Warm Herbs that Transform Cold-Phlegm

Question 1

Zhi Ban Xia

Answer 1

acrid, warm, toxic
LU, SP, ST
3-9 (only prepared herb for internal use)
1. Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, and causes rebellious qi to descend (cough with copious sputum as in cold phlegm in the LU. Esp effective for transforming phlegm dt dampness of the SP)
2. Directs rebellious qi downward and stops vomiting (nausea and vomiting dt many causes)
3. Dissipates nodules and reduces clumps (phlegm lingering in the chest, phlegm nodules in the neck, obstruction caused by phlegm anywhere in the body)

Question 2

Zhi Tian Nan Xing

Answer 2

bitter, acrid, warm, toxic
LV, LU, SP
3-9 (only prepared herb for internal use)
1. Dries dampness and expels phlegm (cough and stifling and distending sensation in the chest dt stubborn phlegm. Herb is extremely drying in nature)
2. Disperses wind-phlegm and stops spasms (obstruction dt wind-phlegm usually in the channels)
3. Reduces swelling and alleviates pain (used topically. Also for swelling dt traumatic injury and joint pain secondary to phlegm. The herb is used in unprepared form. Recently used for cervical cancer)

Question 3

Zhi Bai Fu Zi

Answer 3

acrid, sweet, warm, toxic
LV, SP, ST
3-6
1. Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, expels wind, stops spasm (wind phlegm affecting the head)
2. Resolves toxicity and dissipates nodules (nodules dt phlegm and toxicity. Generally used topically and in its fresh form)
3. Dries dampness and stops pain and itching (wind cold damp bi as well as damp skin problems such as eczema. Can be powdered and applied topically)

Question 4

Bai Jie Zi

Answer 4

acrid, warm
LU
3-9 (do not decoct for a long period of time)
1. Warms the LU, regulates the qi, expels phlegm (coughing of copious and thin sputum dt accumulation of cold phlegm especially in chronic d/o)
2. Promotes movement of qi, disperses clumps, unblocks the collaterals, stops pain (phlegm dampness obstructing the channels and collaterals)

Question 5

Zao Jia

Answer 5

acrid, warm, sl toxic
LU, LI
1-1.5
1. Dispels phlegm (obstruction dt stubborn phlegm impairing the orderly clearing and downward directing of LU qi with coughing or wheezing with copious sputum that is difficult to expectorate as well as phlegm nodules)
2. Opens the orifices and revives the spirit (sudden loss of consciousness with facial paralysis or seizures dt excessive phlegm. When used for this purpose it treats only the manifestation- much be combined to reach root of d/o)
3. Dissipates clumps and reduces swelling (either the initial stages of abscess and boils or abscess in which there is difficulty discharging the pus. Can be brewed in vinegar and made into a paste, which is applied topically)
4. As a suppository, unblocks the bowels and expels roundworms (constipation and intestinal obstruction dt roundworms)

Question 6

Zao Jiao Ci

Answer 6

acrid, warm
LV, ST, LU
1. Draws out toxicity, discharges pus, invigorates the blood, and reduces swelling (frequently used during the early stages of swollen sores to encourage suppuration or to induce those already formed to burst)
2. Expels wind and kills parasites (tinea and leprosy)

Question 7

Jie Geng

Answer 7

bitter, acrid, neutral,
LU
3-9
1. Opens and disseminates the LU qi, dispels phlegm, and benefits the throat (Can be used for cough with profuse sputum from either hot or cold)
2. Pushes out pus (expelling pus associated with LU abscess or throat abscess)
3. Opens up and raises the LU qi while also directing the actions of other herbs to the upper regions of the body (used not only to reinforce the actions of other herbs that clear and drain the upper burner, but also whenever the actions of a formula should be focused on the upper regions of the body)

Question 8

Xuan Fu Hua

Answer 8

bitter, acrid, salty, sl warm
LV, LU, ST, SP
3-9
1. Reduces phlegm and promotes the dissipation of pathogenic water (phlegm and fluids clogging up the LU or problems dt accumulation of phlegm and thin mucus. Most appropriate for cold d/o but also combined with proper herbs it can also be used for hot d/o)
2. Redirects the qi downward and stops vomiting (vomiting, hiccough, and belching)

Question 9

Bai Qian

Answer 9

acrid, sweet, sl warm
LU
3-9
1. Redirects the qi downward, dispels phlegm, and stops cough (cough with copious sputum and gurgling in the throat. Very important herb for LU qi blockage and stagnation. Sl warm, but not drying)