When breath runs short and the voice weakens
Lasting fatigue, getting out of breath at the slightest effort, a voice that lacks carrying power, sweating that comes easily, a pale complexion… In TCM, these signs may be associated with a long-standing Lung Qi deficiency. According to tradition, the Lung governs the Qi and makes it descend, and the Kidney receives it: when the deficiency lasts, it eventually reaches the Kidney, and the axis comes undone at both ends.
More than fifteen formulas have borne the name Bu Fei Tang over the centuries. This one appeared around 1331, under the Yuan dynasty, in the Yong Lei Qian Fang (《永类钤方》) by Li Zhongnan (李仲南), at a time when the great masters of the Jin and Yuan were rethinking deficiency patterns. Its name, the “Decoction that Completes the Lung”, states its intention; what sets it apart is that it does not stop at the Lung, but reaches down to the Kidney to support it.
Supporting the Lung from below
Astragalus and ginseng, the reference pair for tonifying Qi, support the Lung. Prepared rehmannia, dosed as highly as astragalus, nourishes the Kidney: in the tradition, the Metal of the Lung and the Water of the Kidney engender each other (金水相生), and the Kidney “grasps” the Qi that the Lung sends down. Schisandra holds on to what the formula rebuilds, and mulberry root bark, the only cold herb, makes Lung Qi descend.
Consolidates Lung Qi: Astragalus, the most highly dosed herb alongside rehmannia, supports the Qi of the Lung and Spleen; sour schisandra helps hold back Qi that is scattering.
Tonifies the Qi: Ginseng goes deeper and supports the Original Qi, while prepared rehmannia nourishes the Kidney, the root of Qi according to tradition.
Supports your vital energy: Mulberry root bark makes Lung Qi descend and schisandra helps the Kidney receive it: the Qi finds its way again, from top to bottom.
Supports you through periods of fatigue: Mildly warm without being hot, the formula tonifies over time rather than warming, and accompanies the gradual return of strength.
