Dispel Phlegm

Question 1

Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged [Herb] Decoction)

Answer 1

Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, regulates the qi, and harmonizes the middle burner

Damp-Phlegm syndrome in the MIddle Jiao or LU: Cough with copious sputum, that is easy to expectorate, focal distention and stifling sensation in the chest, palpitations, nausea or vomiting

T: Swollen, thick white greasy coat

P: slippery

NOTE: Even though this is a small formula, it accompanies three approaches for treating Phlegm including transforming Phlegm, moving Qi and strengthening the SP

• Ban Xia
• Ju Hong
• Fu Ling
• Zhi Gan Cao
• Sheng Jiang
• Wu Mei

Question 2

Wen Dan Tang (Warm the GallBladder Decoction)

Answer 2

Regulates the qi, transforms phlegm, clears the Gallbladder, and harmonizes the Stomach

GB and ST disharmony with Phlegm-Heat: Dizziness, vertigo, nausea or vomiting, insomnia, palpitations, ansiety, indeterminate gnawing hunger, seizures accompanied by copious sputum, focal distention of the chest, bitter taste in the mouth, slight thirst

T: greasy yellow coat

P: rapid and slippery or wiry

NOTE: Also used for Phlegm-Heat manifesting as HT conditions such as mania, depression, schizophrenia, insomnia, palpitations or fright

• Zhu Ru
• Zhi Shi
• Ban Xia
• Chen Pi
• Fu Ling
• Gan Cao
• Sheng Jiang
  *

Question 3

Qing Qi Hua Tang Wan (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Pill)

Answer 3

Clears heat, transforms phlegm, directs rebellious qi, downward, and stops coughing

LU Phlegm-Heat causing cough: Sensation of fullness in the chest, naisea, bitter taste in the mouth, coughing of yellow viscous sputum

T: greasy yellow coat

P: slippery, rapid

NOTE: The interrelationship between Fire, Qi, and Phlegm are complex and can be difficult to treat, but as Zhu Dan-Xi said “if the Qi is normalized, the body’s fluids will follow and will also normalize”

• Dan Nan Xing
• Huang Qin
• Gua Lou Ren
• Zhi Shi
• Chen Pi
• Fu Ling
• Ban Xia
• Xing Ren

Question 4

Bei Mu Gua Lou San (Fritillaria and Trichosanthes Fruit Powder)

Answer 4

Moistens the Lungs, clears heat, regulates the qi and transforms phlegm

LU Dry Phlegm Causing Cough: Cough with deep-seated sputum that is difficult to expectorate, wheezing, dry throat, sore throat

T: red and dry with little coating

P: rapid and thin, but strong

• Chuan Bei Mu
• Gua Lou
• Tian Hua Fen
• Fu Ling
• Ju Hong
• Jie Geng

Question 5

San Zi Yang Qin Tang (Three-Seed Decoction to Nourish One’s Parents)

Answer 5

Directs the qi downward, transforms phlegm, and reduces harbored food​

LU Phlegm-Cold with Qi Stagnation: Wheezing, focal distention in the chest, loss of appetite, digestive difficulty

T: white, greasy

P: slippery

NOTE: Commonly used in the elderly

• Bai Jie Zi
• Su Zi
• Lai Fu Zi

Question 6

Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang (Pinellia, White Atractylodes and Gastrodia Decoction)

Answer 6

Strengthens the Spleen, dispels dampness, transforms phlegm, and extinguishes wind

Internal Wind-Phlegm rising upward causing dizziness /vertigo:Dizziness, vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, stifling sensation in the chest, copious sputum

T: white greasy coat

P: wiry, slippery

NOTE: May be used for Meniere’s disease

• Ban Xia
• Tian Ma
• Bai Zhu
• Ju Hong
• Fu Ling
• Sheng Jiang
• Da Zao
• Gan Cao

Question 7

Zhi Sou San (Stop Coughing Powder)

Answer 7

Stops coughing, transforms phlegm, disperses the exterior, and disseminates the Lung qi

External Wind attacking the LU causing cough: Coughing and itchy throat with ot without slight chills and fever

T: thin white coat

P: moderate and floating

NOTE: Clinically this formula is very effective to stop cough in conditions including acute bronchitis and upper respiratory tract infections

• Zi Wan
• Bai Qian
• Bai Bu
• Jie Geng
• Chen Pi
• Jing Jie
• Gan Cao