Herbal Remedies for Phlegm-Heat Conditions

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.