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.
Read the complete guide →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
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for lingering cough after exterior pathogen has largely resolved, with itch in the throat.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for lingering cough after exterior resolution with throat itch, rather than active Wind-Heat, dry Wind-Cold, or ongoing exterior Wind-Cold with phlegm.
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
荊芥Jing Jie9g
Schizonepeta / Japanese Catnip- dispels residual pathogens on the surface
紫菀Zi Wan9g
Aster Root- transforms phlegm and stops cough
百部Bai Bu9g
Stemona Root- transforms phlegm and relieves cough
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
Classical Composition
- Platycodonis Radix (Jie Geng) 2 jin (1kg)
- Schizonepetae Herba (Jing Jie) 2 jin (1kg)
- Asteris Radix et Rhizoma (Zi Wan) 2 jin (1kg)
- Stemonae Radix (Bai Bu) 2 jin (1kg)
- Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma et Radix (Bai Qian) 2 jin (1kg)
- Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gan Cao chao; dry-fried) 12 liang (375g)
- Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi) 1 jin (500g)
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Diffuses and benefits the lung qi
- disperses wind and relieves cough.
Indications
- Zhi Sou San is indicated for the pattern of wind pathogens attacking the lung.
- The symptoms are cough, itchiness in the pharynx, difficulty in coughing up sputum, or mild aversion to wind and fever.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue coating is thin and white, and the pulse is superficial and moderate.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- Zhi Sou San is indicated when an exterior pattern with cough is not relieved after taking exterior-releasing lung-diffusing remedies.
- When wind-pathogens attack the lung, they fail to diffuse and purify the lung qi.
- The use of scattering and dissipating medicinals is able to expel the majority of the pathogen.
- However, in this case, there are residual pathogens that cause cough, itchiness of the pharynx, aversion to wind and fever.
Treatment strategy
- The treatment is to rectify the lung and relieve cough by using a small amount of exterior releasing medicinals.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Zhi Sou San, Sang Ju Yin, Xing Su San and Hua Gai San all treat cough from exterior patterns. Sang Ju Yin is early Wind-Heat with mild heat; Xing Su San is dryish Wind-Cold; Hua Gai San diffuses Lung for active Wind-Cold with thin phlegm. Zhi Sou San suits lingering cough after the exterior pathogen has largely resolved, with throat itch.
Clinical Differentiation
- Zhi Sou San is a commonly used formula for cough caused by the failure of the lung to diffuse qi with a concomitant residual exterior pathogen.
- The clinical pattern is marked by cough, itchy pharynx, minor aversion to wind, fever, thin and white tongue coating.
Safety notes: This formula is warm and moistening but predominately warm. Therefore, it is inappropriate for consumptive cough caused by yin deficiency consumption or cough due to lung heat.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Zhi Sou San?
Zhi Sou San has the actions of diffusing and benefiting Lung Qi, dispersing Wind, stopping cough, and transforming Phlegm. It is a balanced, gentle formula designed for lingering cough after an exterior pathogen has mostly resolved.
Which modern diseases is Zhi Sou San suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within residual Wind attacking the Lung, including post-infectious or post-cold cough, upper respiratory tract infection with lingering cough, certain cases of bronchitis, and pertussis (whooping cough) when the acute exterior signs have largely subsided but cough persists.
Is Zhi Sou San suitable for improving lingering cough with itchy throat after a cold?
For presentations of persistent cough with an itchy or tickling throat, difficulty expectorating thin white or scant phlegm, mild residual aversion to wind or slight nasal congestion, a thin white tongue coating, and a floating moderate pulse — after the main fever and chills of an exterior invasion have resolved — TCM commonly applies Zhi Sou San as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard medical evaluation of prolonged cough.
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Related Articles
Zhi Sou San: Classic TCM Formula for Persistent Cough after Exterior Invasion
Hua Gai San: Classic TCM Formula for Exterior Wind-Cold with Cough, Phlegm & Wheezing
Xing Su San: Classic TCM Formula for Cool Dryness, Dry Cough & Lung Dryness
Sang Ju Yin: Classic TCM Formula for Early-Stage Wind-Heat, Cough & Sore Throat
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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.