Today I will introduce three prescriptions for resolving phlegm, which are three timeless formulas from the medical sage Zhang Zhongjing: Xiao Qinglong Tang for white phlegm, Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang for yellow phlegm, and Ban Xia Hou Po Tang for sticky phlegm.
I.Cold Phlegm
The texture is clear and may be foamy. In traditional Chinese medicine, white phlegm is often associated with cold pathogens. Cold pathogens can damage the lungs, affecting their functions of dispersing and descending, leading to the coughing up of white phlegm. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as headache, nasal congestion, coughing, and aversion to cold.
In this situation, our conditioning requiresDispelling Exterior Cold, Warming the Lungs to Resolve PhlegmTranslate the following text to en, maintaining the original format but without adding any symbols: , can refer toXiao Qing Long Tang。
TwoYellow phlegm
The texture is sticky, which is often a manifestation of internal heat. Heat pathogens can deplete body fluids, causing phlegm to gradually become thick and yellow. This is often accompanied by dry mouth, thirst, body fever, worsening cough, irritability, and restlessness. On the tongue, it typically appears as a red tongue with a yellow coating.
In response to this situation, our approach to regulation shouldClearing lung heat and calming cough and asthmaTranslate the following text to en, maintaining the original format but without adding any symbols: , can refer toMahuang Xingren Gancao Shigao Decoction。
IIIphlegm
This phlegm always sticks in the throat, neither going up nor down. Although it does not affect eating, it causes a feeling of blockage and discomfort, often accompanied by chest tightness, and the symptoms of phlegm worsen with emotional agitation. This is because liver qi stagnation travels along the meridians to disturb the throat, leading to fluid stagnation and the formation of phlegm.
In such a situation, when we regulate, we shouldPromoting Qi Flow and Descending Counterflow, Resolving Phlegm and Dissipating NodulesTranslate the following text to en, maintaining the original format but without adding any symbols: , can refer toBanxia Houpo Tang。
However, it is important to note that traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment. Each individual has a different constitution, varying degrees of liver blood deficiency, and different complexities of syndrome types. It is crucial not to blindly apply treatments on your own. Always use them under the guidance of a professional physician based on syndrome differentiation to ensure both safety and effectiveness.
