qu tan method: TCM Concept Guide

Eliminating phlegm is a therapy used to remove pathogenic factors. The causes of phlegm may be either exogenous or internal, so the diseases it produces vary, and each must be treated in its own way.

1. Zao shi hua tan method (removing dampness and resolving phlegm)

This method treats damp phlegm. Dampness and phlegm arise from deficiency of spleen yang and disturbance of the regulating functions, which lead to the formation of damp phlegm.

The common manifestations are white phlegm, obstruction of qi in the chest, nausea, a heavy head, dizziness, palpitation, and a satiny tongue coating. The method uses bitter drugs to control warmth and dry drugs to clear dampness. Common drugs include Ban Xia, Chen Pi and Fu Ling. Erchen Tang is the representative prescription.

2. Run zao hua tan method (moistening dryness and eliminating phlegm)

Dry phlegm arises from yin deficiency of the lung, where internal heat turns fluids into phlegm. Its manifestations include shortness of breath, cough, dense sputum, a dry and painful throat, and hoarseness.

Moistening dryness to remove phlegm is combined with moistening and phlegm-reducing drugs such as Bei Mu, Gua Lou, Tian Hua Fen, Jie Geng and Fu Ling. Beimu Gualou San is the representative prescription.

3. Qing re hua tan method (clearing heat and eliminating phlegm)

The manifestations are yellow, thick phlegm, a flushed face, a rapid pulse, thirst, pavor or madness. Common prescriptions contain Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Da Huang, Zhi Shi, Gua Lou and Zhu Li, such as Qing Qi Huatan Wan, Xiao Xianxiong Tang and Guntan Wan.

4. Qu han hua tan method (dispelling cold and eliminating phlegm)

This method treats deficiency of yang in the spleen and stomach. A cold sensation in the mouth, cold body and limbs, and loose stool are common.

Dispelling cold and eliminating phlegm works by applying warmth gently: it warms yang and resolves phlegm, using drugs such as gan jiang, rou gui, ban xia and fu ling. Qing Qi Huatan Wan is the representative prescription.