Traditional Chinese Medicine Case Studies / Medical Discussions / Clinical Reference Articles for Learning TCM
Introduction: Phlegm-dampness affects the human body, leading to dysfunction of the organs and various complex pathological changes, making the condition difficult to cure. Today, we present five self-formulated prescriptions by Zhang Xichun that have proven effective in treating phlegm-dampness.Li Yin DecoctionIndications:Due to deficiency of heart and lung yang, resulting in spleen dampness not rising, and stomach qi not descending, leading to inability to transform food into essence, which is also a form of phlegm evil.Stagnation in the stomach manifests as fullness and oppression, overflow in the diaphragm leads to shortness of breath, accumulation in the lung passages causes wheezing, and stagnation in the throat results in coughing up sticky phlegm. Severe cases may see dampness clouding the upper jiao, preventing the yang of the heart and lungs from freely circulating, leading to stagnation and heat. Alternatively, if yin energy forces yang to the surface, it may cause body heat and pressure yang qi to rise, resulting in deafness.However, one must diagnose the pulse; only if it is string-like, slow, and weak can this decoction be administered.Ingredients:4 qian of Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), 5 qian of Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), 2 qian of Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), 2 qian of Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-Fried Licorice), 2 qian of Fu Ling (Poria), 2 qian of Sheng Bai Shao (Fresh White Peony), 0.5 qian of Ju Hong (Tangerine Peel), 0.5 qian of Chuan Hou Po (Magnolia Bark).Modifications:After taking several doses, if the phlegm is cleared but the qi is still insufficient, add a few qian of Sheng Huang Qi (Fresh Astragalus).Formula Explanation:This formula uses Gui Zhi and Gan Jiang to assist the yang of the heart and lungs and promote circulation. Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao are used to regulate the dampness of the spleen and stomach and facilitate its drainage (Fu Ling and Gan Cao together are most effective in draining dampness). The use of Hou Po is based on Ye Tian Shi’s saying that “excessive use of Hou Po breaks qi, while minimal use promotes yang,” aiming to utilize its warming and circulating properties to allow the stomach’s yang to circulate and facilitate the downward movement of food and fluids. Ju Hong is used to assist Bai Zhu, Fu Ling, and Gan Cao in benefiting phlegm-dampness.As for Bai Shao, if its bitter and neutral nature is utilized, it can prevent the heat from the warming herbs from becoming excessive (neutral herbs are primarily descending); if its sour and astringent nature is utilized, it can restrain the floating of deficient heat (the “Shen Nong’s Herbal Classic” states that Bai Shao is bitter and neutral, while later generations describe it as sour and astringent, its taste is indeed bitter but slightly sour). Furthermore, warming herbs are suitable for the spleen and stomach but may not be suitable for the liver and gallbladder. Additionally, it has a cooling and moistening nature, which is good for nourishing the yin of the liver and gallbladder, thus preventing heat in these organs. Moreover, it is beneficial for urination, which can help reduce phlegm-dampness!Li Phlegm DecoctionIndications:Phlegm and fluids obstructing the chest and diaphragm, causing fullness and shortness of breath. Alternatively, if it accumulates in the lungs, it may lead to wheezing and coughing; if it stagnates under the heart, it may cause palpitations and insomnia; if it obstructs the stomach, it may cause bloating and belching; if it overflows into the meridians, it may cause numbness or weakness in the limbs; if it remains in the joints or affects the tendons and bones, it may lead to difficulty in bending and stretching, causing pain; if it causes rebellious qi and liver fire to rise, it may lead to dizziness and inability to sit or stand.Ingredients:1 liang of Sheng Qian Shi (Fresh Euryale Seed), 4 qian of Qing Ban Xia (Fresh Pinellia), 3 qian of Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame), 2 qian of Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed, stir-fried and crushed), 2 qian of Sheng Bai Shao (Fresh White Peony), 2 qian of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), 2 qian of Fu Ling (Poria).Modifications:If this formula is used to treat epilepsy, one may add Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) or Sheng Tie Luo (Fresh Iron Filings), or use grinding water to decoct the herbs, all of which are acceptable.Notes:In modern medicine, the treatment of phlegm often relies on the Song Dynasty’s “Er Chen Decoction,” which is considered a general remedy for phlegm. However, it is not understood that Er Chen Decoction can treat the symptoms of phlegm but not the root cause. Why? The symptoms of phlegm are located in the stomach, while the root cause originates in the kidneys. The kidneys govern storage, and the bladder is considered a hollow organ. When the storage function is sometimes weak, qi must be directed to the bladder. If the bladder expands, it cannot empty like a valley, thus failing to attract the water and fluids from the stomach, leading to urination. This is the origin of phlegm.Moreover, the kidneys are above the blood sea, which is the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) of the extraordinary vessels. This vessel connects to the Yangming channel below and links to the Shaoyin channel above. Because it connects to the Shaoyin channel, if the kidney’s qi transformation is not regulated, the qi of the Chong Mai easily rises. Because it connects to the Yangming channel, if the qi of the Chong Mai rises, the stomach qi also tends to rebel, failing to descend and transform fluids. This is another origin of phlegm.This formula uses Ban Xia as the monarch to descend the rebellious qi of the Chong Mai and stomach. It heavily employs Qian Shi to gather the qi of the Chong Mai, and additionally gathers the qi of the kidneys to strengthen its storage ability. When the qi of the kidneys is transformed, the qi of the bladder and Chong Mai will naturally be treated, and the root cause of phlegm will be cleared. The use of Zhi Ma and Bai Zi Ren serves to moisten the dryness of Ban Xia and also assists Qian Shi in tonifying the kidneys.The use of Bai Shao and Fu Ling serves to nourish yin to promote urination; one is to facilitate urination, and the other is to promote urination. Chen Pi is used not for its phlegm-transforming power but for its qi-moving ability, assisting Ban Xia in descending the rebellious qi and also in moving the stagnation of Qian Shi, Zhi Ma, and Bai Zi Ren.When this formula was first created, I was still young and had little knowledge of medicine. There was a renowned physician in the area, Mr. Li Longzhang, who greatly praised it, saying that I would surely become a famous doctor in the future. Later, this formula indeed achieved remarkable results.In cases of severe phlegm syndrome, taking it can also save lives.
Long Haol Li Phlegm DecoctionIndications:Phlegm generated from overthinking, leading to heat and unrest of the spirit.Ingredients:4 qian of Qing Ban Xia (Fresh Pinellia), 6 qian of Sheng Long Gu (Fresh Dragon Bone, finely crushed), 6 qian of Sheng Mu Li (Fresh Oyster Shell, finely crushed), 3 qian of Sheng Zhi Shi (Fresh Red Ochre, finely ground), 2 qian of Pu Xiao (Sodium Sulfate), 3 qian of Hei Zhi Ma (Black Sesame, stir-fried and crushed), 3 qian of Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed, stir-fried and crushed), 3 qian of Sheng Bai Shao (Fresh White Peony), 2 qian of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), 2 qian of Fu Ling (Poria).Notes:This formula is essentially Li Phlegm Decoction with Long Gu and Mu Li replacing Qian Shi, and additionally adding Zhi Shi and Pu Xiao. The reason for these modifications is thatthe phlegm addressed by this formula is both deficient and excess.Excess phlegm should be opened, as seen in the use of the mineral-based pills like Ling Shi Gun, which utilize Xiao and Huang; deficient phlegm should be tonified, as seen in the use of Shen Qi Wan to expel it; however, for phlegm that is both deficient and excess, one must use a single herb that can both open phlegm and tonify deficiency, which is the case with Long Gu and Mu Li in this formula. — The heart and kidneys originally assist each other in regulation.If the kidneys are deficient, the water essence cannot rise to calm the heart, leading to heat in the heart, which is a disease of the heart stemming from the kidneys; conversely, if the heart generates heat from excessive thinking, it will absorb the true yin of the kidneys for self-rescue, leading to kidney deficiency, which is a disease of the kidneys stemming from the heart.Thus, the heart and kidneys are mutually affected, and the more one thinks, the more heat accumulates, leading to phlegm and fluid stagnation.Only Long Gu and Mu Li can calm the heart and stabilize the kidneys, tranquilize the spirit, and clear heat. The combination of these two herbs is referred to by Chen Xiuyuan as a divine remedy for treating phlegm, which is indeed a profound statement. Therefore, they are used in place of Qian Shi in this formula.However, fearing that phlegm and fluids may be excessive and cannot be completely eliminated, Zhi Shi and Pu Xiao are added to promote downward movement.Jian Pi Hua Tan WanIndications:Weakness of the spleen and stomach, leading to inability to transform food, resulting in phlegm. This formula is not only effective in treating phlegm but also increases appetite for those with dietary restrictions.Taking it regularly can also dissolve all accumulations in the abdomen.Ingredients:2 liang of Sheng Bai Zhu (Fresh White Atractylodes), 2 liang of Sheng Ji Nei Jin (Fresh Chicken Gizzard Membrane, cleaned of impurities).Usage: The two ingredients should be finely ground and sifted, then roasted over low heat until cooked (do not over-roast), and formed into pills with honey, the size of a wutong seed. Take 3 qian each time, with warm water.Formula Explanation:Bai Zhu is purely endowed with the virtue of the earth, serving as the main herb to tonify the spleen and stomach. However, due to its earth nature being obstructive, excessive long-term use of Bai Zhu may also lead to stagnation; thus, the addition of Ji Nei Jin, which is good at dissolving accumulations, serves to combine tonification with promotion of circulation. This allows the middle burner to transform, enhancing circulation, distributing essences, and clearing the turbid while descending the clear, thus eliminating the root of phlegm.When this formula was first proposed, it was originally made into pills with water. However, those who took it for a long time occasionally experienced dryness in the throat and constipation. Later, it was modified to honey pills, thus eliminating these issues.This article is partially excerpted from “Repeatedly Tested and Proven Formulas” (published by China Traditional Chinese Medicine Press, edited by Zhang Xichun), with all rights reserved by the original author.You may also like, click to read the original text:Zhang Xichun’s Experience with Gynecological MedicationsZhang Xichun’s Four Medicinal Formulas for External Treatment of Sores and Internal Dissolution of Tumors, All Proven Effective////////////[ Read Previous Exciting Articles ]#Introduction to TCM Collection #Twelve Meridians Explained #Donghai Medical Collection #Experiences of Senior TCM Practitioners #Miraculous TCM Formulas #Secret Formulas and Proven Recipes #Masters of Traditional Chinese Medicine#Famous Cases from Cold Damage Experts #Selected Famous Cases from the Golden Cabinet#Si Jun Zi Decoction #Etiology Assignment #Herbal Properties Assignment #Herbal Properties Song for 400 Herbs #Medical Three-Character Classic #Daily Insights from Mentorship in Medicine#Daily Insights from Mentorship in Medicine on Principles, Methods, Formulas, and Herbs#TCM Serialized CollectionMaster He Ren: What is the Essence of Using Warming Meridians Decoction?Zhou Zhongying: Insights and Techniques from 60 Years of TCM Diagnosis (All Essentials)Ding Guangdi: Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Decoction for Treating “Five Morning Diarrhea”Unexpectedly, “Qing Gu San” is indeed the remedy for fever after bone fractures!Dan Zhi San for Treating Hyperlipidemia (Including Four Proven Recipes for High Lipids)Shanghai Shen’s Gynecology 600-Year Family Secret FormulaMagical! A Wonderful Experience of Using Ancient Formulas to Treat Tooth Decay! The Ancient Formula “San Liang Ban” is Effective for Quick Recovery from Lumbar Muscle Strain! [Collection] Eight Formulas from Nanshi for Treating Insomnia, Hypertension, and Gastrointestinal Disorders!
Recommended Reading:
-END-
