Herbs and Herbal Prescriptions Resolving Phlegm and Relieving Cough and Asthma

Herbs that resolve phlegm and stop cough and asthma are used in cases with profuse sputum, thick sticky phlegm, and asthma. They also treat symptoms related to phlegm, such as scrofula, goiter, epilepsy, convulsions, and Yin carbuncles.

The selection of herbs depends upon the cause and manifestations. For example, if phlegm is accompanied by an exterior syndrome, herbs that release the exterior are added. If it is complicated with heat signs, herbs that clear heat are put into the formula. If an interior cold syndrome exists, herbs that warm the interior and dispel cold are added to the formula. If there are signs of cough and asthma with fatigue or weakness, herbs that nourish and tonify are added. For epilepsy and convulsions, herbs that pacify the liver, subdue endogenous wind, and tranquilize the mind are added. For goiter and scrofula, herbs that soften hardness are added. For Yin carbuncles, herbs that dispel cold and remove stagnation are added.

Prescriptions to expel phlegm refer to those that help expel or eliminate phlegm-fluid and deal with syndromes caused by phlegm. In light of the character of pathogenic factors, phlegm is roughly divided into damp-phlegm, heat-phlegm, dryness-phlegm, cold-phlegm, and wind-phlegm. Consequently, this group of prescriptions is subdivided into five categories:

(1)Prescriptions for drying dampness and resolving phlegm, which strengthen the spleen and resolve phlegm and are used to treat cough caused by damp-phlegm;

(2)Prescriptions for clearing heat and resolving phlegm, which clear heat and resolve phlegm and are mainly used to treat syndromes caused by heat-phlegm;

(3)Prescriptions for moistening dryness and resolving phlegm, which moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm and are chiefly used to treat cough caused by dryness in the lungs;

(4)Prescriptions for warming and resolving cold-phlegm which warm the lungs and resolve phlegm and are used to treat syndromes caused by deficiency of spleen-Yang or blockage of phlegm-fluid in the lungs;

(5)Prescriptions for dispelling wind and resolving phlegm. They dispel exogenous or endogenous wind and resolve phlegm, and are used to treat syndromes caused by wind-phlegm due to the invasion of the lungs by exogenous pathogenic wind or to the retention of turbid phlegm in the interior, which pulses and stirs up the liver wind.

Herbs

(i) Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Pinelliae

Part Used: Rhizome

Properties: Pungent, warm, and toxic

Meridians: Spleen, stomach, and lung

Functions:	(a)	To dry dampness and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To conduct rebellious Qi downward and stop vomiting;
	(c)	To reduce distension and disperse nodules.

Applications:

(a)Phlegm-damp cough due to deficient spleen, manifested as cough with profuse dilute white sputum. Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, ) and Poria (Fu Ling, ).

(b)Nausea and vomiting due to rebellious Stomach-Qi: (1) stomach cold type — Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, ); (2) stomach heat type — Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, ) and Loquat leaf (Pi Pa Ye, ); (3) stomach weakness type — Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Ginseng (Ren Shen, ) and Jujube (Da Zao, ); (4) pregnancy type — Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Perilla stem (Su Geng, ) and Amomum fruit (Sha Ren, ).

(c)Globus hystericus due to Qi stagnation and accumulation of Phlegm-damp, manifested as a feeling of having a foreign body in the throat, fullness and distension in the chest and epigastric region, and nausea. Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Magnolia bark (Hou Po, ), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye, ), and Poria (Fu Ling, ).

(d)Goiter, scrofula, and subcutaneous nodules. Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) is used with Laminaria (Kun Bu, ), Seaweed (Hai Zao, ), and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ).

(e)Dosage: 3–9 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with dry cough due to deficient Yin, or cough due to phlegm-heat. It cannot be used with Sichuan aconite root (Wu Tou, ).

(ii) Arisaema tuber (Tian Nan Xing, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Rhizoma Arisaematis

Part Used: Rhizome

Properties: Bitter, pungent, and warm

Meridians: Lung, liver, and spleen

Functions:	(a)	To dry dampness and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To dispel wind and stop spasms.

Applications:

(a)Phlegm-damp cough, manifested as profuse dilute white sputum and a stifling sensation in the chest. Arisaema tuber (Tian Nan Xing, ) is used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ), Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, ), and Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, ).

(b)Phlegm-heat in the lungs, manifested as cough with profuse yellow thick sputum and a stifling sensation in the chest. Arisaema tuber with bile (Dan Nan Xing, ) is used with Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ).

(c)Wind-phlegm, manifested as dizziness, vertigo, a rattling sound in the windpipe, facial paralysis, epilepsy, and convulsions in tetanus. Arisaema tuber (Tian Nan Xing, ) is used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ), Gastrodia tuber (Tian Ma, ), and Typhonium tuber (Bai Fu Zi, ).

(d)Dosage: 3–9 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated during pregnancy. In general, the raw herb is not used internally.

(iii) White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Sinapsis seu Brassicae

Part Used: Seeds

Properties: Pungent and warm

Meridian: Lung

Functions:	(a)	To warm the lungs and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To invigorate Qi circulation and disperse nodules;
	(c)	To open the channels and stop pain.

Applications:

(a)Lungs blocked by cold-phlegm, manifested as cough with profuse dilute white sputum and a stifling sensation in the chest. White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, ) is used with Perilla seed (Su Zi, ) and Radish seed (Lai Fu Zi, ).

(b)Retention of phlegm-damp in the chest and diaphragm, manifested as distension and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region. White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, ) is used with Kansui root (Gan Sui, ) and Peking spurge root (Da Ji, ).

(c)Channels and collaterals obstructed by phlegm-damp, manifested as joint pain and numbness of the limbs. White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, ) is used with Myrrh (Mo Yao, ) and Costus root (Mu Xiang, ).

(d)Yin carbuncles and swellings without discoloration of the skin. White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, ) is used with Antler glue (Lu Jiao Jiao, ), Cinnamon bark (Rou Gui, ), and Prepared Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang, ).

(e)Dosage: 3–6 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in cases with skin allergies.

(iv) Platycodon root (Jie Geng, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Platycodi

Part Used: Root

Properties: Bitter, pungent, and neutral

Meridian: Lung

Functions:	(a)	To promote the dispersing function of the lungs;
	(b)	To resolve phlegm;
	(c)	To expel pus.

Applications:

(a)Failure of lung-Qi to disperse due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors, manifested as cough with profuse sputum or sputum that is difficult to expectorate, fullness and distension in the chest and hypochondriac region, sore throat, and hoarse voice. Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ) is used with Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ), Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye, ), and Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, ) for wind-cold cough. Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, ),Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) for wind-heat cough. Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ) is used with Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, ), Licorice root (Gan Cao, ), and Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, ) for sore throat and hoarse voice.

(b)Toxic heat accumulated in the lungs (lung abscess), manifested as cough with blood or pus, yellow offensive-smelling sputum, and chest pain. Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ) is used with Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, ), Benincasa seed (Dong Gua Ren), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ).

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

(v) Inula flower (Xuan Fu Hua, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Flos Inulae

Part Used: Flower

Properties: Bitter, pungent, salty, and slightly warm

Meridians: Lung, spleen, stomach, and large intestine

Functions:	(a)	To resolve phlegm and promote water metabolism;
	(b)	To conduct Qi downward and stop vomiting.

Applications:

(a)Phlegm fluid blocking the lungs, manifested as asthma and cough with profuse sputum. Inula flower (Xuan Fu Hua, ) is used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) and Asarum herb (Xi Xin, ).

(b)Phlegm fluid blocking the stomach leading to rebellious Qi, manifested as eructation, vomiting, and an epigastric full sensation. Inula flower (Xuan Fu Hua, ) is used with Red ochre (Dai Zhe Shi, ) in the formula Xuanfu Daizhe Tang.

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: When one is decocting, this herb should be wrapped in cloth.

(vi) Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix et Rhizome Stauntoni

Part Used: Root

Properties: Pungent, sweet, and neutral

Meridian: Lung

Functions:	(a)	To resolve phlegm and stop cough;
	(b)	To conduct Qi downward.

Applications:

(a)Cough due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors. Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ) is used with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, ) and Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ).

(b)Turbid phlegm blocking the lungs: (1) cold-phlegm cough — Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ) is used with Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ) and Perilla seed (Su Zi, ); (2) phlegm-heat cough — Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ) is used with Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ).

(c)Cough, asthma, edema, and a rattling sound in the throat. Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ) is used with Aster root (Zi Wan, ) and Peking spurge root (Da Ji, ).

(d)Dosage: 3–9 g.

(vii) Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Peucedani

Part Used: Root

Properties: Bitter, pungent, and slightly cold

Meridian: Lung

Functions:	(a)	To promote the dispersing function of the lungs and clear heat;
	(b)	To resolve phlegm and stop cough.

Applications:

(a)Phlegm-heat accumulating in the lungs, manifested as cough with yellow thick sputum. Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, ) is used with Mulberry bark (Sang Bai Pi, ), Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ), and Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ).

(b)Cough due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind and heat. Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, ) is used with Mentha (Bo He, ), Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, ), and Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ).

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

(viii) Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Trichosanthes

Part Used: Fruit

Properties: Sweet and cold

Meridians: Lung, stomach, and large intestine

Functions:	(a)	To clear heat and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To moisten dryness and move feces;
	(c)	To regulate Qi in the chest and release nodules.

Applications:

(a)Phlegm-heat cough, manifested as cough with yellow thick sputum, a stifling sensation in the chest, and constipation. Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) is used with Arisaema tuber with bile (Dan Nan Xing, ) and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ).

(b)Phlegm, dampness, and stagnated blood blocking the chest, manifested as a stifling sensation and pain in the chest, and chest pain referring to the back of the body. Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) is used with Macrostem onion (Xie Bai, ) and Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ).

(c)Phlegm and heat accumulating in the chest and epigastric region, manifested as fullness and a stifling sensation in the chest and epigastric region. Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) is used with Coptis root (Huang Lian, ) and Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ).

(d)Constipation. Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) is used with Hemp seed (Huo Ma Ren, ), Bush cherry seed (Yu Li Ren, ), and Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, ).

(e)Mastitis (swollen painful breasts). Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ) is used with Dandelion herb (Pu Gong Ying, ), Frankincense (Ru Xiang, ), and Myrrh (Mo Yao, ).

(f)Dosage: 10–20 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb cannot be used with Sichuan aconite root (Wu Tou, ), as they counteract each other.

(ix) Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Bulbus fritillariae cirrhosae

Part Used: Bulb

Properties: Bitter, sweet, and slightly cold

Meridians: Lung and heart

Functions:	(a)	To moisten the lungs and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To stop cough;
	(c)	To clear heat and release nodules.

Applications:

(a)Cough: (1) chronic cough due to lung deficiency, manifested as dry cough and dry throat — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, ) and Glehnia root (Sha Shen, ); (2) phlegm-heat cough, manifested as yellow thick sputum — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu, ), Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ); (3) wind-heat cough — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, ), Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, ), and Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ).

(b)Scrofula, mastitis, and lung abscess: (1) scrofula — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, ) and Oyster shell (Mu Li, ); (2) mastitis — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Dandelion herb (Pu Gong Ying, ) and Forsythia fruit (Lian Qiao, ); (3) lung abscess — Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ) is used with Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, ) and Coix seed (Yi Yi Ren, ).

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb cannot be used with Sichuan aconite root (Wu Tou, ), as they counteract each other.

(x) Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Caulis bambusae in taenis

Part Used: Shavings from the outer part of the bamboo plant

Properties: Sweet and slightly cold

Meridians: Lung, stomach, and gall bladder

Functions:	(a)	To clear heat and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To relieve irritability and stop vomiting.

Applications:

(a)Cough due to heat in the lungs, manifested as cough with yellow thick sputum. Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, ) are used with Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ) and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ).

(b)Mind disturbed by phlegm-heat, manifested as irritability, insomnia, palpitations, a stifling sensation in the chest, and cough with yellow sputum. Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, ) are used with Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, ), Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, ), and Poria (Fu Ling, ).

(c)Nausea and vomiting caused by heat in the stomach. Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, ) are used with Coptis root (Huang Lian, ), Tangerine peel (Chen Pi, ), Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ), and Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, ).

(d)Dosage: 4.5–9 g.

(xi) Apricot seed (Xing Ren, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Armeniacae

Part Used: Seeds

Properties: Bitter, slightly warm, and slightly toxic

Meridians: Lung and large intestine

Functions:	(a)	To stop cough and relieve asthma;
	(b)	To moisten the intestines and move stools.

Applications:

(a)Cough and asthma: (1) cough due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic wind and heat — Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, ) and Chrysanthemum flower (Ju Hua, ); (2) cough due to dysfunction of the lungs caused by dryness and heat — Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ) is used with Mulberry leaf (Sang Ye, ), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ), and Glehnia root (Sha Shen, ); (3) cough and asthma due to accumulated heat in the lungs — Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ) is used with Gypsum (Shi Gao, ) and Ephedra (Ma Huang, ).

(b)Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ) is used with Hemp seed (Huo Ma Ren, ) and Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, )

(c)Dosage: 4.5–9 g.

Cautions and Contraindications: This herb is slightly toxic, so overdosing should be avoided. It should be used with caution in infants.

(xii) Stemona root (Bai Bu, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Stemonae

Part Used: Root

Properties: Sweet, bitter, and neutral

Meridian: Lung

Functions:	(a)	To moisten the lungs and stop cough;
	(b)	To kill lice and parasites.

Applications:

(a)Cough in the common cold. Stemona root (Bai Bu, ) is used with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, ), Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ), and Aster root (Zi Wan, ).

(b)Whooping cough. Stemona root (Bai Bu, ) is used with Glehnia root (Bei Sha Shen, ), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ), and Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ).

(c)Cough due to tuberculosis. Stemona root (Bai Bu, ) is used with Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, ) and Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang, ).

(d)Head or body lice. The herb is made into a 20% tincture or a 50% decoction and used as an external wash.

(e)Pinworm. A 30 ml 100% decoction is administered as an enema before sleep, daily for five days.

(f)Dosage: 3–9 g.

(xiii) Aster root (Zi Wan, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Radix Asteris

Part Used: Root or rhizoms

Properties: Bitter, sweet, and slightly warm

Meridian: Lung

Function: To resolve phlegm and stop cough.

Application:

(a)Cough: (1) cough due to invasion of exogenous pathogenic factors, manifested as cough with profuse sputum — Aster root (Zi Wan, ) is used with Schizonepeta (Jing Jie, ) and Swallowwort rhizome (Bai Qian, ); (2) cough due to deficiency of the lungs, manifested as cough with scanty or bloody sputum — Zi Wan  is used with Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu, ), Tendrilled fritillary bulb (Chuan Bei Mu, ), and Donkey hide gelatin (E Jiao, ).

(b)Dosage: 5–9 g.

(xiv) Perilla seed (Su Zi, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Fructus Perillae

Part Used: Fruit

Properties: Pungent and warm

Meridians: Lung and large intestine

Functions:	(a)	To stop cough and soothe asthma;
	(b)	To moisten the intestines and move feces.

Applications:

(a)Upward perversion of lung-Qi caused by excessive phlegm fluid, manifested as cough with white profuse sputum, or asthma and fullness and a stifling sensation in the chest and hypochondriac region. Perilla seed (Su Zi, ) is used with White mustard seed (Bai Jie Zi, ) and Radish seed (Lai Fu Zi, ).

(b)Constipation due to dryness in the intestines. Perilla seed (Su Zi, ) is used with Hemp seed (Huo Ma Ren, ), Trichosanthes seed (Gua Lou Ren, ), and Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ).

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

(xv) Lepidium seed (Ting Li Zi, )

Pharmaceutical Name: Semen Lepiddi seu Descurainiae

Part Used: Seeds

Properties: Bitter, pungent, and very cold

Meridians: Lung and urinary bladder

Functions:	(a)	To reduce phlegm in the lungs and soothe asthma;
	(b)	To promote urination and reduce edema.

Applications:

(a)Retention of phlegm fluid in the lungs, manifested as cough with profuse sputum, asthma, fullness and distension in the chest and hypochondriac region, asthma in which the patient cannot lie flat, and edema of the face. Lepidium seed (Ting Li Zi, ) is used with Jujube (Da Zao, ).

(b)Edema or dysuria. Lepidium seed (Ting Li Zi, ) is used with Tetrandra root (Fang Ji, ) and Rhubarb (Da Huang, ).

(c)Dosage: 3–9 g.

Prescriptions

 Prescriptions for Drying Dampness and Resolving Phlegm（燥湿化痰剂）

(i) Erchen Tang 

(Two Old Herbs Decoction)

Composition:	Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, )	15 g
	Citrus peel (Ju Pi, )	15 g
	Poria (Fu Ling, )	9 g
	Baked licorice (Zhi Gan Cao, )	5 g
	Fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, )	3 g
	Black plum (Wu Mei, )	1 pc

Administration: The above herbs are cooked with water by decoction.

Functions:	(a)	To dry dampness and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To regulate Qi circulation and harmonize the middle Jiao.

Indications: Cough due to damp-phlegm, manifested as profuse white phlegm being easy to be cough, fullness and a choking sensation in the chest, nausea and vomiting, lassitude, or dizziness and palpitations, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a smooth pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for treating damp-phlegm cough. The Syndrome of damp-phlegm mainly results from dysfunction of the spleen and lung, in that the spleen is the source of phlegm and the lung is the receptacle for holding phlegm. All the disorders should be treated by drying dampness, eliminating phlegm, and regulating the circulation of Qi and the middle Jiao. Pungent, warm, and dry in nature, Ban Xia  acts as the chief herb, drying dampness and dispersing phlegm, and suppressing the adversely ascendant Qi and harmonizing stomach Qi to arrest vomiting. Used as the assistant herb, Ju Pi  promotes the effect of Ban Xia , as well as promoting the flow of Qi, regulating Qi, and drying dampness to get the phlegm cleared, Fu ling  with sweet and neutral properties acts as the adjuvant herb, reinforcing the spleen to excrete dampness and inhibit dampness generation. It treats both the superficial symptoms and the root cause of the disease when in combination with the chief and assistant herbs. Zhi Gan Cao , the guiding herb, regulates the spleen and mediates the properties of other herbs. Sheng Jiang  downbears counterflow and harmonizes the stomach to help Ban Xia  to disperse phlegm but also restrain toxicity, Wu Mei  with a sour property preserves lung-Qi so that phlegm is removed without impairment of body resistance.

Applications in Bio-medicine: Chronic bronchitis, chronic gastritis, vomiting during pregnancy, neurotic vomiting, and other similar conditions accompanied by large amounts of whitish sputum.

Modifications:

(a)If severe dizziness is also present, add Gastrodia tuber (Tian Ma, ).

(b)In cases of cold manifestations, add Dried ginger (Gan Jiang, ) and Asarum (Xi Xin, ).

(c)For heat manifestations, add Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ), Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, ), and Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, ).

(d)If severe distension and fullness in the chest and diaphragm occur, add Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, ), Perilla stem (Su Geng, ), and Agastache (Huo Xiang, ).

(e)For indigestion, add Radish seed (Lai Fu Zi, ) and Medicated leaven (Shen Qu, ).

(f)For insomnia and a yellow tongue coating, replace Wu Mei with Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, ) and Bamboo shavings (Zhu Ru, ).

(g)For severe vomiting, add Costus root (Mu Xiang, ) and Amomum fruit (Sha Ren, ).

(h)For poor appetite and loose stools, replace Wu Mei  with Ginseng (Ren Shen, ) and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, ).

(i)In cases of chills and fever, add Perilla leaf (Zi Su Ye, ), Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ), and Platycodon root (Jie Geng, ).

(j)For a red tongue with a small amount of dry coating, and a dry throat and mouth, add Chinese Angelica root (Dang Gui, ) and Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang, ).

 Prescriptions for Clearing Heat and Resolving Phlegm（清热化痰）

(i) Qingqi Hua tan Wan 

(Qi-Clearing and Phlegm-Transforming Pill)

Composition:	Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, )	30 g
	Citrus peel (Ju Pi, )	30 g
	Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, )	30 g
	Apricot seed (Xing Ren, )	30 g
	Immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, )	30 g
	Poria (Fu Ling, )	30 g
	Arisaema with bile (Dan Nan Xing,)	45 g
	Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, )	45 g

Administration: The above herbs are ground into powder, and mixed with ginger juice to make pills. Take 6–9 g each time with warm boiled water.

Functions:	(a)	To clear heat and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To regulate Qi and stop cough.

Indications: Accumulation of phlegm and heat, marked by cough with thick yellow phlegm, oppression in the chest and stomach duct, or shortness of breath and nausea in serious cases, a reddened tongue with a greasy yellowish coating, and a smooth rapid pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by excess heat and thick phlegm congesting in the lung. Fire heat distresses the lung and scorches fluid, then fluid transforms into phlegm because of being scorched, which causes cough with yellow thick phlegm; phlegm and heat binding together impedes Qi activity, and causes fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm. All the disorders should be treated by clearing heat to remove phlegm, regulating the flow of Qi, and arresting cough. Dan Nan Xing  with bitter and cold properties acts as the chief herb, treats heat congestion, and removes the blockage of phlegm. Huang Qin  with bitter and cold properties purges fire from the lung, and Gua Lou  clears heat from the lung and removes phlegm. They are used as the assistant herbs and promote the effect of the chief herb in this respect. Zhi Shi  descends Qi and disperses glomus; Ju Pi  regulates the flow of Qi to relieve fullness, dry dampness, and remove phlegm, while Fu Ling  reinforces the spleen and induces diuresis to effectively block the source of phlegm. Xing Ren  descends the adverse flow of lung-Qi to relieve cough, while Ban Xia  eliminates dampness and removes phlegm. These five herbs play the role of adjuvant herbs. Ginger juice is meant to strengthen the effect of removing phlegm and harmonizes the stomach; additionally, it reduces the toxic effect of Ban Xia . So Sheng Jiang  serves as both the assistant and the guiding herb.

Applications in Bio-medicine: Bronchitis, pneumonia and bronchiectasis with thick yellowish sputum, which pertain to heat-phlegm syndrome.

Modifications:

(a)For excessive heat, add Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, ), Anemarrhena rhizome (Zhi Mu, ), and Gypsum (Shi Gao, ).

(b)In cases of constipation, add Rhubarb (Da Huang, ) and Cape jasmine fruit (Zhi Zi, ).

(ii) Xiao Xianxiong Tang 

(Minor Chest-Relieving Decoction)

Composition:	Coptis (Huang Lian, )	6 g
	Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, )	12 g
	Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, )	30 g

Administration: The above herbs are cooked with water by decoction.

Functions:	(a)	To clear heat and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To ease the chest and remove stagnation.

Indications: Syndrome of phlegm and heat blocking the chest, marked by a stuffy chest with pain when pressing, or cough with thick yellow phlegm, a greasy yellowish tongue coating, and a smooth rapid pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for treating minor chest bind syndrome. Phlegm and heat binding together leads to Qi stagnation and blockage in the lung, which cause yellow phlegm. All the disorders should be treated by clearing heat and removing phlegm to relieve fullness. Gua Lou  with sweet and cold properties clears heat, removes phlegm, and regulates the flow of lung-Qi to relieve chest fullness, as well as relieving constipation and descending lung heat, and is used as the chief herb. Huang Lian  is cold in property and thus clears heat well, while Ban Xia  is pungent and warm in its properties, removing phlegm and relieving fullness, as well as descending Qi and regulating the stomach. Both are assistant herbs and their combination enhances the ability of Gua Lou’s to clear heat, remove phlegm and relieve fullness.

Applications in Bio-medicine: Gastritis, bronchitis, pleurisy, pleural adhesions, and other conditions which are chiefly marked by chest and epigastric fullness and pain as well as a greasy yellowish coating, and which are ascribed to retention of both phlegm and heat.

Modifications:

(a)For alternating chills and fever, add Bupleurum root (Chai Hu,) and Scutellaria root (Huang Qin, ).

(b)For distension and fullness in the chest and epigastric region, add immature bitter orange (Zhi Shi, ).

 Prescriptions for Moistening Dryness and Resolving Phlegm（润燥化痰剂）

(i) Beimu Gualou San

(Fritillary Bulb and Trichosanthes Powder)

Composition:	Fritillary bulb (Bei Mu, )	5 g
	Trichosanthes fruit (Gua Lou, )	3 g
	Trichosanthes root (Tian Hua Fen, )	2.5 g
	Poria (Fu Ling, )	2.5 g
	Platycodon root (Jie Geng, )	2.5 g
	Citrus peel (Ju Pi, )	2.5 g

Administration: Decoct the above herbs in water for drinking.

Functions:	(a)	To moisten the lung and clear heat;
	(b)	To resolve phlegm and relieve cough.

Indications: Syndrome of cough due to dryness and heat in the lung, marked by cough with sticky phlegm, difficulty in expectoration, dry mouth, lips and throat, a thin dry whitish tongue coating, and a thready or thready rapid pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome caused by lung dryness and the consumption of body fluids, leading to the generation of phlegm. The syndrome should be treated by nourishing the lung and clearing heat, as well as eliminating phlegm and relieving cough. Bei Mu  with bitter and sweet properties and Gua Lou  with sweet and cold properties have the functions of moistening the lung, clearing heat, eliminating phlegm, and relieving cough, and are used as the chief herbs. Tian Hua Fen  with sweet and slightly bitter properties acts as the assistant herb, moistening dryness and engendering body fluid, as well as clearing heat and removing phlegm. Ju Pi  regulates the flow of Qi to remove phlegm. Fu Ling  inhibits the generation of phlegm by reinforcing the spleen and inducing diuresis. Jie Geng  facilitates the flow of the lung-Qi, and plays the role of the adjuvant herb together with Ju Pi  and Fu Ling .

Applications in Bio-medicine: Tuberculosis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and other conditions which have the above symptoms, and are induced by dryness-phlegm.

Modifications:

(a)For dry throat and sore throat, add Scrophularia (Xuan Shen, ), Ophiopogon root (Mai Dong, ), and Licorice (Gan Cao, ).

(b)For itching in the throat, add Peucedanum root (Qian Hu, ) and Arctium fruit (Niu Bang Zi, ).

(c)If there is cough with bloody sputum, add Donkey hide gelatin (W Jiao, ), Fresh Rehmannia root (Sheng Di Huang, ), and Eclipta (Han Lian Cao, ).

 Prescriptions for Warming and Resolving Cold-phlegm （温化寒痰剂）

(i) Ling Gan Wuwei Jiang Xin Tang 

(Poria, Licorice, Schisandra Fruit, Dried Ginger, and Asarum Decoction)

Composition:	Poria (Fu Ling, )	12 g
	Licorice (Gan Cao, )	6 g
	Schisandra fruit (Wu Wei Zi,)	6 g
	Dried ginger (Gan Jiang, )	9 g
	Asarum (Xi Xin, )	6 g

Administration: The above herbs are cooked with water by decoction.

Functions: To warm the lung and resolve phlegm-fluid.

Indications: Cough due to cold rheum, marked by cough with thin white watery phlegm, discomfort in the chest and diaphragm, a glossy whitish tongue coating, and a taut smooth pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for the syndrome resulting from spleen-Yang deficiency, which causes inner cold; the spleen failing to transport and transform causes dampness and rheum. All the disorders should be treated by warming the lung and dispersing cold rheum. Gan Jiang  functions as the chief herb, warming the lung and expelling cold to disperse rheum, as well as to warm and activate the spleen-Yang to eliminate dampness. Xi Xin  warms the lung and dispels cold, while Fu Ling  reinforces the spleen and eliminates dampness. Both are used as assistant herbs, which not only remove phlegm but also prevent its generation. Used as the adjuvant herb, Wu Wei Zi  preserves lung-Qi so as to stop coughing, astringes Yin, and engenders liquid; it is combined with Gan Jiang  and Xi Xin  to achieve the effect of combining astringing with dispersing, expelling without damaging the healthy Qi and astringing without retaining the evil-Qi, as well as regulating the opening and closing activity of the lung. Gan Cao , as the guiding herb, mediates the properties of other herbs and regulates the middle Jiao.

Applications in Bio-medicine: Chronic bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema, which are ascribed to cold retention in the interior with cough and thin clear sputum.

Modifications:

(a)If profuse sputum is present, add Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, ).

(b)For severe cough, add Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ), Aster root (Zi Wan, ), and Tussilago flower (Kuan Dong Hua, ).

(c)For a severe stifling sensation and fullness in the chest and epigastric region, add Bitter orange (Zhi Qiao, ) and Citrus peel (Ju Pi, ).

(d)For Qi deficiency, add Ginseng (Ren Shen, ) and White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, ).

(e)In cases of dyspnea, add Ephedra (Ma Huang, ) and Apricot seed (Xing Ren, ).

 Prescriptions for Dispelling Wind and Resolving Phlegm （化痰熄风剂）

(i) Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang 

(Pinellia, White Atractylodes, and Gastrodia Decoction)

Composition:	Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia, )	9 g
	Gastrodia tuber (Tian Ma, )	6 g
	Poria (Fu Ling, )	6 g
	Citrus peel (Ju Pi, )	6 g
	White Atractylodes (Bai Zhu, )	15 g
	Licorice (Gan Cao, )	4 g

Administration: The above herbs, along with a slice of fresh ginger (Sheng Jiang, ) and two pieces of Jujube (Da Zao, ), are decocted for drinking.

Functions:	(a)	To dry dampness and resolve phlegm;
	(b)	To pacify the liver and eliminate wind.

Indications: Syndrome of upward attack of wind-phlegm, marked by dizziness and vertigo, headache, nausea, vomiting, oppression in the chest, a greasy whitish tongue coating, and a taut smooth pulse.

Formula Analysis: This is the commonly used formula for dizziness due to wind-phlegm. This syndrome is caused by the spleen-Qi deficiency engendering phlegm and liver wind stirring internally. All the disorders should be treated by dispersing phlegm and extinguishing wind, drying dampness, and fortifying the spleen. Ban Xia  with pungent and warm properties removes dampness and phlegm and descends Qi to relieve vomiting, while Tian Ma  with sweet and neutral properties calms liver wind and extinguishes wind, frees the network vessels, upbears the clear and arrests dizziness in order to treat wind. Bai Zhu  and Fu Ling , functioning as the assistant herbs, reinforce the spleen and eliminate dampness to treat the source of phlegm production. Used as the adjuvant herb, Ju Pi  strengthens the effect of the chief and assistant herbs while promoting the easy flow of Qi and the elimination of phlegm and dampness; when combined with Ban Xia , it downbears conterflow and harmonizes the stomach in order to disperse phlegm, and downbears turbidity. Gan Cao , the guiding herb, supplements Qi and regulates the middle Jiao, in addition to mediating the properties of other herbs. All the herbs are used together to produce the actions of dispersing phlegm and extinguishing wind.

Applications in Bio-medicine: Meniere’s syndrome, neurotic dizziness and vertigo, aural vertigo, and other conditions which are chiefly manifested as vertigo, nausea, and a greasy whitish tongue coating, and which are ascribed to upward disturbance by wind-phlegm.

Modifications:

(a)For severe dizziness and vertigo, add White stiff silkworm (Jiang Can, ) and Arisaema with bile (Dan Nan Xing, ).

(b)In cases of Qi deficiency, add pilose asiabell root (Dang Shen, ) and Astragalus root (Huang Qi, ).