Si Qi Tang四七汤

Four-Seven Decoction

Regulating Qi 理气剂Promote the Movement of Qi 行气

Ingredients6 herbs

HerbDosageRoleWhat it does in this formula

制Zhi Ban Xia制半夏Pinelliae Rhizoma praeparatum12 g君 ChiefTransforms phlegm and turns rebellious qi in the throat and chest downward 厚Hou Po厚朴Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex9 g臣 DeputyMoves qi downward and releases the fullness in the chest 茯Fu Ling茯苓Poria12 g佐 AssistantLeaches out damp so phlegm has no source 紫Zi Su Ye紫苏叶Perillae Folium6 g佐 AssistantAromatically opens constraint in the Lung and loosens the chest 生Sheng Jiang生姜Zingiberis Rhizoma recens9 g佐 AssistantSettles the stomach, stops retching and restrains the Ban Xia 大Da Zao大枣Jujubae Fructus1 piece使 EnvoyThe single herb that separates this formula from its parent — it moderates the drying, dispersing group and supports the middle

Indications

Moves qi and disperses constraintDirects rebellious qi downward and transforms phlegmHarmonizes the middle burner and moderates the drying herbs

Plum-pit qi: the seven emotions bind the qi, the qi congeals the fluids into phlegm, and the two lodge in the throat. Nothing is physically obstructing the throat — the sensation comes and goes with mood.

Clinical Manifestations

The sensation of something lodged in the throat that neither clears nor swallows
Chest oppression with a full, tight feeling
Cough or retching from emotional constraint
Wheezing or breathlessness that follows emotional upset
Long-standing constraint in a patient with a weak digestion

TongueMoist white or white slippery coating

PulseWiry and moderate, or wiry and slippery

Health Categories

Digestive HealthRespiratory HealthStress & Emotional Balance

Modern Applications

Globus sensation Anxiety Functional dysphagia Laryngopharyngeal reflux Chronic pharyngitis

Common adjustments

Constraint has generated heat — add Zhi Zi 栀子 and Huang Qin 黄芩
Flank distention and irritability prominent — add Chai Hu 柴胡 and Xiang Fu 香附
Marked insomnia — add Suan Zao Ren 酸枣仁 and He Huan Pi 合欢皮
Poor appetite with epigastric fullness — add Chen Pi 陈皮 and Sha Ren 砂仁

Contraindications

A persistent lump sensation in the throat, especially with weight loss, difficulty swallowing solids, hoarseness or a neck mass, must be investigated conventionally before it is treated as plum-pit qi. The formula is warm and drying and is not for a red, dry tongue with scanty coating. Only processed Ban Xia may be used.

For licensed practitioners’ reference only — not a self-treatment guide.

Pregnancy

Use only under a practitioner's supervision in pregnancy. Ban Xia is traditionally restricted during pregnancy; related formulas have historically been given for pregnancy-related nausea, but that is a clinical decision made and monitored by a practitioner, never a self-care one.

References

Source Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang 《太平惠民和剂局方》 · Song

「喜怒悲思忧恐惊之气，结成痰涎，状如破絮，或如梅核，在咽喉之间，咯不出，咽不下。」
— 《太平惠民和剂局方》(classical source, public domain)

Classical source (public domain), cited in the source-quote section.
2. Scheid, Bensky, Ellis & Barolet. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas & Strategies, 2nd ed. — composition & dosage cross-checked.
3. 《方剂学》（全国中医药行业高等教育规划教材）— pattern analysis cross-checked.

Professional reference notice. Entries are scholarly references for licensed TCM practitioners and students — not medical advice, and not a recommendation to self-prescribe. Chinese herbal formulas should be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner. Content is an original editorial compilation by Cura x Cura, cross-checked against the cited references.