Zhi Sou San (Stop Coughing Powder)

Zhi Sou San (止嗽散) gently disperses residual wind, diffuses and descends Lung qi, and stops cough; for a lingering cough after an external invasion, neither very hot nor very cold.

Zhǐ Sòu Sǎn  ·  止嗽散  ·  Stop Coughing Powder

English Name

Stop Coughing Powder

Classical Source

Yi Xue Xin Wu, 1732

Ingredients

Actions & Functions

  • Disperses residual wind and releases the exterior
  • Diffuses and descends Lung qi; stops cough and transforms phlegm

Indications

Lingering cough after an external invasion: an itchy throat with cough, some sputum, and slight or no chills and fever.

Tongue & Pulse

Tongue: thin white coat. Pulse: moderate or floating.

Modifications

With wind-heat signs, add Sang Ye and Ju Hua; with wind-cold, add Sheng Jiang.

Cautions & Contraindications

For lingering wind cough; not for cough from Lung yin deficiency or vigorous heat.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

Check Also

PubMed research

Network Meta-Analysis Finds Chinese Herbal Decoctions Improve Outcomes and Reduce Side Effects in Breast Cancer Treatment

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in breast cancer treatment: a network meta-analysis. - Frontiers in oncology, 2026.