A traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after common cold and application thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold and its application. The traditional Chinese medicine composition includes the following components: 10-15 parts of Perilla frutescens seed, 10-15 parts of Perilla frutescens stem, 10-15 parts of Paeonia lactiflora, 10-15 parts of processed Eriobotrya japonica leaf, 6-9 parts of Prunus armeniaca seed, 6-9 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus, 10-15 parts of Cinnamomum cassia twig, 10-15 parts of processed Pinellia ternata, 6-9 parts of Fritillaria cirrhosa, 15-30 parts of Poria cocos, 6-9 parts of Citrus reticulata peel, 6-9 parts of Citrus reticulata fibrosum, 9-15 parts of Scutellaria baicalensis, and 6-9 parts of processed Glycyrrhiza uralensis. The traditional Chinese medicine composition of this invention follows the core treatment principle of "promoting lung function and relieving cough, resolving phlegm and soothing the throat, and clearing away residual pathogens". Targeting the pathogenesis characteristics of acute and subacute cough after a cold, the principal and assistant herbs directly target the core symptoms of cough, quickly relieving acute manifestations such as cough and sore throat; the adjuvant herbs work on multiple targets, taking into account resolving phlegm, clearing heat, and unblocking the meridians, adapting to different syndrome types and disease stages, and preventing prolonged cough; the guiding herbs harmonize the properties of the herbs, mildly protect the body's vital energy, avoid the harshness of the medicine damaging body fluids, and at the same time eliminate the source of phlegm production.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of traditional Chinese medicine technology, and in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold and its application. Background Technology

[0002] Cough after a cold is a very common clinical symptom, including acute cough (duration <3 weeks) and subacute cough (duration 3-8 weeks). It is often caused by the incomplete elimination of external pathogens, impaired lung function, and internal obstruction of phlegm and dampness in the later stages of a cold. At this time, the cough often manifests as itchy throat, sore throat, frequent coughing, or expectoration of white or yellow phlegm, accompanied by nasal congestion and runny nose. In severe cases, coughing can cause chest pain or rib pain. If treatment is not timely or the diagnosis is inappropriate, it is easy to become chronic and affect the patient's quality of life.

[0003] Currently, there are limited effective medications for this type of cough, and treatment mainly focuses on symptomatic relief. While cough suppressants, antihistamines, and decongestants can alleviate symptoms, they may not address the underlying cause, and some medications have side effects or usage restrictions (e.g., centrally acting cough suppressants may cause drowsiness or addiction). Individual differences are significant; some patients may experience prolonged coughs or even develop chronic coughs due to their constitution, underlying diseases, or environmental factors. This phenomenon is more pronounced in COVID-19 patients and may even lead to negative emotions such as anxiety and irritability. Currently available traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for coughs primarily focus on suppressing coughs or clearing phlegm; those that combine both are almost nonexistent. Some TCM formulas also require differentiation of syndromes based on wind-cold or wind-heat patterns, making it difficult to select appropriate medications for acute or subacute coughs.

[0004] Clinical practice has confirmed that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treatment for post-cold cough focuses on clearing the lungs and relieving cough, resolving phlegm and soothing the throat, and clearing away residual pathogens. Through the combination of multiple Chinese herbs, it can quickly alleviate symptoms, eliminate residual pathogens, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. Compared to simply using cough suppressants and antibiotics, it targets the core pathogenesis of post-cold cough, creating TCM combinations suitable for both acute and subacute stages and addressing different syndrome types, focusing on eliminating pathogens and regulating lung qi. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute coughs following a cold and its application.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows: The first aspect is to provide a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold, the traditional Chinese medicine composition comprising the following components: 10-15 parts of Perilla frutescens seed, 10-15 parts of Perilla frutescens stem, 10-15 parts of Paeonia lactiflora, 10-15 parts of processed Eriobotrya japonica leaf, 6-9 parts of Prunus armeniaca seed, 6-9 parts of Platycodon grandiflorus root, 10-15 parts of Cinnamomum cassia twig, 10-15 parts of processed Pinellia ternata, 6-9 parts of Fritillaria cirrhosa bulb, 15-30 parts of Poria cocos, 6-9 parts of Citrus reticulata peel, 6-9 parts of Citrus reticulata peel, 9-15 parts of Scutellaria baicalensis root, and 6-9 parts of processed Glycyrrhiza uralensis root.

[0007] Furthermore, the traditional Chinese medicine composition comprises the following components: 15 parts of perilla seed, 15 parts of perilla stem, 15 parts of white peony root, 10 parts of processed loquat leaf, 9 parts of apricot kernel, 6 parts of platycodon root, 15 parts of cinnamon twig, 12 parts of processed pinellia tuber, 9 parts of fritillaria bulb, 15 parts of poria cocos, 6 parts of tangerine peel, 6 parts of tangerine peel, 9 parts of scutellaria root, and 6 parts of raw licorice root.

[0008] This invention, based on the principles of monarch, minister, assistant, and guide in drug formulation, precisely arranges each medicinal ingredient to achieve synergistic effects: 1) Chief herb: Lowers qi and stops cough, regulates qi and relieves chest tightness. Perilla seed: It is pungent and warm in nature. Its functions include lowering qi and resolving phlegm, relieving cough and asthma, and promoting bowel movement. It is effective in relieving the frequency of cough and the core symptoms of cough with phlegm and difficulty in breathing after a cold. Its warming and unblocking properties can dispel residual pathogens in the respiratory tract, making it a core medicine for relieving cough.

[0009] Perilla stem: It is pungent, sweet and slightly warm in nature. Its function is to regulate qi and relieve chest tightness. When combined with perilla seed, it enhances the qi-regulating effect, relieves chest tightness and stomach discomfort caused by cough, harmonizes qi, helps lung qi to descend and disperse, and at the same time protects stomach qi and promotes the recovery of cough.

[0010] 2) Assistant herbs: promote lung qi circulation, eliminate phlegm and stop cough. Almonds: They are bitter and warm in nature, and slightly toxic. Their effects include lowering qi, relieving cough and asthma, moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. They enhance the cough-relieving and asthma-relieving effects of the principal herb. They are effective for severe attacks of acute cough and shortness of breath. At the same time, they moisten the intestines and prevent the lung qi from being aggravated by the obstruction of the internal organs, and help to expel phlegm.

[0011] Platycodon grandiflorus: It is bitter, pungent and neutral in nature. Its functions include clearing the lungs, relieving sore throat, eliminating phlegm and draining pus. It is the "boat and oar of all medicines", which can carry medicines to the lung meridian, clear the lung qi, relieve sore throat and pain, and effectively relieve acute symptoms such as itchy throat, sore throat and difficulty in coughing up phlegm after a cold, and clear the respiratory tract stagnation.

[0012] Roasted loquat leaves: bitter and slightly cold in nature, with the effects of clearing the lungs and relieving cough, suppressing nausea and vomiting. It is especially effective for cough caused by lung heat or dryness after a cold, and is particularly suitable for symptoms such as dry throat, sore throat, and scanty and sticky phlegm during the acute phase. When combined with perilla seeds, one is warm and the other is cold, which takes into account both wind-cold and wind-heat syndromes and enhances the core cough-relieving effect.

[0013] Pinellia ternata: It is pungent and warm in nature and is toxic. Its functions are to dry dampness and resolve phlegm, relieve nausea and vomiting. It is especially suitable for acute cough caused by phlegm and dampness obstruction after a cold, and is particularly suitable for symptoms such as excessive clear and thin phlegm and chest tightness. It can quickly dry dampness and resolve phlegm, reduce phlegm secretion, and relieve the frequency of cough.

[0014] Fritillaria cirrhosa: It is bitter and sweet in taste, and slightly cold in nature. Its functions are to clear heat and moisten the lungs, resolve phlegm and stop cough. When combined with Pinellia ternata, one is warm and the other is cold, which is suitable for the complex syndrome of phlegm-dampness and dryness-heat in acute and subacute cough. It is effective for yellow and sticky phlegm or white and sticky phlegm that is difficult to expectorate. At the same time, it clears away residual heat evil in the later stage of cold and prevents the cough from lingering.

[0015] Poria cocos: It is sweet, bland and neutral in nature. Its functions include promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness, strengthening the spleen and calming the mind. Strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness can eliminate the source of phlegm and prevent repeated cough caused by phlegm and dampness. At the same time, it can calm the mind and soothe the nerves, improve insomnia and irritability caused by cough, and create conditions for the body to recover.

[0016] Orange peel: It is pungent, bitter and warm in nature. Its functions are to regulate qi and relieve chest tightness, dry dampness and resolve phlegm, enhance the ability to resolve phlegm, regulate qi, relieve chest tightness and abdominal distension caused by acute cough, and improve the state of respiratory tract qi stagnation.

[0017] Orange pith: It is sweet, bitter, and neutral in nature. Its functions include promoting qi circulation and unblocking the meridians, resolving phlegm and relieving cough, clearing the lung meridians and promoting the expulsion of phlegm. It is effective for persistent subacute cough with sticky and difficult-to-expectorate phlegm, and it can resolve stagnation in the lung meridians and prevent the cough from becoming chronic.

[0018] 3) Adjuvant herbs: clear heat and moisten dryness, using both cold and hot herbs. Cinnamon twig: It is pungent, sweet, and warm in nature. Its functions include inducing sweating to relieve muscle tension, warming and unblocking the meridians, dispelling residual wind-cold pathogens from colds, relieving symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, and cold limbs associated with acute cough, warming and unblocking lung qi, improving respiratory tract obstruction, and assisting in relieving cough.

[0019] Hangzhou white peony: It is bitter and sour in taste and slightly cold in nature. Its functions are to astringe yin and stop sweating, soothe the liver and relieve pain, and astringe lung qi to help stop coughing. It can relieve dry throat and body aches caused by acute cough. Its slightly cold nature neutralizes the warm and dry nature of drugs such as cinnamon twig and pinellia, avoiding damage to body fluids and taking into account the dryness and lung damage caused by subacute cough.

[0020] Scutellaria baicalensis: It is bitter and cold in nature. Its functions are to clear heat and dry dampness, purge fire and detoxify. It can clear away residual heat after a cold, and is especially suitable for acute cough with yellow phlegm, sore throat and redness and swelling. It can harmonize the warm medicines in the prescription and prevent the internal generation of heat from aggravating the condition. It is suitable for syndromes with mixed cold and heat.

[0021] 4) Guiding the medicine: harmonizes the effects of other medicines and protects the body's vital energy. Prepared licorice root: It is sweet and neutral in nature. Its functions include tonifying qi and nourishing the middle jiao, clearing heat and detoxifying, harmonizing the effects of other herbs, mitigating the toxicity of pinellia and apricot kernel in the formula, harmonizing the properties of the principal, assistant, and adjuvant herbs, so that the herbs can work synergistically without conflict, while also clearing heat and detoxifying, relieving sore throat and pain, assisting in the relief of acute symptoms, mildly protecting the body's vital energy, and preventing severe coughing from depleting lung qi.

[0022] The second aspect is to provide the application of the above-mentioned traditional Chinese medicine composition in the preparation of medicines for treating acute and subacute coughs after a cold.

[0023] Furthermore, the drug also includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

[0024] This formula is mainly suitable for acute cough (duration <3 weeks) and subacute cough (duration 3-8 weeks) after a cold. Specifically, it includes: persistent cough in the later stages of a cold, or acute cough, accompanied by itchy and sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose (clear or yellow-white nasal discharge), cough with phlegm (white or yellow-white phlegm, thick or thin), cough with shortness of breath, chest tightness and discomfort, etc. It is especially suitable for cough caused by lingering respiratory pathogens, impaired lung function, and internal obstruction of phlegm and dampness after a cold. It can be used for both acute and subacute coughs in patients with the common cold.

[0025] The key points of dialectical analysis are as follows: Main symptoms: Severe or prolonged cough, itchy or sore throat, expectoration of phlegm (white, yellowish-white, or thick), nasal congestion and runny nose, cough may be accompanied by chest tightness and shortness of breath. Accompanying symptoms: May be accompanied by mild chills and fever, or dry mouth with thirst, or chest tightness and fullness, thin white, thin yellow, or thin yellow greasy tongue coating, floating or floating and rapid pulse. Key pathogenesis: After a cold, external pathogens are not cleared, lung qi is impaired, phlegm and dampness obstruct internally, and airway spasm causes cough, without obvious signs of deficiency of vital energy.

[0026] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following technical effects compared with the prior art: This invention's traditional Chinese medicine composition follows the core treatment principle of "promoting lung function and relieving cough, resolving phlegm and soothing the throat, and clearing away residual pathogens." Targeting the pathogenesis of acute and subacute coughs after a cold, the principal and assistant herbs directly address the core symptoms of cough, quickly relieving acute manifestations such as cough and sore throat. The adjuvant herbs work on multiple targets, simultaneously resolving phlegm, clearing heat, and unblocking the meridians, adapting to different syndrome types and disease stages to prevent prolonged coughing. The guiding herb harmonizes the medicinal properties, gently protecting the body's vital energy and avoiding harsh medications that damage body fluids, while also eliminating the source of phlegm production. The entire formula addresses both the root cause and symptoms, quickly controlling acute symptoms while clearing residual pathogens, preventing subacute coughs from becoming chronic. It is suitable for both acute onset and prolonged subacute stages of coughs after a cold, and can also be used by patients with common colds and coughs. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but these are not intended to limit the invention. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0028] Example 1 This embodiment provides a traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold, comprising the following components: 15g of Perilla Seed, 15g of Perilla Stem, 15g of White Peony Root, 10g of Prepared Loquat Leaf, 9g of Apricot Kernel, 6g of Platycodon Root, 15g of Cinnamon Twig, 12g of Prepared Pinellia Rhizome, 9g of Fritillaria Bulb, 15g of Poria Cocos, 6g of Tangerine Peel, 6g of Tangerine Peel Root Pith, 9g of Scutellaria Root, and 6g of Prepared Licorice Root. The above is the daily dosage for adults.

[0029] 1) Preparation method: After washing the above-mentioned Chinese herbal ingredients, place them in a decoction container, add an appropriate amount of water (enough to submerge the surface of the herbs by 2-3 cm), and soak for 30 minutes; bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, and filter out the liquid; add an appropriate amount of water to the dregs again, decoct for 20 minutes, and filter out the liquid; combine the two liquids, mix well, and the product is ready.

[0030] 2) Usage and dosage: Adults should take the standard dosage as described above. During acute cough, the dosage may be increased by 10%-20% as appropriate; during subacute cough, take the standard dosage. Children's dosage should be adjusted according to age and weight: halve for children aged 3-7 years, reduce by one-third for children aged 7-12 years, or as directed by a physician.

[0031] The resulting liquid medicine should be taken warm twice a day, morning and evening; during the acute cough period, it can be taken warm three times a day, morning, noon and evening, to enhance the speed of action.

[0032] 3) Precautions: Avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods, as well as smoking and alcohol while taking this medication. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and those with allergies should use this medication with caution. If symptoms of acute or subacute cough do not improve after one week of medication, seek medical attention promptly to determine the cause. This product is not suitable for coughs accompanied by significant fatigue, night sweats, pale complexion, or other signs of deficiency of vital energy.

[0033] Example 2 1) Case 1: Acute cough (wind-cold attacking the lungs syndrome) Patient, male, 35 years old, date of consultation: September 10, 2025.

[0034] Chief complaint: Cough, phlegm, nasal congestion and runny nose for 2 days.

[0035] Present illness: Two days ago, the patient experienced chills, fever (temperature 37.6℃), a heavy cough with thin, white sputum, nasal congestion with clear runny nose, itchy throat, body aches, no sweating, and a bland taste in the mouth without thirst after catching a cold. The symptoms did not improve significantly after taking common cold medicine, so the patient sought medical attention.

[0036] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in good spirits, with a normal complexion, a pale red tongue, and a thin white tongue coating; Auscultation: The patient has a heavy cough and a clear voice; Inquiry: The patient has chills, fever, no sweating, white phlegm from coughing, itchy throat, nasal congestion, and runny nose; Palpation: The pulse is floating.

[0037] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (acute), Syndrome: Wind-Cold Invading the Lungs.

[0038] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention, according to the standard adult dosage, one dose per day, divided into three warm doses.

[0039] Therapeutic effect: After taking 2 doses of the medicine, the symptoms of chills and fever disappeared, and the cough, nasal congestion and runny nose were relieved; after taking 4 doses of the medicine, all symptoms were cured.

[0040] 2) Case 2: Subacute cough (phlegm-heat retention syndrome) The patient, a 42-year-old female, visited the clinic on October 5, 2024.

[0041] Chief complaint: Cough lasting for 4 weeks, with thick sputum.

[0042] Present Illness: The patient developed a cough 4 weeks ago after catching a cold. Initially, the sputum was white and thin, but it gradually turned into yellow-white, sticky sputum that was difficult to expectorate. Accompanied by an itchy throat, dry mouth, and occasional chest tightness, there was no significant chills or fever. The patient had previously taken antibiotics and cough syrup, but the symptoms fluctuated and persisted.

[0043] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in good spirits. The tongue is reddish with a thin, yellow, greasy coating. Auscultation: The cough is slightly heavy with no unusual odor. Inquiry: The patient has a cough, thick yellow-white phlegm, itchy throat, dry mouth, and chest tightness. Palpation: The pulse is floating and rapid.

[0044] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (subacute), Syndrome: Phlegm-Heat Retention Syndrome.

[0045] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention plus roasted mulberry bark, according to the standard adult dosage, one dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening.

[0046] Therapeutic effects: After taking 3 doses of the medicine, the sputum became thinner, expectoration became smoother, and chest tightness was relieved; after 1 week of taking the medicine, the cough was significantly reduced, and the itchy throat and dry mouth disappeared; after 2 weeks of taking the medicine, the cough was cured and there was no recurrence.

[0047] 3) Case 3: Acute cough (wind-heat invading the lungs) Patient, male, 28 years old, date of consultation: November 12, 2023.

[0048] Chief complaint: Cough accompanied by sore throat and fever for 3 days.

[0049] Present Illness: The patient developed a fever (temperature 38.2℃) three days ago after catching a chill outside, followed by a cough with a small amount of yellow, sticky sputum, significant sore throat that worsened with swallowing, nasal congestion with yellow discharge, dry mouth with thirst, and slight aversion to wind, but no chills. The fever subsided slightly after taking some fever-reducing and cold-relieving medication, but the cough and sore throat did not improve, and the cough worsened at night, affecting sleep. Therefore, the patient sought medical attention.

[0050] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in good spirits, with a red tongue and a thin yellow coating; Auscultation: The cough is clear and crisp, and there is slight redness and swelling in the throat; Inquiry: The patient has fever, slight aversion to wind, cough, thick yellow phlegm, sore throat, nasal congestion with yellow nasal discharge, and dry mouth; Palpation: The pulse is floating and rapid.

[0051] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (acute), Syndrome: Wind-Heat Invading the Lungs.

[0052] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention at 15% higher than the standard adult dose, one dose per day, divided into three warm administrations.

[0053] Therapeutic effects: After taking one dose, the body temperature returned to normal and the sore throat was relieved; after taking three doses, the frequency of coughing decreased, the sputum became thinner and easier to cough up, and nasal congestion and runny nose were relieved; after taking five doses, all symptoms completely disappeared without any residual discomfort.

[0054] 4) Case 4: Subacute cough (wind-evil invading the lungs, lung dryness damaging body fluids) The patient, a 38-year-old female, visited the clinic on December 3, 2025.

[0055] Chief complaint: A persistent dry cough for 5 weeks, with significant itchy throat.

[0056] Present Illness: The patient developed a cough 5 weeks ago after catching a cold. Initially, there was a small amount of white phlegm, which gradually turned into a dry cough with severe itching in the throat. The cough worsened when exposed to cold air, cooking fumes, or talking for a long time. It was accompanied by dry mouth and throat, occasional chest tightness, but no fever or chills. The patient had previously taken antibiotics and cough suppressants, which provided temporary relief but recurred, and the condition was persistent.

[0057] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in good spirits. The tongue is reddish with a thin white coating and little moisture. Auscultation: The patient coughs rapidly without phlegm or rattling sounds. Inquiry: The patient has a dry cough without phlegm, itchy throat, dry mouth and throat, and chest tightness. The cough worsens after exposure to stimuli. Palpation: The pulse is floating and thready.

[0058] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (subacute), Syndrome: Wind-evil invading the lungs, lung dryness damaging body fluids.

[0059] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention at the standard adult dosage, one dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening. During the course of treatment, instruct the patient to avoid exposure to irritating gases and drink plenty of water.

[0060] Efficacy: After taking 3 doses of the medicine, the symptoms of itchy throat were significantly reduced and the frequency of coughing decreased; after 1 week of taking the medicine, the dry cough turned into a small amount of white phlegm and the dry mouth was relieved; after 2 weeks of taking the medicine, the cough basically disappeared, with only occasional mild itchy throat; after 3 weeks of taking the medicine, the symptoms were completely cured, and there was no recurrence during a 1-month follow-up.

[0061] 5) Case Five: Acute Cough (Combined Taiyang and Shaoyang Syndrome) The patient, a 36-year-old female, visited on January 8, 2026, during her menstrual period.

[0062] Chief complaint: Cough and sore throat with alternating chills and fever for 5 days.

[0063] Present Illness: Five days ago, the patient developed a cough after catching a chill during her menstrual period. She coughed up thin, white phlegm, had a sore throat, and experienced alternating chills and fever (sometimes feeling cold, sometimes feeling hot). She did not have a high fever, but also experienced dizziness, bitter taste in her mouth, slight chest and rib distension, and a slightly poor appetite. Her symptoms did not improve after taking cold medicine granules on her own, and her cough gradually worsened, so she sought medical attention.

[0064] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in good spirits, with a pale red tongue and a thin yellow coating; Auscultation: The patient has a heavy cough and mild congestion in the throat; Inquiry: The patient has a cough, clear and thin white sputum, sore throat, alternating chills and fever, dizziness, bitter taste in the mouth, and chest and rib distension; Palpation: The pulse is wiry and thready.

[0065] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (acute), Syndrome Type: Combined Taiyang and Shaoyang Syndrome.

[0066] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention with the addition of Bupleurum chinense, according to the standard adult dosage, one dose per day, divided into three warm doses.

[0067] Therapeutic effects: After taking 2 doses of the medicine, the symptoms of alternating chills and fever disappeared, and the sore throat and bitter taste in the mouth were relieved; after taking 4 doses of the medicine, the cough was reduced, the phlegm was reduced, and the chest and rib distension disappeared; after taking 6 doses of the medicine, all symptoms were cured, and the menstrual period was normal without any abnormalities.

[0068] 6) Case Six: Subacute Cough (Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals) Patient, male, 52 years old, date of consultation: October 20, 2024.

[0069] Chief complaint: Cough lasting for 6 weeks, with little phlegm that is difficult to expectorate.

[0070] Present Illness: The patient developed a cough 6 weeks ago after catching a cold. The sputum was scant, thick, and difficult to expectorate, occasionally with traces of blood. The patient also experienced chest tightness and dull pain in the chest and ribs, but no fever. A chest CT scan revealed no obvious organic lesions. Treatment with traditional Chinese medicine for cough and expectoration, as well as antibiotics, was ineffective, and the cough persisted.

[0071] Four diagnostic methods: Inspection: The patient is alert and in fair spirits; the tongue is dark red with a thin, yellow, greasy coating. Auscultation: The cough is low-pitched with no obvious rattling sounds. Inquiry: The patient has a cough, scanty, sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate, occasional blood in the sputum, chest tightness, and dull pain in the chest and ribs. Palpation: The pulse is wiry and hesitant.

[0072] Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis: Cough (subacute), Syndrome: Phlegm and Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals.

[0073] Treatment: Administer the herbal composition of this invention, according to the standard adult dosage, one dose per day, taken warm in the morning and evening.

[0074] Efficacy: After taking 3 doses of the medicine, the sputum became thinner, the expectoration was smoother, and the symptoms of blood in the sputum disappeared; after taking the medicine for 1 week, the cough was reduced, and the chest tightness and chest and rib pain were relieved; after taking the medicine for 2 weeks, the cough was significantly improved, with only occasional mild cough; after taking the medicine for 4 weeks, the symptoms completely disappeared, and there was no recurrence during the 2-month follow-up.

[0075] Example 3: Clinical Trial Case (Study of 30 Patients) Thirty patients with post-cold cough and no obvious abnormalities on chest imaging were included in the study. There were 16 males and 14 females. The age range was 18-70 years, with a mean age of (48.5±11.2) years.

[0076] Course of illness: The duration of cough was longer than 1-8 weeks, with an average duration of (3.6±2.8) weeks.

[0077] 1. Inclusion criteria: Meets the diagnostic criteria for acute and subacute cough; 2. Exclusion criteria: Other patients with clearly identifiable causes, such as gastroesophageal reflux cough; Patients with dysfunction of vital organs such as the liver and kidneys; Patients who also have lung diseases such as lung cancer, tuberculosis, and COPD; Patients with mental disorders or a history of mental illness; Patients with immune system disorders; Patients who are also involved in other medical research; The patient has contraindications or a history of allergy to the therapeutic drugs used in the study.

[0078] 3. Treatment status Drug: The traditional Chinese medicine composition described in this invention.

[0079] Dosage and administration: Take the standard adult dose, one dose daily, divided into two administrations, morning and evening, warm. Each administration is 150-200 mL.

[0080] Treatment course: Take continuously for 1-4 weeks depending on the severity of the patient's cough.

[0081] 4. Observation indicators: ①Main symptom score: Before and after treatment, symptoms such as cough, sputum, poor appetite, and fatigue were scored according to the degree of absence, mild, moderate, and severe (0, 1, 2, and 3 points).

[0082] ② Record the time it takes for the cough to improve: Record the time it takes for the cough to subside and the time it disappears after treatment.

[0083] ③ Adverse reactions: Records include nausea and vomiting, indigestion, mild diarrhea, etc.

[0084] ④ Safety indicators: Blood routine, urine routine, liver function (ALT), and kidney function (Cr) were tested once before and after treatment, and any adverse events were recorded.

[0085] 5. Efficacy evaluation criteria (refer to the "Guiding Principles for Clinical Research of New Traditional Chinese Medicines"): Clinical cure: The main symptoms such as cough and sputum have basically disappeared, and the syndrome score has decreased by ≥95%.

[0086] Significant effect: Major symptoms such as cough and sputum are significantly reduced, and the syndrome score is reduced by ≥70% and <95%.

[0087] Effective: The main symptoms such as cough and phlegm have improved, and the syndrome score has decreased by ≥30% and <70%.

[0088] Ineffective: The main symptoms such as cough and sputum do not improve or worsen, and the syndrome score decreases by <30%.

[0089] Overall effective rate (%) = [(Number of clinically cured cases + Number of cases with significant improvement + Number of cases with improvement) / Total number of cases] × 100% 6. Treatment Results: 6.1 Efficacy Statistics: The efficacy results of 30 patients after 1-4 weeks of treatment are shown in Table 1 below: Table 1

[0090] Table 1 shows that among the 30 patients, 15 had acute cough and 15 had subacute cough. Of the acute cough, 13 cases (86.67%) were clinically cured, 2 cases (13.33%) showed significant improvement, 0 cases (0%) showed improvement, and 0 cases (0%) showed no effect, with a total effective rate of 100% and a significant improvement rate of 100%. Of the subacute cough, 8 cases (53.33%) were clinically cured, 5 cases (33.33%) showed significant improvement, and 3 cases (13.3%) showed improvement, with a total effective rate of 100% and a significant improvement rate of 86.6%. This indicates that the herbal composition of the present invention has a significant therapeutic effect on both acute and subacute cough.

[0091] 6.2 Changes in symptom scores: The average symptom score of patients before treatment was (8.6±2.3) points, and the average symptom score after treatment was (1.2±0.8) points. The symptom scores decreased significantly, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.01). Among them, the improvement of cough and sputum symptoms was the most obvious, and the accompanying symptoms such as loss of appetite and fatigue were also significantly relieved.

[0092] 6.3 Cough relief time (Table 2) Table 2

[0093] 6.4 Safety Evaluation: Laboratory tests: Before and after treatment, the patient's blood routine, urine routine, liver function (ALT), and kidney function (Cr) were all within the normal reference range, with no significant abnormal changes.

[0094] Adverse events: No other adverse events occurred during the treatment, indicating that the traditional Chinese medicine composition of the present invention has good safety.

[0095] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the implementation and protection scope of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should realize that any equivalent substitutions and obvious changes made based on the content of the present invention specification should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A traditional Chinese medicine composition for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold, characterized in that, The traditional Chinese medicine composition comprises the following components: 10-15 parts of Perilla Seed, 10-15 parts of Perilla Stem, 10-15 parts of White Peony Root, 10-15 parts of Prepared Loquat Leaf, 6-9 parts of Apricot Kernel, 6-9 parts of Platycodon Root, 10-15 parts of Cinnamon Twig, 10-15 parts of Prepared Pinellia Rhizome, 6-9 parts of Fritillaria Bulb, 15-30 parts of Poria Cocos, 6-9 parts of Tangerine Peel, 6-9 parts of Tangerine Peel Fiber, 9-15 parts of Scutellaria Root, and 6-9 parts of Prepared Licorice Root.

2. The traditional Chinese medicine composition according to claim 1, characterized in that, The traditional Chinese medicine composition includes the following components: 15 parts of perilla seed, 15 parts of perilla stem, 15 parts of white peony root, 10 parts of processed loquat leaf, 9 parts of apricot kernel, 6 parts of platycodon root, 15 parts of cinnamon twig, 12 parts of processed pinellia tuber, 9 parts of fritillaria bulb, 15 parts of poria cocos, 6 parts of tangerine peel, 6 parts of tangerine peel, 9 parts of scutellaria root, and 6 parts of raw licorice root.

3. The use of the traditional Chinese medicine composition as described in claim 1 or 2 in the preparation of a medicine for treating acute and subacute cough after a cold.

4. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The symptoms of acute and subacute cough following a cold include: cough, itchy and sore throat, nasal congestion and runny nose, phlegm, cough with shortness of breath, and chest tightness.

5. The application according to claim 3, characterized in that, The drug also includes pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

Images