Many people think that phlegm is just something that can be coughed up from the throat and that spitting it out solves the problem. However, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, "phlegm" is far more than that. The most troublesome are the "invisible phlegms" hidden inside the body, which cannot be seen or touched. Many people are troubled by them without even realizing it.
This invisible phlegm is often caused by the dysfunction of the spleen and stomach in transportation and transformation. Nowadays, many people enjoy consuming raw, cold, greasy, and sweet foods, while also leading sedentary lifestyles and staying up late, which damages the spleen. As a result, the functions of the spleen and stomach weaken, leading to the inability to properly distribute and metabolize fluids and nutrients. Over time, this accumulation forms sticky and greasy phlegm-dampness.
It can travel throughout the body with the flow of qi and blood, causing various health issuesStagnation under the skin easily leads to lipomas; ascending disturbance to the head causes dizziness and heaviness; obstruction of the heart meridian can trigger chest tightness, palpitations, and even affect sleep; stagnation in the stomach and intestines results in issues such as abdominal bloating, poor appetite, and sticky, unformed stools.At this time, many people mistakenly think it is a common gastrointestinal disease, but the more they treat it, the more it recurs.
Traditional Chinese Medicine often saysMany diseases are caused by phlegm mischief Strange diseases are often related to phlegmIn such cases, I usually useWen Dan TangThis classic formula, in the formulaFructus Aurantii ImmaturusRegulate the flow of qi to break the pattern of phlegm-damp stagnation and allow the phlegm to dissipatePinellia, Tangerine PeelWhen used together, Pinellia dries dampness and resolves phlegm, while tangerine peel regulates qi and strengthens the spleen, both resolving existing phlegm and reducing the generation of dampness and phlegm at its source.Bamboo ShavingsClearing heat and resolving phlegm, clearing the heart and relieving restlessness, preventing prolonged phlegm-dampness from transforming into heat, and also improving insomnia and irritability caused by phlegm-heat; finally, combine withGinger, LicoriceIt can harmonize the properties of the medicine, warm and protect the spleen and stomach, and truly achieve "resolving phlegm without harming the body's vital energy."
However, it must be reminded that the most important principle in traditional Chinese medicine is syndrome differentiation and treatment. Each person's constitution is different, and the complexity of syndromes varies greatly. It is crucial not to use medications on your own. Always use them under the guidance of a professional physician based on syndrome differentiation to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
