Extinguishing Choking Wine: A Traditional Prescription for Regulating Qi and Transforming Phlegm

【Prescription Name】 Extinguishing Choking Wine for Regulating Qi and Transforming Phlegm

【Source】 Selected Good Prescriptions of Zhong Fu Tang from the Qing Dynasty

During the Kangxi and Qianlong periods of the Qing Dynasty, the famous physician Ye Gui (1667-1746) from Wu County, Jiangsu Province, not only inherited the teachings of his predecessors but also had a keen desire for learning. He studied under 17 renowned physicians, absorbing the strengths of various schools of thought and becoming highly skilled in medicine. His reputation spread far and wide, and he saved the lives of many critically ill patients by diagnosing and treating them overnight.

Ye Tianshi, also known as Ye Gui, lived in Suzhou City, between the Xiamen Street outside the city gate and the Shangjin Bridge. He had two medical halls, Zhong Fu Tang and Mei Shou Tang. Later, his student Hua Payun compiled a book called "Selected Good Prescriptions of Zhong Fu Tang," which included a medicinal wine prescription that Ye Tianshi had used, called Extinguishing Choking Wine.

【Ingredients】 6 grams of Fritillaria thunbergii (crushed), 6 grams of Amomum villosum (crushed), 6 grams of Dalbergia odorifera (sliced), 500 milliliters of aged liquor, and 300 grams of white sugar. It is recommended to use yellow wine or low-alcohol sorghum liquor as the aged liquor.

【Preparation】 Wrap the Fritillaria thunbergii, Amomum villosum, and Dalbergia odorifera in gauze. Put them in a porcelain bottle together with the liquor and sugar. Seal the bottle and let it soak for 5 days. Then, heat it in a water bath for 30 minutes. Let it cool before opening.

【Functions】 Regulating qi, transforming phlegm, and dispersing stagnation.

【Indications】 Phlegm stagnation and qi obstruction in the pharyngeal septum, manifested by a sensation of obstruction and difficulty in swallowing, as well as loss of appetite, etc. It can be used as an adjuvant treatment for esophageal cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, chronic esophagitis, chronic pharyngitis, and vocal cord nodules.

【Usage】 Drink 30 milliliters on an empty stomach in the morning, once a day.

【Introduction to Medicinal Ingredients】

Fritillaria thunbergii: Medicinal Fritillaria is divided into Zhe Fritillaria and Chuan Fritillaria. Chuan Fritillaria is known for its lung-nourishing and cough-relieving properties, while Zhe Fritillaria, which is suitable for transforming phlegm, should be used in this prescription. Zhe Fritillaria has a bitter taste and cold nature, and it can clear heat and transform phlegm.

Amomum villosum: Amomum villosum has high ornamental value. Its flowers can be enjoyed in early summer, and its fruits can be observed in late summer.

The fruit is used as medicine, and the quality from Yangchun, Guangdong Province is the best. It is mainly used to treat stagnation of Qi in the spleen and stomach, indigestion, abdominal pain, distension, choking and vomiting, and cold diarrhea. It can invigorate the spleen and stomach, as well as transform dampness.

Dalbergia odorifera: This herb has a warm and aromatic nature. It can ascend and descend, regulate the Qi of the three burners, and especially promote the movement of Qi in the stomach and intestines to relieve pain. It also has the function of strengthening the spleen and promoting digestion. It is commonly used for various conditions caused by stagnation of Qi in the spleen, stomach, and large intestine.