Zhi Sou San
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
止嗽散 · Zhǐ Sòu Sàn
A classical formula for lingering cough after exterior pathogen has largely resolved, with itch in the throat.
Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Exterior-Releasing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Wind-Cold
- Primary Function
- Diffuse Lung, stop cough, resolve phlegm, release exterior
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Diffuse Lung Qi and stop lingering cough after exterior pathogen has largely resolved
- Classical Source
- Yi Xue Xin Wu (Cheng Guopeng, Qing)
- Available as Granules
- —
Formula Overview
A classical formula for lingering cough after exterior pathogen has largely resolved, with itch in the throat.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected when the presentation matches the core pattern of this formula rather than the neighbouring indications of its related formulas.
Composition
(Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
How does this formula compare?
| Compare | Zhi Sou San | Sang Ju Yin | Xing Su San | Hua Gai San |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Diffuse Lung, stop cough, resolve phlegm, release exterior | Disperse Wind-Heat, stop cough | Disperse cool-dryness, regulate Lung Qi, transform phlegm | Release exterior, diffuse Lung, resolve phlegm, stop cough |
| Formula Category | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas | Exterior-Releasing Formulas |
| Typical TCM Pattern | Wind-Cold | Wind-Heat | Wind-Cold | Wind-Cold |
| Main Conditions | Cough ·Dry Cough | Cough ·Dry Cough ·Sore Throat ·Fever | Cough ·Excessive Mucus ·Nasal Congestion | Cough ·Asthma & Wheezing |
| Main Herbs | Platycodon Root ·Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip ·Aster Root ·Stemona Root ·Cynanchum Root | Mulberry Leaf ·Chrysanthemum Flower ·Forsythia Fruit ·Mentha / Peppermint ·Platycodon Root | Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Perilla Leaf ·Peucedanum Root ·Platycodon Root ·Bitter Orange | Ephedra Herb ·Mulberry Root Bark ·Perilla Fruit ·Bitter Apricot Kernel ·Red Poria |
| Classical Source | Yi Xue Xin Wu (Cheng Guopeng, Qing) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Systematic Differentiation of Warm Pathogen Diseases, Wu Jutong, 1798) | Wen Bing Tiao Bian (Wu Jutong, Qing dynasty) | Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107) |
Clinical Perspective
Zhi Sou San is distinguished from Sang Ju Yin, Xing Su San, Hua Gai San by its specific pattern focus and herb strategy within the same broader clinical domain.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
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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.