Ning Sou Wan
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
寧嗽丸 · Níng Sòu Wán
A phlegm-transforming cough formula for cough with phlegm.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Phlegm-Resolving Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Phlegm-Dampness
- Primary Function
- Transform phlegm, stop cough
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Transform phlegm and stop cough
- Classical Source
- Later classical cough formula
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A phlegm-transforming cough formula for cough with phlegm.
Therapeutic Principle
Selected for productive cough with phlegm rather than dry cough or early wind-heat cough.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Platycodi Radix (Jie Geng)
- Fritillariae Bulbus (Bei Mu)
- Asteris Radix (Zi Wan)
- Farfarae Flos (Kuan Dong Hua)
- Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma (Bai Qian)
- Stemonae Radix (Bai Bu)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix (Gan Cao). Commercial versions vary; a common phlegm-cough base is used here.
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Transforms phlegm and stops cough.
Indications
- Phlegm-cough.
Tongue & pulseCough with sputum, chest oppression, white greasy coating, slippery pulse.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Phlegm obstructs the lung, so lung qi fails to descend and cough with sputum appears.
Treatment strategy
- Transform phlegm, stop cough, diffuse the lung.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Ning Sou Wan, Zhi Sou San and Er Chen Tang address cough and phlegm differently. Zhi Sou San is for lingering cough after exterior release. Er Chen Tang is a base phlegm formula. Ning Sou Wan focuses on stopping cough with phlegm-transforming herbs.
Clinical Differentiation
- Used for cough with phlegm.
- Key points: productive cough, greasy coating.
- Distinct from dry-cough yin formulas and from wind-heat early cough formulas.
Safety notes: Not appropriate for dry cough from yin deficiency or for marked heat with yellow sticky sputum without adjustment.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ning Sou Wan? Are Zhi Sou San and Er Chen Tang the same?
Ning Sou Wan (宁嗽丸) is a patent formula from Zhongyao Chengfang Peiben, centered on ventilating the Lung, regulating qi, transforming phlegm and stopping cough for wind-heat cough. Zhi Sou San leans to ventilating the Lung and stopping cough for lingering exterior cough. Er Chen Tang dries dampness, transforms phlegm, regulates qi and harmonizes the center for damp-phlegm cough. The three cannot be interchanged by equal weight. Write Ning Sou Wan. Use caution in dry cough without phlegm and pure unresolved exterior patterns.
What is the composition and traditional use of Ning Sou Wan?
Common composition: Bo He, Ku Xing Ren, Sang Bai Pi each about 45 g; Hei Su Zi, Jie Geng, Zhi Ban Xia, Chuan Bei Mu, Fu Ling, Chuan Shi Hu each about 60 g; Guang Pi, Gu Ya each about 30 g; Zhi Gan Cao about 15 g. It acts to ventilate the Lung, regulate qi, transform phlegm and stop cough. It is used for wind-heat cough. Fu Ling, Ban Xia and Ju Hong dry dampness and transform phlegm; Xing Ren and Chuan Bei stop cough and transform phlegm; Sang Bai Pi and Su Zi descend qi; Bo He and Jie Geng ventilate the Lung; Shi Hu nourishes yin to prevent dryness; Gu Ya strengthens the Spleen.
How do you choose raw versus prepared? Can Zhi Sou San replace it?
Ban Xia is usually prepared; Gan Cao is honey-fried. Zhi Sou San leans to ventilating the Lung without heavy phlegm-transforming and qi-descending action; it cannot replace the formula by equal weight. Commercial products follow regulated compounding; do not self-modify.
Related Articles
Ning Sou Wan: Calming the Cough and Resolving Phlegm
Er Chen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Damp, Cough, Nausea & Spleen Deficiency
Zhi Sou San: Classic TCM Formula for Persistent Cough after Exterior Invasion
Sang Ju Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Early-Stage Wind-Heat, Cough & Sore Throat
Browse all classical formulas →
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.