■ Professional content intended for healthcare professionals only; do not attempt self-administration!

Guide: This small remedy is very practical.

Zanthoxylum Seed Asthma-Fixing Decoction

Wang Jun

Patient Shi, male, 58 years old. Has suffered from asthma for over 10 years, which worsens every winter. Recently, due to cold weather, the condition flared up. He was treated in a hospital for over half a month with some relief, but 6 days after discharge, it became severe again, so he came to my clinic seeking traditional Chinese medicine treatment. His asthma is quite severe, with open-mouth breathing and shoulder lifting. Observation of the tongue shows a white, slightly greasy coating, and the pulse is rapid and weak.

I immediately gave him Zanthoxylum seed powder (Zanthoxyli Semen Pulvis), approximately 3g, to be taken with warm boiled water.

Additionally prescribed: Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 20g, dried ginger 15g, honey-fried licorice (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle) 10g. 7 doses, decocted in water, one dose per day. The decoction is used to take the Zanthoxylum seed powder, 3g each time, three times daily. After completing the 7 doses, his wheezing had stabilized.

Phoenix Wings' Note: Jiao Mu (Zanthoxylum seed) is the seed of the Sichuan pepper. When taken as a powder, it has the effect of subduing phlegm and calming wheezing, and its action is swift. The Three Masters Comment: Jiao Mu possesses pure yang energy, unblocks the triple burner, and is skilled at promoting the water pathway. Above, it can treat coughing and rebellious qi; in the middle, it can warm the spleen and relieve pain; below, it can warm the kidneys and dispel deep-seated cold. The "Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica" states: "It is indicated for pathogenic qi causing cough and rebellious qi, warming the center, and descending qi." Using it to treat wheezing has been verified through the ages. However, cases as rapid as this one are rare, and the underlying principles deserve further investigation. Furthermore, the "Kaibao Materia Medica" records: "Excessive consumption can cause qi deficiency." Zhu Danxi also said: "Pepper belongs to fire and has a descending ability. If taken for a long time, fire will arise from water, so those who take pepper are all inevitably harmed by its toxicity." Therefore, caution is required with prolonged use of this substance. In this case, the additional prescription can both support the righteous qi and help Jiao Mu promote benefits and eliminate drawbacks, which can be considered an excellent method.