward; when the Spleen and Lung generate Phlegm, that Phlegm occupies the chest and makes Qi rebel even more. Su Zi, Ban Xia, Hou Po, and Qian Hu descend Qi and transform Phlegm in the upper body. Rou Gui warms the Kidney and helps Qi return to its root. Dang Gui nourishes Blood so descending does not dry the Lung. Gan Cao and the ginger-jujube pair harmonize. Treating only the Phlegm leaves the unrooted Qi; warming only the Kidney leaves the chest blocked.

Q6: How does Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang differ from Ding Chuan Tang or San Zi Yang Qin Tang?

Ding Chuan Tang treats wheezing with both exterior Wind-Cold and interior Phlegm-Heat. San Zi Yang Qin Tang is a small three-seed formula for elderly Phlegm-Qi and food accumulation without a clear Kidney-root strategy. Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang is chosen when copious upper Phlegm and a deficient, cold, unrooted lower body appear together.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

The He Ji Ju Fang formula typically consists of Su Zi to descend Lung Qi and transform Phlegm; Ban Xia, Hou Po, and Qian Hu to descend Qi and dissolve Phlegm; Rou Gui to warm the Kidney and grasp Qi; Dang Gui to nourish Blood; Zhi Gan Cao to harmonize; and often Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, and Zi Su Ye to support the Middle and gently disperse.

Q8: Is Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang suitable for long-term use?

No. It is used for a course while the upper Phlegm and wheeze are active. Prolonged descending and warming can consume Qi and Yin. Once the chest is quieter, treatment often shifts toward strengthening Spleen and Kidney so Phlegm is not continually generated and Qi can be grasped.

Q9: Can this formula help both the phlegmy wheeze and the weak cold low back?

Yes. That pairing is the formula’s defining pattern: excess Phlegm-Qi above, Kidney not grasping below. Descending the rebellious Qi and gently warming the root can improve both when Heat-Phlegm and pure Lung-Heat wheeze have been excluded.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang?

Keeping the chest and lower back warm, eating smaller warm meals, reducing greasy Phlegm-generating food, and seeking emergency care for sudden severe breathlessness, cyanosis, or swelling of the legs all support correct use. This formula treats a TCM wheezing pattern; it is not a substitute for inhalers or hospital care when those are needed.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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