Formulas Resolve Phlegm Flashcards
Er Chen Tang (2 Cured Decoction)
DAMP PHLEGM
Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, regulates the qi, and harmonizes the middle burner
Damp-phlegm from the Spleen failing to properly transport the fluids
Cough with copious, white sputum that is easily expectorated, focal distention and a stifling sensation in the chest and diaphragm, palpitations, nausea or vomiting, dizziness
Swollen tongue with a white, thick, greasy coat
Slippery pulse
Ingredients:
Ban Xia (chief) - dries dampness, expels phlegm, and causes the
rebellious Stomach qi to descend. It is especially useful in controlling the nausea and
vomiting.
Ju Hong (chief) - revives the Spleen
and facilitates the flow of qi in the middle burner. These
actions directly treat the distention, coughing, and
nausea or vomiting, and indirectly expel the phlegm
by improving the transportive function of the Spleen.
Fu Ling (deputy) - supports the actions of the chief ingredients by leaching
out dampness from the middle burner and strengthening
the Spleen. It also resolves the palpitations
and dizziness caused by the upward-rising phlegm.
ZGC (honey-fried)/(assistant) - used here to tonify the Spleen
cc: improper use of this formula can lead to excessive thirst and a dry throat. it is contraindicated for cases with cough associated with Lung yin deficiency
Liu Jun Zhi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction)
DAMP PHLEGM
Qi deficiency (Sp/Lu Qi Xu)
Spleen Qi Deficiency w/ damp phlegm
characterized by loss of appetite, nausea, focal distention, stifling sensation in chest and epigastrium and copious, thin white sputum.
Strengthens SP, transforms phlegm and stops vomiting.
T: Pale and flabby, may have teeth marks/White and greasy coat
P: Soft and weak
Ingredients
ren shen - Tonifies Qi and strengthens Spleen and Stomach.
bai zhu - Strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness.
fu ling - Dries Dampness, strengthens the Spleen and moderates the drying nature of Zhi Gan Cao.
With Ban Xia, stops nausea and vomiting.
With Ban Xia and Chen Pi, for nausea, vomiting and anorexia due to congested Fluids.
zhi gan cao - Harmonizes, warms and strengthens the Middle Jiao and moderates the draining properties of Fu Ling.
chen pi - Circulates Qi, dries Dampness, tonifies the Spleen and adjusts the Middle.
zhi ban xia - Dries Dampness, resolves Phlegm, harmonizes the Stomach and stops vomiting.
cc:Use with caution for those with a high fever, Yin Deficiency Heat, Qi Stagnation, Body Fluid Deficiency, irritability, thirst or constipation.
QING QI HUA TAN TANG (clear the qi and transform phlegm)
Er Chen Tang + stop cough, clear heat
HOT PHLEGM
Phlegm-heat, stops cough (directs rebel qi downward)
Clears the qi!
Coughing of yellow, viscous sputum that is difficult to expectorate, focal distention and a feeling of fullness in the chest and diaphragm, nausea, difficulty breathing
Red tongue with a greasy yellow coat
Slippery, rapid pulse
Ingredients
Dan Nan Xing (chief) - used to treat blockages caused by fire and phlegm
Gua Lou Ren (deputy) Huang Qin (deputy) - the two deputies work together to drain LU fire while transforming and clearing phlegm heat. They markedly reinforce the action of the chief
Chen Pi (assistant) works with Zhi Shi to regulate the qi and dispel the focal distention, dissipating clumps of phlegm. Zhi Shi (assistant)
Jing Ren (assistant) facilitates the flow of qi in the receptacle of phlegm (LU)
Fu Ling (assistant) works with ban xia to address the source of phlegm (SP) Ban Xia (assistant)
XIAO XIAN XIONG TANG
minor sinking into the chest
HOT PHLEGM
Clumping in the chest caused by sinking of pathogenic heat into the chest and epigastrium
Focal distention (with or without nodules) in the chest and epigastrium that are painful when pressed, coughing up yellow and viscous sputum, constipation, a bitter taste in the mouth
Yellow greasy tongue coat
Slippery pulse - floating or rapid
Ingredients:
Gua Lou (chief) - expands the chest, dissipates clumps, clears heat, and dispels phlegm
Huang Lian (deputy) - helps the chief herb clear heat from the upper and middle burners
(Jiang) Ban Xia (assistant) - directing
rebellious qi downward, harmonizing the Stomach,
transforming phlegm, eliminating focal distention, and dissipating clumps. Together with the deputy, it treats
the obstruction caused by phlegm-heat.
cc: Because this formula can cause loose stools, it is contraindicated in
cases with significant Spleen and Stomach deficiency.
Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
HOT PHLEGM
Disharmony between
Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
HOT PHLEGM
Disharmony between GB/ST with phlegm heat
Dizziness, vertigo, N/V, insomnia, palpitations, anxiety, indeterminate gnawing hunger, seizures with copious sputum, focal distention of the chest, a bitter taste in the mouth, slight thirst, PTSD, schizo, bipolar, phobias
Ready yellow tongue coat
Rapid pulse - slippery or wiry
Ingredients
Zhu Ru (chief) - clearing heat and phlegm from the Gallbladder and Stomach. Its use reverses the rebellious flow of qi. This is the major function of the formula
Zhi Shi (deputy) - assists the chief
ingredient in reversing the flow of rebellious qi, and is also particularly effective in treating focal distention
Ban Xia (assistant) -
Chen Pi (assistant) - with Ban Xia dries dampness and expels phlegm
while regulating the qi and harmonizing its circulation in the Stomach.
Fu Ling (assistant)
Gan Cao (assistant) fu ling and gan cao strengthens the Spleen, leaches out dampness, and harmonizes the functions of the middle burner. They also calm the spirit
Sheng Jiang (envoy) - regulate the relationship between the Gallbladder and Stomach and assist the other herbs in stopping vomiting
HAI ZAO YU HU TANG
Sargassum decoction for the jade flask
HOT PHLEGM
Masses in the center of the neck which are rock-like in hardness, immobile, cause no change in the color of the skin, and do not ulcerate.
Qi goiter due to stagnation of dampness, phlegm, qi and
blood
Thin, greasy tongue coat
Wiry, slippery pulse
Ingredients HAI ZAO (chief) KUN BU (chief) HAI DAI (chief) - All three of these salty substances effectively soften and dissolve masses.
ZHE BEI MU (deputy) - clears heat and dissipates nodules. It acts synergistically with the chief ingredients
BAN XIA (assistant) DU HOU (assistant) - these two expel phlegm
CHUAN XIONG (assistant) DANG GUI (assistant) - these two invigorate the blood and relieve stasis
QING PI (assistant) CHEN PI (assistant) - promote the movement of qi and relieve constraint.
LIAN QIAO (assistant) - clears heat
GAN CAO (envoy) - harmonizes the actions of the other herbs and relieves toxicity
BEI MU GUA LOU SAN
fritillaria and trichosanthes fruit powder
DRY PHLEGM
Moistens the Lungs, clears heat, regulates
the qi, and transforms phlegm
Cough with deep-seated sputum that is difficult to expectorate, wheezing, a dry and sore throat
Red and dry tongue with little coat
Rapid and thin but strong pulse
Ingredients
1) CHUAN BEI MU (chief) - encompass all of
the primary aspects of this formula: moistening the
Lungs, clearing heat, transforming phlegm, and
stopping coughing.
2) GUA LOU (deputy) - clears heat, moistens
dryness, regulates the qi, and expels phlegm in order to remove the obstruction from the chest and diaphragm.
3) TIAN HUA FEN(assistant) - clears heat,
generates fluids, and transforms phlegm.
4) FU LING (assistant) - strengthens the Spleen
5) JU HONG (assistant) - regulates the qi and also addresses the deficiency and stagnation of Spleen
qi.
6) JIE GENG (assistant) - encourages the proper flow of Lung qi and treats problems of the throat
Sang Xing Tang
DRY PHLEGM
Wen Bing-Dry cough (climatic external condition & internal condition)
Heat of the summer with externally contracted warm dryness of Autumn (WARM DRYNESS)
Clears and Disperses Wind-Heat and Dryness
Moistens the Lungs
T: Red or Red tip/ Dry, thin and white or Dry, thin and yellow coat
P: Superficial and rapid or Rapid and big or Weak and rapid
cc: Contraindicated for those with Yin Deficiency.
Ingredients
1) Sang Ye - (Chief) Relieves Wind-Heat, clears Lung Heat, moistens Dryness and stops cough.
2) Xing Ren - (Chief) Regulates Lung Qi, stops cough and wheezing, moistens the Intestines and unblocks bowels
3) Zhi Zi - (Deputy) Clears Heat, reduces Fire, eliminates irritability, drains Damp-Heat, cools the Blood and relieves toxicity.
4) Dan Dou Chi - (Deputy) Expels Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, eliminates irritability and relieves stuffy sensations in the chest.
5) Zhe Bei Mu - (Deputy) Clears Heat, transforms Phlegm and stops cough.
6) Bei Sha Shen - (Assistant) Moistens the Lungs, stops cough, nourishes Stomach Yin, generates fluids, clears Heat and moistens the Exterior.
7) Li Pi - (Assistant) Moistens the Lungs and stops cough.
With Bei Sha Shen, nourishes Yin and clears Heat
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (Eliminate Dryness and Rescue the Lungs Decoction)
DRY PHLEGM
Fever, hacking cough, wheezing, a sensation of fullness in the chest, hypochondriac pain, irritability, a deficient, big, and rapid pulse and a dry tongue without coating
Clears dryness and moistens the Lungs
Dryness attacking the Lungs
Ingredients:
1) sang ye (chief) - clear and disperse dryness from the Lungs.
2) Shi Gao (chief) - clears heat from the Lung and Stomach channels and thereby relieves thirst – The two chief herbs interact synergistically to treat warm-dryness in the Lungs
3) mai men dong (deputy)
4) e jiao [dissolve in strained decoction] (deputy)
5) hei chi ma (deputy) – these three work together to moisten the Lungs and nourish the Lung yin. These herbs work to counterbalance the heat-clearing and Lung qi-disseminating actions of the
other ingredients with a moistening action.
6) xing ren (assistant)
7) mi zhi pi pa ye (assistant)– both these assistants cause the Lung qi to descend and also moisten the Lungs
8) ren shen (assistant)
9) gan can (assistant)– augment the qi and harmonize the middle, thereby supplementing the ‘mother’ (Spleen) to benefit the ‘child’ (Lungs)
cc: This formula contains rich, cloying substances and should therefore
be used with caution in patients with Spleen and Stomach deficiency.
Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction to Preserve the Metal)
Dry Phlegm
Nourishes the yin, moistens the Lungs,
transforms phlegm, and stops coughing.
Coughing with blood-streaked
sputum, wheezing, a dry and sore throat, hot palms and soles, night sweats, a red tongue with little coating, and a thin, rapid pulse
Calms spirit LU/KI yin XU- intense dry cough moisten LU (yi xu heat, blood in sputum)
ingredients: (3 chiefs!)
1) Bai He (chief) - moistens and
nourishes dryness in the Lungs, and clears heat
2) Sheng di huang (chief) - strongly enriches the yin
and tonifies the Kidneys. It also performs the important function of cooling the blood to stop the bleeding
3) shu di huang (chief) - is a very powerful tonic
for the Liver and Kidney yin.
4) mai men dong (deputy) - is an important herb for tonifying the yin, especially that of the upper burner
5) xuan shen (deputy) - helps the Kidney water to ascend to the Lungs, and is very useful in clearing fire from deficiency and treating steaming bone condition.
6) bei mu (assistant) - moistens the Lungs, transforms
phlegm, and stops coughing
7) jie geng (assistant) - facilitates the movement
of Lung qi and stops coughing
8) dang gui (assistant)
9) bai shao (assistant) - these two work together to nourish the blood to support the yin
10) gan cao (envoy) - harmonizes the actions of the other herbs
cc: Most of the herbs in this formula are of a sweet, cold, and cloying nature. For this reason, it should be used with caution or modified (using herbs that strengthen the Spleen and regulate the qi) in cases with Spleen deficiency or food stagnation. Failure to do so may result in indigestion or diarrhea. It should not be used for patients with exterior conditions.
Xing Su San (Apricot Kernel and Perilla Leaf Powder)
Dry PHLEGM
Gently disperses cool-dryness, disseminates
the Lung qi, and transforms congested fluids
Slight headache, chills without sweating, watery sputum, stuffy nose, white tongue coating, wiry
pulse
Ingredients:
1) zi su ye (chief) - disseminates the Lung qi and stops the coughing,
2) qian hu (deputy) - assists the chief herbs by directing the qi downward and releasing the exterior
3) xing ren (chief) - releases exterior cold by promoting moderate sweating
4) jie geng (deputy) - causes the Lung qi to descend and stops the coughing.
5) zhi ke (deputy) - moves the qi, expands the chest, and stops the coughing by regulating the qi.
6) chen pi (assistant)
7) fu ling (assistant) - drain down
8) ban xia (assistant) - these three regulate the qi of the middle burner and expel phlegm.
9) sheng jiang (envoy)
10) da zao (envoy)
11) gan cao (envoy) - these three envoys work to harmonize the actions of the other herbs and regulate the nutritive and protective qi. They thereby contribute both to the release of the exterior and the regulation of the middle qi
Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogonis Decoction)
DRY PHLEGM
Benefits the Stomach, generates fluids,
and directs rebellious qi downward
Coughing and spitting of saliva,
wheezing, shortness of breath, a dry and uncomfortable sensation in the throat, a dry mouth, a dry, red tongue with little coating, and a deficient, rapid pulse
This is a form of Lung atrophy (fei wii) due to ST deficiency - LU=metal/SP=earth so earth engenders metal but it’s not able to “engender” properly
ingredients:
1) mai men dong (chief) - clears heat from deficiency from the Stomach, and generates fluids in the Stomach and Lungs. It is therefore very useful in the treatment of Lung atrophy. Some sources recommend a dosage of as much as 45g of this herb.
2) ren shen (deputy) - augments the qi, generates fluids, and revives the qi and yin.
3) jing mi rice (assistant) - reviving the qi and yin of the Lungs and Stomach
4) da zao (assistant) - works with gan can synergistically with the chief and deputy herbs to assist the Stomach qi and generate fluids
5) gan cao (assistant) honey fried - has a relatively stronger action in tonifying the Stomach, its unprepared form is used here because it also improves the condition of the throat
6) ban xia (assistant) - facilitates the flow of Stomach qi and directs the qi downward.
cc: Use with
caution in cases with high fever and irritability, where the pathogenic influence remains in the exterior, and the qi and yin have yet to be affected. Contraindicated in cases with dampness, or Lung atrophy due to cold from deficiency.
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Nourish Yin & clear Lung Decoction)
DRY PHLEGM
Nourishes the yin, clears the Lungs, and relieves toxicity. “Fei = LUNGS”
Development of a white, curd-like membrane in the throat that is difficult to scrape off, swollen and sore throat, fever, dry nasal passages, parched lips, raspy breathing resembling wheezing, a red and dry tongue, and a rapid, usually thin pulse
Diphtheria
1) shen di huang (chief)
2) xuan shen (chief) - these chiefs work synergistically to nourish the yin, clear heat from deficiency, cool the blood, and relieve toxicity.
3) mai men dong (deputy)
4) chao bai shao (deputy) - assist the chief herbs with mai men dong in nourishing the yin
5) mu dan pi (deputy) - cools the blood, reduces swelling, and supports the actions of the chief herbs.
6) “chuan” bei mu (assistant) - moistens the Lungs, stops the coughing, and clears and transforms phlegm-heat
7) bo he (assistant) - help disperse the pathogenic influence and aid the throat/expels turbid filth
8) gan cao (envoy) - relieves toxicity, improves the condition of the throat, and harmonizes the actions of the other herbs in the formula.
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang (Poria, Licorice, Schisandra, Ginger and Asarum Decoction)
COLD PHLEGM
Warms the Lungs and transforms congested fluids.
Coughing with profuse sputum that is thin, watery, and white accompanied by a feeling
of discomfort in the chest and diaphragm, a white, slippery tongue coating, and a wiry, slippery pulse
ingredients:
1) fu ling (drains down) & 2) xi xin (9g is ABOVE the recommended dose)-(both deputies working together) - strongly assist the chief herb: the former focuses on warming and dispersing cold in the Lungs to transform the congested fluids, while the latter strengthens the Spleen and leaches out dampness, thereby treating the problem at its source. – the problem w/xi xin is Aristolochic acid/carcinogen –
3) gan cao (envoy) - harmonizes the middle burner and the actions of the other herbs
4) gan jiang (chief) - warms the Lungs, disperses cold, and transforms the congested fluids. It also warms the Spleen yang to eliminate dampness
5) wu wei zi (assistant) - restrains the leakage of Lung qi and prevents its depletion by the dispersing actions of the other herbs.
SAN ZI YANG QIN TANG
3 seed decoction to nourish one’s parents
COLD PHLEGM
Cold in the Lungs with food stagnation
Directs qi downward, relaxes the diaphragm, transforms phlegm, reduces food stag
Coughing and wheezing, copious sputum, focal distention in the chest, loss of appetite, digestive difficulties - often prescribed for elderly patients
White greasy tongue coat, slippery pulse
Ingredients
1) BAI JIE ZI - warms and disseminates the Lung qi, reduces phlegm, and relaxes the diaphragm
2) SU ZI - directs the Lung qi downward and thereby stops the coughing and wheezing
3) LAI FU ZI - is very effective in reducing food stagnation, and in directing qi downward and transforming phlegm
***Because of the close interaction of these herbs, it serves no purpose to distinguish them as chief, deputy, or assistant
