Ophiopogon Soup

Ophiopogon Soup

Ophiopogon 2 liang, pinellia 6 qian, ginseng 4 qian, licorice 4 qian, glutinous rice 1 cup, twelve dates.

Ginseng, rice, licorice, and dates work together to greatly strengthen the middle jiao and produce abundant body fluids. The stomach fluids are transported to the lungs, keeping the lungs clear and the fire naturally subdued, and the lungs are balanced, allowing qi to flow smoothly. However, if the fire hasn’t been reversed or suppressed, this alone is enough to stabilize it, but if the fire has already been reversed or elevated, it shouldn’t be left to linger. Therefore, ophiopogon is used to clear fire, while pinellia is used to facilitate qi flow. When the fire decreases, body fluids are produced, and as body fluids increase, the fire naturally decreases, and the two processes proceed in parallel without contradiction. This formula is most suitable for treating dry phlegm and cough, as it moistens and benefits both the lungs and stomach, and can also treat food stagnation. There are also cases of reverse qi flow accompanied by phlegm and blood, drying out the lungs—this formula can handle all of them. The pulse originates in the uterus, extends down to the liver and kidneys, and ultimately connects to the Yangming system, transporting Yangming blood down to the uterus. When Yangming qi flows smoothly, the pulse also flows smoothly, and the blood and water in the uterus return to their proper places, without reversing upward. Looking at this formula alongside the “Minor Chaihu Soup,” the “Minor Chaihu Soup” draws the pulse upward from the stomach, preventing fire from accumulating, while this formula draws the pulse downward from the stomach, preventing fire from drying out the lungs. You can also add honey to the glutinous rice for extra moisture.

[Comment] This formula originates from “Jingui Yaolue.” Because it moistens and benefits both the lungs and stomach, it’s most suitable for treating dry phlegm and cough, as well as reverse qi flow. Compared with the “Minor Chaihu Soup,” this formula draws the pulse downward from the stomach, preventing fire from accumulating, while the other draws the pulse upward from the stomach, preventing fire from settling.