Ning Sou Wan: A Classic Formula for Relieving Cold-Induced Cough and Phlegm
Hongji Medical- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Ning Sou Wan comes from Selected Established Formulas of Chinese Medicine. It is used to treat cough and wheezing caused by wind-cold invasions, such as those from catching a cold.
In ancient times, harsh environments and living conditions made people prone to wind-cold attacks, leading to respiratory issues like cough and phlegm. Ning Sou Wan, with its unique blend and strong effectiveness, is a classic remedy for these symptoms.
Formula Explanation of Ning Sou Wan
Ning Sou Wan consists of 11 herbs: Jie Geng, Fu Ling, Chen Pi, Gan Cao, Sheng Jiang, Shi Hu, Ban Xia, Bei Mu, Xing Ren, Zi Su Zi, and Bo He. These are organized according to the Chinese medicine principle of “monarch, minister, assistant, and envoy”:
Monarch Herbs: Jie Geng, Fu Ling. These open the lungs and clear phlegm. Jie Geng (pungent and bitter) opens the lungs, soothes the throat, and stops cough; Fu Ling (sweet and bland) strengthens the spleen, clears dampness, and reduces phlegm.
Supporting Herbs: Chen Pi, Bei Mu, Xing Ren. These regulate qi and clear phlegm. Chen Pi (pungent and warm) regulates qi, clears phlegm, and opens the chest; Bei Mu (bitter and cold) clears heat, moistens lungs, and stops cough; Xing Ren (bitter and warm) calms breathing and stops cough and wheezing.
Assistant/Envoy Herbs: Ban Xia, Zi Su Zi, Sheng Jiang, Shi Hu, Bo He, Gan Cao. Ban Xia dries dampness, clears phlegm, and calms nausea; Zi Su Zi clears phlegm, stops cough, and eases wheezing; Sheng Jiang disperses wind-cold and settles the stomach; Shi Hu nourishes the stomach, generates fluids, and clears deficient heat; Bo He disperses wind-heat and clears the head; Gan Cao harmonizes the formula and eases cough.
Pathogenesis Analysis of Ning Sou Wan
Ning Sou Wan targets cough and wheezing caused by wind-cold invasions. In Chinese medicine, wind-cold attacks disrupt lung qi, causing phlegm buildup and leading to cough and breathing difficulties.
These symptoms stem from the lungs’ inability to properly circulate and descend qi, combined with phlegm obstructing the airways. The formula works by opening the lungs, clearing phlegm, and calming cough and wheezing.
Indications and Effects of Ning Sou Wan
Ning Sou Wan is primarily used for wind-cold-induced symptoms, including nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, fever, phlegmy cough, wheezing, shortness of breath, sneezing, aversion to wind, dry throat, dry mouth, and chest tightness.
Its main effects are clearing lung phlegm and stopping cough and wheezing. It achieves this through:
Opening the lungs and clearing phlegm (Jie Geng, Fu Ling).
Regulating qi and reducing phlegm (Chen Pi, Bei Mu, Xing Ren).
Drying dampness and calming nausea (Ban Xia).
Easing breathing and cough (Zi Su Zi).
Dispersing wind-cold (Sheng Jiang).
Nourishing fluids and clearing heat (Shi Hu).
Clearing wind-heat and head symptoms (Bo He).
Harmonizing and easing cough (Gan Cao).
Modern Applications
In modern medicine, Ning Sou Wan is widely used for conditions linked to wind-cold, cough, and phlegm:
General Cough: Effectively treats various coughs, especially those from wind-cold.
Cold-Related Phlegmy Cough: Relieves cough and phlegm from colds by clearing lungs and calming breathing.
Bronchitis: Eases cough and wheezing in bronchitis through phlegm-clearing and lung-supporting effects.
Acute and Chronic Bronchitis Cough: Improves cough and breathing difficulties in both acute and chronic bronchitis.
Precautions
When using Ning Sou Wan, keep the following in mind:
Pattern Differentiation: It targets wind-cold-induced cough and phlegm with symptoms like nasal congestion, fever, and chest tightness. Consult a Chinese medicine practitioner to confirm suitability based on symptoms and constitution.
Contraindications: Not suitable for wind-heat colds or excess heat coughs, as its warming nature may worsen these conditions.
Special Populations: Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, children, and the elderly should use it under professional guidance to ensure safety.
Conclusion
Ning Sou Wan, a time-honored formula from Selected Established Formulas of Chinese Medicine, is a classic remedy for wind-cold-induced cough and phlegm. Its unique composition and proven effectiveness make it valuable in Chinese medicine practice.
By clearing lung phlegm and calming cough and wheezing, it effectively relieves related symptoms, blending traditional wisdom with modern applications to improve health and quality of life.
