Herbal Remedies for Phlegm-Heat Conditions

Study Notes

Herbs That Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat

Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix)
- Effective against external pathogens, it disseminates lung qi to expel thick, turbid sputum.
- Avoid using for cough caused by yin deficiency.
- Useful for scattering wind-heat which can lead to cough and lung constriction.
Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillarriae Cirrhosae Bulbus)
- Directs lung and heart qi downwards, transforming long-standing phlegm.
- Ideal for chronic cough associated with signs of fire from yin deficiency, often presenting with blood-streaked sputum.
- Also helps with dissipating nodules, sores, and swelling.
- Characterized by a sweet flavor.
Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus)
- Targeted for nodules and phlegm, especially in the neck and breast area; effective for lung and breast abscesses, swelling, and wounds.
- Particularly beneficial for acute lung conditions.
Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus)
- Sweet in flavor, it moistens intestines and directs turbid phlegm downwards.
- Contraindicated in cases of spleen/stomach deficiency with diarrhea.
- Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules, especially when qi accumulates in the chest and causes abdominal pain.
Gua Lou Pi (Trichosanthis Pericarpium)
- More potent than the whole fruit in clearing lung phlegm.
- Facilitates chest qi flow; helpful for chest bi syndrome and early-stage breast abscesses.
- Caution in cases of spleen/stomach diarrhea due to lack of seeds.
Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthis Semen)
- Slippery texture that moistens both lungs and intestines.
- Particularly effective for dry constipation, especially with lung heat and dry mouth.
- Contraindicated for spleen/stomach diarrhea, beneficial for generating fluids and alleviating thirst.
Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam)
- Cools the lungs, stomach, and gallbladder while scouring phlegm and alleviating nausea.
- Effective for gastric fire with phlegm and phlegm-heat symptoms, especially for issues such as bad breath and a yellow greasy tongue.
Kun Bu (Eckloniae Thallus)
- Softens areas of hardness and reduces phlegm.
- Mildly promotes urination and reduces swelling.
Hai Zao (Sargassum)
- Softens hardness in cases of bulging disorders.
- Reduces edema and acts as an adjunctive herb for conditions such as leg qi.

Herbs That Cool and Transform Phlegm-Heat

Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix)
- Effective against external pathogens, it disseminates lung qi to expel thick, turbid sputum.
- Avoid using for cough caused by yin deficiency.
- Useful for scattering wind-heat which can lead to cough and lung constriction.
Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillarriae Cirrhosae Bulbus)
- Directs lung and heart qi downwards, transforming long-standing phlegm.
- Ideal for chronic cough associated with signs of fire from yin deficiency, often presenting with blood-streaked sputum.
- Also helps with dissipating nodules, sores, and swelling.
- Characterized by a sweet flavor.
Zhe Bei Mu (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus)
- Targeted for nodules and phlegm, especially in the neck and breast area; effective for lung and breast abscesses, swelling, and wounds.
- Particularly beneficial for acute lung conditions.
Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus)
- Sweet in flavor, it moistens intestines and directs turbid phlegm downwards.
- Contraindicated in cases of spleen/stomach deficiency with diarrhea.
- Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules, especially when qi accumulates in the chest and causes abdominal pain.
Gua Lou Pi (Trichosanthis Pericarpium)
- More potent than the whole fruit in clearing lung phlegm.
- Facilitates chest qi flow; helpful for chest bi syndrome and early-stage breast abscesses.
- Caution in cases of spleen/stomach diarrhea due to lack of seeds.
Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthis Semen)
- Slippery texture that moistens both lungs and intestines.
- Particularly effective for dry constipation, especially with lung heat and dry mouth.
- Contraindicated for spleen/stomach diarrhea, beneficial for generating fluids and alleviating thirst.
Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam)
- Cools the lungs, stomach, and gallbladder while scouring phlegm and alleviating nausea.
- Effective for gastric fire with phlegm and phlegm-heat symptoms, especially for issues such as bad breath and a yellow greasy tongue.
Kun Bu (Eckloniae Thallus)
- Softens areas of hardness and reduces phlegm.
- Mildly promotes urination and reduces swelling.
Hai Zao (Sargassum)
- Softens hardness in cases of bulging disorders.
- Reduces edema and acts as an adjunctive herb for conditions such as leg qi.

Description

This quiz explores the use of herbs like Qian hu and Chuan bei mu, focusing on their roles in cooling and transforming phlegm-heat. Learn about how these herbs aid in expelling pathogens and alleviating cough, especially in the presence of yin deficiency. Test your knowledge on the therapeutic uses and contraindications of these herbal treatments.