Cordyceps and Goji Berry Old Duck Soup，From *Proven Tea, Decoction, and Soup Recipes for Common Ailments*,Nourishes the lungs and kidneys; moistens dryness and alleviates wheezing. Suitable for bronchial asthma caused by lung and kidney yin deficiency, characterized by severe wheezing and shortness of breath, or persistent asthma with coughing and choking accompanied by scant phlegm, dry mouth and throat, irritability and flushed cheeks, a red tongue with little coating, and a fine, rapid pulse.
the warming-tonic nature is inadvisable during damp-heat, yin deficiency with fire, or episodes of exterior-heat; the formula is somewhat cloying; avoid overuse in those with spleen deficiency and dampness, poor appetite, or abdominal distension
Commentary
The sovereign is cordyceps, of neutral nature and sweet flavor, entering the Lung, Kidney; it tonifies the kidneys and lung, stops bleeding, and resolves phlegm, anchoring the central strategy of the formula. The ministerial support — goji berries (neutral in nature and sweet in flavor, with Liver, Kidney tropism, nourishes the liver and kidney, and brightens the eyes), and old duck (with cool nature and sweet, salty flavor, having Spleen, Stomach, Lung tropism, nourishes yin, moistens dryness, and tonifies the stomach) — reinforces the sovereign’s main effect and coordinates the drug strength. The combined effect is tailored to the yin deficiency pattern.