Individuals with a phlegm-damp (tan shi) constitution exhibit 10 manifestations and have 5 improvement methods!

First, let’s discuss the 10 manifestations of phlegm-damp constitution

1. Dizziness, headache, and a feeling of heaviness in the head.

2. Nausea or vomiting of phlegm and saliva, or a gurgling sound in the gastrointestinal tract, or a sticky, greasy, dry mouth with no desire to drink.

3. A sensation of obstruction in the throat, difficulty swallowing, which appears intermittently.

4. Palpitations, insomnia, or fainting, convulsions, or altered mental state, but neurological examinations show no abnormalities, nor are there signs of yin deficiency or yang excess.

5. Stools coated with phlegm and saliva, or constipation with difficulty passing stools.

6. Low-grade fever and a feeling of heaviness in the body, or a subjective feeling of heat without a significant increase in body temperature.

7. Localized heat or cold in the limbs (or a cool back the size of a palm or numbness without pain or itchiness, or differences in size and sensation in certain areas of the limbs, but no abnormalities found in neurological, orthopedic, or dermatological examinations).

8. Ulcers, erosions, with moisture seeping or thick phlegm fluid that does not heal for a long time, and local skin thickening with scaling but no moisture seeping.

9. Chest tightness and shortness of breath, a feeling of fullness in the back, a tendency to sigh or pound the chest. These symptoms are particularly pronounced in humid or alternating weather conditions.

10. Swellings or nodules, either under the skin or within the abdomen, which can also occur in other tissues or organs, with no changes on the skin surface, or a slight cool sensation, or a dull skin color.

The above 10 manifestations are common pathological states associated with phlegm diseases, phlegm symptoms, and certain “phlegm-related” conditions. However, it does not mean that every patient with phlegm disease must exhibit all or most of these manifestations.

Therefore, it is essential to combine the characteristics of symptoms, the specific situation of the patient, and individual differences for differential diagnosis, rather than mechanically viewing these manifestations.

What Chinese patent medicines are good for phlegm-damp constitution?

1. Er Chen Wan (Two Aged Pills)

Function: Dries dampness and transforms phlegm, regulates qi and harmonizes the stomach. Used for cough with excessive phlegm due to phlegm-damp stagnation, chest and epigastric fullness, nausea, and vomiting.

This is the most typical medicine for phlegm-damp syndrome, capable of drying dampness and transforming phlegm, regulating qi and harmonizing the stomach. Especially for those with a thick and greasy tongue coating, it is important to maintain a light diet during medication, avoiding spicy, greasy, sweet foods, and nourishing Chinese herbs, as these can significantly promote dampness and phlegm production.

It is often taken together with Ping Wei Wan (Calm the Stomach Pills) for better results.

2. Ping Wei Wan (Calm the Stomach Pills)

Function: Dries dampness, strengthens the spleen, and relieves chest fullness. This product is used for excessive dampness in the spleen and stomach, loss of appetite, abdominal fullness, nausea, and acid regurgitation. It is often taken together with Er Chen Wan for better results.

3. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Powder)

Function: Tonifies the spleen and stomach, benefits lung qi. Used for spleen and stomach deficiency, reduced appetite, loose stools, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

4. Ban Xia Tian Ma Wan (Pinellia and Gastrodia Pills)

Function: Strengthens the spleen, dispels dampness, transforms phlegm, and extinguishes wind. Used for phlegm accumulation due to spleen dampness, dizziness, headache, a feeling of heaviness in the head, and fullness in the chest and abdomen.

5. Wen Dan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)

This Wen Dan Tang is used for foot baths, which is more effective. Boil the water, then simmer for 30 minutes, strain the medicinal liquid, divide it into two portions, and mix with warm water for foot baths in the morning and evening, each for 20 minutes. The water temperature should be appropriate, and excessive sweating should be avoided; generally, individuals with phlegm-damp constitution sweat in a sticky manner during foot baths.

Reflections

Having discussed so much, some readers may ask—since there is so much useful information, can I try it directly? Yes, but it must be under the guidance of a TCM practitioner.

The knowledge and intricacies of TCM formulas are vast. This short article cannot cover all the subtleties. Therefore, regarding practical application, we must not attempt recklessly; we should refer to the assistance of professionals. This is a responsibility to our bodies. If there are any uncertainties, we can communicate with each other!