Phlegm-resolving Formulae
In TCM, phlegm is either a visible pathogen, such as sputum secreted by the respiratory tract or pus substances, or invisible ones that stayed in the organs and meridians. Inside the body, phlegm is usually formed during fluid metabolic disturbances, especially when the lungs, kidneys or spleen are dysfunction. Occasionally virtual fire caused exhaustion of body fluids can also lead to phlegm formation. Formation of phlegm causes further pathology, and is responsible for the occurrence and development of a range of disorders, such as coughing, breathing difficulty, headache, dizziness or vertigo, chest bi-syndrome, vomiting, stroke, phlegm jue-syndrome, mania-depressive syndrome, convulsive diseases, nodules or lumps such as scrofula. TCM strategies for treating these phlegm conditions vary in accordance with the nature of its pathogenesis.
Besides resolving the phlegm, the formulae should also aim at improving the functions of the spleen, kidneys, lungs and liver that are the source of internal phlegm transformation, so as to prevent further accumulation of phlegm. Qi regulating herbs are often found in the remedies.
- Atractylodes and Nutgrass Guide Phlegm Pill (cang fu dao tan wan)
- Citrus & Pinellia Decoction (er chen tang)
- Cleansing Phlegm Decoction (di tan tang)
- Clear Lung Heat and Resolve Phlegm Decoction (qing jing hau tan tang)
- Coptis Decoction to Warm the Gallbladder (huang lian wen dan tang)
- Dispelling Phlegm Decoction (dao tan tang)
- Nutgrass and Fritillary Nourish Blood Decoction (xiang bei yang ying tang)
- Pinellia, Atractylodes and Gastrodia Decoction (ban xia bai shu tian ma tang)