Plum Pit Qi is a classical formula indicated for a condition in which there is a sensation of having something stuck in the throat which cannot be swallowed, "plum pit throat." This pattern is often diagnosed as a psychosomatic illness according to Western medicine because no obvious physical cause can be found. Even though there is actually an emotional cause to this manifestation, Chinese Medicine diagnoses it as Qi and Phlegm knotted in the throat. The root pattern is a binding depression of Liver Qi with a concurrent inability to deal with an overwhelming emotional situation in which symbolically the patient cannot swallow. The Liver Qi attacks the Stomach causing Qi counterflow and thus interferes with the Qi transformation producing Phlegm and Dampness. The Lung and Stomach Qi counterflow causing Phlegm to become stuck in the throat so that the patient cannot expel it. Due to the severe depression of the Liver Qi there may also be rib-side pain and stuffiness in the chest.

fa ban xia treated (pinellia rhizome) fu ling kuai (poria cocos fruiting body) gan jiang (dried ginger root) hou po (magnolia bark) zi su ye (perilla leaf)