The herbs in this category are neutral or warm. They are used mostly for cold phlegm, phlegm-dampness, or phlegm in a neutral environment, without the presence of heat.  However, they are sometimes used even for the treatment of phlegm-heat (when combined with cooling herbs), because their acrid, warmer natures make many of them very powerful drying herbs for eliminating phlegm.

Also consider, as appropriate: herbs the resolve phlegm-heat, herbs that drain dampness, herbs that warm the interior, herbs that promote Qi and blood circulation, herbs that release the exterior, herbs that stop coughing and wheezing, etc.

Nature: acrid, sweet, warm, toxic

Enters: Spleen, Stomach, Liver

Actions: Eliminates both internal and external wind; relieves convulsions; dries dampness; resolves phlegm; eliminates toxicity; disperses stagnation of phlegm, dissipates nodules; stops spasms; expels wind-cold-dampness; alleviates pain.

Indications:
• Wind-phlegm: Bell’s palsy, migraine, tetanus, dizziness, deviation of the mouth and eyes in wind-stroke. Specific for phlegm problems of the face and head – enters the Yangming stomach channel.
• Phlegm and toxicity: snake bite, masses, scrofula or other nodules. Often used topically.
• Wind-cold-dampness: dizziness, severe lateral headaches, numbness, facial pain, facial weakness, or any head pain with signs of damp-cold or wind-dampness.
• Some effectiveness against tuberculosis.
• In Northern China, the root of Aconitum coreanum is used as this herb. It is known as Guan bai fu, and it should not be confused with Typhonium since it is very toxic. If you buy this herb (as I have) and it looks just like white Fu zi, it probably is.
Hsu: Analgesic, tranquilizer.

Dose: 1.5-6g

Nature: acrid, warm

Enters: Lung

Actions: Warms the Lungs, eliminates phlegm; promotes Qi circulation, dispels Qi stasis; removes phlegm from the channels and collaterals; dissipates nodules, reduces swelling, alleviates pain.

Indications:
• Phlegm-cold accumulation: Coughing copious and thin sputum, difficulty breathing, distention and pain in the chest and hypochondriac region, hydrothorax.
• Phlegm(-cold) obstruction in the channels and collaterals: multiple abscesses, carbuncles, lymphoma, joint pain, body aches, yin-type boils, bedsores, watery, oozing sores. A valuable herb for the treatment of any kind of pain when phlegm or dampness obstructs the channels and collaterals.
• Often applied as a plaster for asthma (on BL-13, 15, 17) – promotes local blood circulation.
• Topical: for lumps and pain. Long Western history of use in baths and plasters for pain. Caution: may cause blistering of the skin. Do not use on patients with skin sensitivities.
• Must be crushed before using.
• Compared to Su zi and Lai fu zi: All are capable of transforming phlegm, regulating the Qi, and alleviating wheezing. However, Bai jie zi warms the Lung Qi, Lai fu zi disperses the Lung Qi, and Su zi descends the Lung Qi.
Li: Very warming.
PCBDP: Rubefacient, counter-irritant, stimulant, diuretic, emetic.
• Externally used for rheumatic pains and bronchitis.
Hsu: Expectorant: the oil slightly irritates the gastric mucosa, causing slight nausea which reflexively increases the bronchial secretions needed to expel phlegm.
• Topical: decreases pain and inflammation.

Dose: 3-9g

Nature: acrid, sweet, neutral

Enters: Lung

Actions: Strongly eliminates phlegm; descends Lung Qi, relieves coughing.

Indications:
• Lung Qi stagnation and failure to descend: cough with thick, sticky sputum, gurgling in the throat, wheezing, difficulty breathing.
• Not drying.
• Combine with acrid herbs for wind-cold or wind-heat
• Bai qian’s ability to descend rebellious Lung Qi is similar to, but weaker than, Ma huang’s. Bai qian can be used to treat wheezing and coughing in patients who are not strong enough to tolerate Ma huang.
DY: This herb “disperses” phlegm – xiao tan – close to the Western idea of expectorating phlegm.
• Can be used in the treatment of almost every type of cough. Due to its neutral nature, it can be used for coughs due to either cold or heat.
• With Qian hu, for mutual reinforcement in dispersion of phlegm. They complement each other to downbear (mainly via Bai qian) and diffuse (mainly via Qian hu) the Lung Qi in order to effectively treat cough. For such indications as: cough with abundant phlegm or phlegm which is difficult to expectorate, itchy throat, chest oppression due to blockage of the Lung Qi and Lung Qi counterflow. The combination can be used in the treatment of numerous respiratory diseases: chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, asthma, whopping cough, cough associated with a cold, etc.
• In case of cough due to wind-cold or wind-heat, the uncooked form of the herb should be prescribed.
• In case of cough caused by an accumulation of phlegm in the Lungs, the herb should be stir-fried until scorched.
• In case of chronic cough, dryness in the Lungs, or if the patient is old, use the honey mix-fried form of the herb.

Dose: 3-9g

Nature: acrid, warm, slightly toxic

Enters: Lung, Stomach, Spleen, Gallbladder, Heart

Actions: Resolves phlegm; dries dampness; descends rebellious stomach Qi, harmonizes the stomach, stops vomiting; dissipates lumps and distention, disperses swelling and relieves pain.

Indications:
• Phlegm-damp (especially when originated in the spleen): cough with copious sputum.
• Rebellion of stomach Qi (including from stomach phlegm-damp): nausea, vomiting.
• Phlegm obstruction: pressure, distention in the chest or epigastrium, plum pit sensation, masses, carbuncles, phlegm nodules in the neck (including goiter, scrofula), or other obstruction caused by phlegm anywhere in the body.
• Compared to Bei mu, Ban xia is more effective for phlegm-damp, while Bei mu is more for phlegm-heat. Ban xia is better at transforming phlegm lodged in the stomach, while Bei mu is better at transforming phlegm in the Lungs. The two are often used together to mutually enhance each other’s therapeutic properties.
• Tincture of Ban xia was effective in treating 95% of cases of acute toothache.
• Effective in acute suppurative otitis media.
• Ban xia is always prepared for internal use with ginger, alum, or vinegar. Prepared Ban xia is called Fa ban xia. The ginger-prepared form is specifically referred to as Jiang ban xia. That prepared with alum is called Qin ban xia.
• Raw Ban xia is toxic and is only used externally to reduce ulcerations, deep-rooted sores, and carbuncles.
• Overdose can generally be cured with oral administration of raw ginger.
• Contraindicated in combination with aconite products.
• Must be crushed before use.
• Ban xia qu is powdered and fermented Ban xia with Gan cao. It promotes digestion and resolves phlegm. It is particularly good when food stagnation has led to phlegm accumulation.
Li: Ban xia is a nice addition when treating the Ren Mai (e.g. chronic UTI), as it opens all the channels. It is vital for lower Jiao problems.
• The Chong and Ren Mai connect with the Yangming. Therefore, moving stomach Qi with Ban xia helps unblock the Chong and Ren.
MLT: One of the strongest antitussives; stops post-nasal drip and excessive saliva.
• Avoid the form prepared with Ming fan (Alum) since it may have a cumulative toxic effect.
PFGC: Ban xia can open up coagulations; can revive accidental death victims when the powder is blown up the nose.
• Ban Xia Tang can resolve insomnia by restoring proper communication between the body’s Yin and Yang aspects.
• Ban xia can be considered to open the orifices.
• Ban xia contains the storing and descending momentum of autumn metal: can pull things down, can calm the Chong Mai
• Ban xia can relieve paralysis caused by wind-cold-damp.
• Alum-processing destroys its pungency and can induce nausea rather than treating it.
• It is best to buy unprocessed Ban xia, soak it in hot water for 10 days changing the water daily, then cut it into halves, put it in fresh cold water, bring it to a boil, remove it from heat, let it cool, and then dry it.
CHA: (Karen S. Vaughan) While our materia medicas list about 10 functions of Ban xia, only about two of them apply to any given preparation. Fa ban xia, for instance (usual preparation) rectifies spleen deficiency, harmonizes the stomach, and deals with insubstantial phlegm leading to vertigo, insomnia or delirious speech. Jiang ban xia is needed to deal with nausea, vomiting, rebellious Qi and coughs due to colds with phlegm. Qing ban xia is necessary for coughs with damp, phlegmy Bi syndrome, especially with nodulations or long-standing conditions without nodulations. Zhu li ban xia is used for serious mental disturbances such as schizophrenia.
Hsu: Strong antiemetic – decreases excitation of the vomiting center in the brain. Ban xia also has an emetic component which is destroyed by heating it. Furthermore, this toxic compound is quite insoluble in water.
• Sedative.
• Slightly decreases pressure inside the eye.
Heiner Fruehauf and Chip Chace: Articles by Zhang Xi-chun indicate that Ban xia has a slippery nature that helps supplement both the spleen and kidney. By removing phlegm-damp, it helps restore the normal spleen qi, and by disinhibiting dampness, helps supplement the kidney. Zhang Xi-chun says that when the pungent nature of ban xia is used to counteract phlegm or damp, the normal moistening actions of spleen and kidney are benefitted. “Just as Cheng Wuyi has put it: “˜Pinellia is pungent and dispersing; it moves water and thus moistens kidney dryness. In other words, if dryness counteracts dampness, water becomes uninhibited, and if pungent flavors transform fluids, the dryness becomes moist.’ He also says that it is used for vacuity constipation in the elderly, therefore, it is a mistake to say that it is excessively drying.” [from Z’ev Rosenberg]
DY: Fortifies the spleen; disperses food accumulation.
• With Chen pi for mutual reinforcement, to fortify the spleen, rectify the Qi, dry dampness, transform phlegm, and stop vomiting. For such indications as:
– 1. Cough due to an accumulation of phlegm-dampness. (Use lime-processed Ban xia.)
– 2. Chest oppression, nausea, and vomiting due to stomach disharmony and phlegm-damp stagnation. (Use ginger-processed Ban xia and stir-fried Chen pi.)
– Both herbs are traditionally cured to reduce secondary effects and reinforce their therapeutic actions. The longer they are kept, the more effective they become.
• With Huang lian to harmonize upbearing and downbearing, Yin and Yang, to clear heat, dry dampness, transform phlegm, and stop vomiting. For indications such as nausea, vomiting, chest and epigastric fullness and distention, thick, yellow phlegm, yellow, slimy tongue fur, and a wiry, slippery pulse due to damp-heat, turbid phlegm, and/or mixed cold and heat causing stomach disharmony. Huang Lian Tang is typically used. For these indications, ginger-processed Ban xia and ginger mix-fried Huang lian should be used.
• With Huang qin to harmonize and re-establish the interaction between Yin and Yang, to effectively clear heat, drain fire, harmonize the stomach, stop vomiting, and scatter nodulation. For such indications as:
– 1. Vomiting and nausea due to a Shaoyang pattern. (Xiao Chai Hu Tang) Use ginger-processed Ban xia. When Ban xia is removed from Xiao Chai Hu Tang, the alternating fever and chills disappear, but the pain and distention of the chest and lateral costal regions persist.
– 2. Phlegm-heat. (Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan) Use lime-processed Ban xia and win mix-fried Huang qin.
– 3. Lack of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and distention and sensation of fullness in the stomach, diaphragm, and chest caused by a pattern of mixed cold and heat. (Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang) Use ginger-processed Ban xia and bran stir-fried, ginger mix-fried or stir-fried-until-scorched Huang qin.
• With Sheng jiang to transform phlegm, downbear counterflow, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. For such indications as:
– 1. Nausea, vomiting with not thirst and slimy tongue fur due to phlegm-dampness stagnating in the middle burner. (Xiao Ban Xia Tang) Ginger-processed Ban xia should be used.
– 2. Enduring cough with white, watery, and profuse phlegm. Use lime-processed Ban xia.
• With Shu mi (Millet) to transform phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and quiet the spirit. For such indications as insomnia with heart palpitations, nausea, and cough with thin phlegm due to phlegm-dampness accumulation in the middle burner causing stomach disharmony. Ban xia and Shu mi are probably the best combination to treat insomnia due to stomach disharmony, i.e. stagnant food preventing the defensive Qi from entering the interior.
• With Zhu ru for mutual reinforcement, to effectively dry dampness, clear heat, transform phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. For such indications as:
– 1. Hiccup, nausea, and vomiting due to counterflow of stomach Qi. (Use ginger-processed Ban xia and ginger mix-fried Zhu ru.)
– 2. Vertigo, agitation, and insomnia due to phlegm turbidity. (Use lime-processed Ban xia and ginger-processed Zhu ru.)
– 3. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy due to disharmony of the stomach, phlegm-heat, or heat in the stomach. In cases of stomach disharmony, add Zi su geng and Sha ren. In cases of stomach cold, add Sheng jiang and Sha ren. In cases of phlegm-heat, add Pi pa ye. In cases of stomach heat, add Bai mao gen and Pi pa ye.
• Ban xia is incompatible with mutton, sheep blood, and maltose.

Dose: 4.5-12g

Nature: bitter, acrid, neutral

Enters: Lung

Actions: Disperses Lung Qi; eliminates phlegm; drains pus; benefits the throat; guides herbs upward.

Indications:
• Cough with copious sputum or less, difficult-to-expectorate sputum, chest congestion, hoarse voice, sore throat. Combined appropriately, it can be used for both wind-cold and wind-heat coughs.
• Sore throat, loss of voice – especially when due to external heat, but also when due to other factors, such as phlegm-heat or Yin deficiency heat.
• Lung abscess or throat abscess: cough with a mixture of pus, blood, and yellowish, foul sputum.
• This is the premier herb for dispersing stagnant Lung Qi.
Hsu: Expectorant – promotes saliva and bronchial secretions; antitussive; antifungal; tranquilizer; analgesic; antipyretic; anti-inflammatory; vasodilator; hypotensive.
DY: Guides other herbs to the Lungs, chest, and the Lung channel. Jie geng can raise herbs which otherwise have a tropism for the lower burner towards the middle or upper burner. Loosens the diaphragm. Mainly upbears but also downbears.
• Can be used to treat the upper body (Lungs – the superior origin of fluids) for certain lower body problems (oliguria, dysuria, anuria).
• With Gan cao to clear heat, transform phlegm, disinhibit the throat and stop pain, evacuate pus, and resolve toxins.
– 1. Pulmonary abscess with cough, expectoration of profuse, purulent phlegm, and chest oppression and pain due to heat stasis in the chest. (Jie Geng Tang)
– 2. Pain, redness, and swelling of the throat due to heat (deficient or excess, external or internal).
– 3. Loss of voice and/or hoarse or husky voice.
– For indications 2 and 3, the combination can be reinforced by adding He zi, as in He Zi Tang. For these indications, in cases of Lung dryness, honey mix-fried Jie geng should be used.
• With Xing ren to effectively regulate the Lungs’ function of dispersing and descending, to transform and disperse phlegm, stop cough, and calm asthma. For such indications as cough and/or asthma with chest oppression, profuse phlegm, sore throat, and aphonia due to an attack of external wind (wind-cold or wind-heat) that disturbs the diffusion and downbearing function of the Lungs.
– Both herbs have the function of dispersing and descending the Lung Qi, however, Jie geng mainly disperses while Xing ren mainly descends. Both herbs transform and disperse phlegm, however, Xing ren mainly transforms while Jie geng mainly disperses (promotes expectoration of) phlegm.
• With Zhi ke to effectively regulate upbearing and downbearing, regulate the upper and middle burners, diffuse the Lung Qi, and loosen the chest and diaphragm. For indications such as:
– 1. Chest and diaphragm oppression or distention or chest Bi due to accumulation of phlegm and Qi stagnation. (Jie Geng Zhi Ke Tang)
– 2. Epigastric distention, stomach rumbling, and difficult defecation due to disturbance of ascending and descending. Note: Zhi ke and Jie geng do not moisten the intestines, do not soften the stools, and do not precipitate the bowels. However, Zhi ke moves and descends the Qi in the large intestine in order to improve evacuation of the stools, while Jie geng disperses and descends Lung Qi. When the Lung Qi correctly descends, the large intestine Qi does the same. Therefore, although Zhi ke and Jie geng do not have a direct action on peristalsis, they can treat constipation due to Lung-large intestine Qi stagnation. Hence, this pair may be used to advantageously reinforce any formula that specifically treats constipation.
• Jie geng is incompatible with pork, seaweed, and Chinese cabbage.

Dose: 3-9g

 
Gan Jie Geng: Adenophora tracheloides – “Sweet” Jie geng
• Cold.
• Moistens the Lungs; clears heat; relieves fire toxicity.
• See its relative, Nan sha shen.
• When Jie geng is specified, Platycodon – Ku jie geng (“bitter” Jie geng) is implied. It is much more commonly used than Adenophora.

Nature: bitter, acrid, salty, slightly warm

Enters: Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver

Actions: Descends the Qi of the Lungs and stomach, stops vomiting and burping; resolves phlegm and harmful fluids; promotes blood circulation, frees the connecting vessels; free the liver Qi and subdues the liver.

Indications:
• Vomiting or burping, especially when due to spleen damp, spleen/stomach deficiency cold, or stomach phlegm.
• Lung phlegm accumulation: cough with copious sputum, wheezing.
• Retention of harmful fluid in the Lungs: distention in the chest and diaphragm.
• Qi and blood stagnation: distending pain in the costal or hypochondriac area.
• Liver Qi stagnation or liver invading the middle Jiao.
• Anti-emetic, anti-nauseant. Good for nausea after chemotherapy.
• Honey fry the herb for patients with Lung deficiency to ameliorate its warmth and prevent it from harming the Qi or Yin.
• Liu: this is the only flower in the Chinese pharmacopeia which does not disperse (it descends).
MLT: The root and flower are similar, but the root is probably more Qi tonic than the flower.
• Contains quercetin and isoquercetin – both useful for upper respiratory allergies.
DY: Usually flowers have an upbearing, floating nature. However, Xuan fu hua, on the contrary, downbears the Qi and disinhibits urination.
• The flower (Xuan fu hua) and stem (Xuan fu geng) of this plant have similar actions. However, Xuan fu geng is superior for downbearing the Qi and disinhibiting urination, while Xuan fu hua is superior for dispersing phlegm, downbearing the Qi, and calming asthma.
• With Dan nan xing to clear heat, transform phlegm, stop cough, calm asthma, extinguish wind, and wash away phlegm in the channels and network vessels. For indications such as:
– 1. Cough, asthma, and chest oppression due to phlegm-damp obstruction, phlegm-heat, or stubborn phlegm in the Lungs.
– 2. Numbness in the limbs due to (wind) phlegm in the channels and network vessels.
– In the absence of heat, and in the presence of cold or damp patterns, processed Tian nan xing may be favorably prescribed instead of Dan nan xing.
Yoga: Pushkaramula: (root and flower) K, V-; P+
• Expectorant, antispasmodic, carminative, analgesic, rejuvenative.
• For colds, asthma, cardiac asthma, pleurisy, dyspepsia, cough, nervous debility
• A rejuvenative tonic to the lungs. Promotes longevity of lung tissue, helps absorb water from the lungs, reduces swelling.
• Calms the mind, the digestive system, and the female reproductive system.
• Topical: apply as a paste for muscular pain.
MW: The plant told him, in a dream, that its flowers could be used for grief.
• It is said that where Helen of Troy’s tears fell, this plant grew.

Dose: 3-12g (flower)

 
On the common related Western herb, Elecampane root:
K&R: Expectorant, alterative, choleretic, diuretic, pituitary stimulant, sympathomimetic, vagolytic.
• Water, wood, fire, earth, metal deficiency.
• Strengthens and cleanses the mucosa of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts.
• Good for glandular insufficiency, immune deficiency, renal insufficiency.
• Metal: bronchorrhea, pertussis, copious expectoration, asthma, emphysema, tuberculosis, immunoallergic pneumopathies, sarcoidoses, anemia, leukorrhea, insufficient menses, amenorrhea, dermatoses, chronic diarrhea.
• Water: oliguria, edema, glomerulonephritis, acute and chronic arterial hypertension.
• Wood: choleretic, immune stimulant, hepatomegaly, herpes, insufficient bile secretion.
• Fire: hypotension, lipothymia, syncope from vagotonia, stimulates pituitary and testicular activity, FSH and LH-like activity.
• Earth: splenomegaly, gastroptosis, gastric atony, chronic diarrhea, hypothyroidism, insufficient hypophysial function, amenorrhea, impotence, frigidity.

Nature: acrid, warm, slightly toxic

Enters: Large Intestine, Lung

Actions: Powerfully dispels phlegm; opens the orifices, promotes resuscitation; dissipates clumps, reduces swellings; suppository: unblocks the bowels and expels roundworms

Indications:
• Phlegm: obstruction, phlegm nodules, coughing or wheezing with copious, difficult-to-expectorate sputum.
• Excessive phlegm: sudden unconsciousness with facial paralysis or seizures.
• Initial stage of abscesses and boils, or abscesses with pus that is difficult to discharge.
• Suppository: for constipation and intestinal obstruction due to roundworms.
• Increases secretions in the stomach and respiratory tract. Significant expectorant effect, though not as strong as that of Jie geng.
Hsu: Strong hemolytic actions; antibacterial; antifungal; expectorant.

Dose: 0.6-1.5g in pill and powder form only

Nature: acrid, warm

Enters: Liver, Stomach

Actions: Reduces swellings; discharges pus; promotes blood circulation; reduces abscesses; expels wind; kills parasites.

Indications:

• Add to formulas for masses (uterine fibroids, tumors, etc.) to break the surface of the mass.
• Used during early stages of swollen sores to encourage suppuration or to induce those that have already closed to burst. Not for use with ulcers that have already burst.
• Leprosy.
• Ringworm.

Dose: 3-9g

Several herbs in this category can be used for either hot or cold patterns when combined appropriately. Even when there is phlegm-heat, the warm and neutral herbs in the previous category (Herbs that Resolve Phlegm-Cold) are often used in combination with heat-clearing herbs.

Also consider, as appropriate:
• herbs that promote Qi and/or blood circulation
• herbs that drain dampness
• herbs that clear heat (including damp-heat and heat-toxins)
• herbs that release the exterior
• herbs that stop coughing and wheezing
• herbs that tonify Qi and/or Yang when deficiency is present

Nature: bitter, sweet, slightly cold

Enters: Lung, Heart

Actions: Moistens Lungs; clears heat; resolves phlegm; stops coughing; resolves masses and lumps.

Indications:
• Phelgm-fire nodules, sores, swellings, scrofula, Lung or breast abscess.
• Possibly the most effective herb for cough in the Chinese pharmacopeia. Useful for many types of cough, mainly chronic cough with Yin deficiency fire, cough with slight sputum that is difficult to expectorate, or cough with blood-streaked sputum.
• Lung yin deficiency: prolonged cough with little sputum and dry throat.
• Milder than Zhe bei mu and therefore more appropriate for children.
• More effective than Zhe bei mu at transforming phlegm and moistening the Lungs.
• Most effective in treating cough accompanied by constrained Qi, manifesting in a reduced appetite and a stifling sensation in the chest and upper abdomen.
• Quite expensive: therefore, it is generally powdered and taken uncooked along with a decoction.
• For dry Lungs: core an Asian pear and fill the center with powdered Chuan bei mu. Replace the top of the plug of pear flesh so the pear is sealed, steam lightly, then eat the whole thing.
• These herbs are always used in their processed form, since they are toxic in their raw state.
• Not to be used with Aconite products.
• Both forms can be very useful in the treatment of heartburn and GERD.
Hsu: Antitussive, expectorant.
• Alkaloids have atropine-like action – decrease secretions, stop contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, dilate pupils.
• Inhibits the CNS, stimulates heart muscle.
DY: Moistens, treats enduring, chronic coughs – such as due to Yin deficiency or dry heat.
• With Zhi mu to clear and moisten the Lungs, enrich Yin, drain fire, transform phlegm, and stop cough. For such indications as:
– 1. Enduring dry cough with little phlegm and difficult expectoration, sometimes fever, dry mouth, and a dry, red tongue due to water deficiency causing rising fire or due to Lung Yin deficiency. (Use stir-fried Zhi mu)
– 2. Cough due to Lung heat which causes Lung dryness.
• With Xing ren to moisten while transforming phlegm, downbear the Qi, and stop cough. For indications such as:
– 1. Chronic cough and/or dry cough with little or no phlegm, difficultly expectorating, and dry throat due to Lung vacuity.
– 2. Relentless cough with expectoration of yellow phlegm due to external evils or an accumulation of phlegm-heat in the Lungs.
Article by Eric Brand on differentiating Chuan Bei Mu from the mediocre substitute Ping Bei Mu.

Dose: 3-12g or 1-3g directly as powder

Nature: bitter, cold

Enters: Lung, Heart

Actions: Dispels stagnant heat and phlegm; stops coughing; resolves masses and lumps.

Indications:
• Phelgm-fire nodules, sores, swellings, scrofula, Lung or breast abscess.
• Both forms of Bei mu are always used in their processed form, since they are toxic in their raw state.
• Not to be used with Aconite products.
• Both forms can be very useful in the treatment of heartburn and GERD.
• Compared to Chuan bei mu, this form is used more for acute Lung wind-heat/phlegm-heat: cough with yellow, sticky sputum.
• Stronger than Chuan bei mu at clearing heat and dissipating nodules, swellings, and difficult-to-expectorate phlegm.
• Clears hot phlegm from the ear, as in pediatric otitis media.
DY: More often used for acute, full, or external type coughs.
Hsu: Antitussive, expectorant.
• Alkaloids have atropine-like action – decrease secretions, stop contraction of bronchial smooth muscle, dilate pupils.
• Inhibits the CNS, stimulates heart muscle.

Dose: 3-9g

Nature: bitter, cold

Enters: Lung, Liver, Spleen

Actions: Strongly resolves phlegm and dries dampness; disperses swelling, relieves pain; disperses wind-phlegm in the channels; eliminates both internal and external wind, relieves convulsions.

Indications:
• Wind-phlegm obstructing channels: numbness, paralysis, convulsions, tremors, seizures, stroke, opisthotonos, lockjaw.
• Stubborn phlegm: cough, distended sensation in the chest.
• Good for stubborn phlegm. Treats phlegm over the whole body.
• Topical: for swelling and pain, deep-rooted sores, injuries, ulcers, carbuncles.
• Often used in pediatrics.
• Extremely drying in nature.
• Dan nan xing is prepared by soaking Tian nan xing in Ming fan (alum), Sheng jiang (ginger), and ox/pig bile.
• I chose to list Dan nan xing, rather than Tian nan xing, as the primary herb here (with Tian nan xing below), because in the U.S., Tian nan xing is rarely used. However, it is usually presented as subordinate to Tian nan xing.
Li: Dan nan xing is one of the best herbs for phlegm-heat throughout the whole body.
MLT: Stimulant, expectorant, diaphoretic, irritant (Tian/raw).
Hsu: Sedative, antispasmodic, expectorant, antitumor activity (inhibits growth).
DY: With Xuan fu hua to clear heat, transform phlegm, stop cough, calm asthma, extinguish wind, and wash away phlegm in the channels and network vessels. For indications such as:
– 1. Cough, asthma, and chest oppression due to phlegm-damp obstruction, phlegm-heat, or stubborn phlegm in the Lungs.
– 2. Numbness in the limbs due to (wind) phlegm in the channels and network vessels.
– In the absence of heat, and in the presence of cold or damp patterns, processed Tian nan xing may be favorably prescribed instead of Dan nan xing.

Dose: 3-9g

 
Tian Nan Xing:

Nature: bitter, acrid, warm, toxic

Enters: Liver, Lung, Spleen
• In its raw, unprepared form, is very toxic and is mainly used as a topical application for yin-type abscesses, trauma-induced swelling and pain, and swelling of the joints. When used internally, it is always treated (usually with fresh ginger) which greatly reduces its toxicity. If numbness of the tongue is experienced after ingestion, granulated sugar can be taken as an antidote.
• Zhi nan xing, the treated form (not Dan nan xing), is somewhat less toxic than raw. It is used mainly for wind-stroke (also see indications of Dan nan xing above). If one simply asks for Tian nan xing, Zhi nan xing is the form that will be given at a pharmacy. It is not to be used internally if it still has its outer skin.

Dose: 4.5-9g (treated); 0.3-1g (untreated, in pills and powders only)

Nature: salty, cold

Enters: Lung

Actions: Softens and resolves hardness and masses; promotes urination; clears Lung heat; resolves phlegm.

Indications:
• Lung heat: cough with thick, sticky sputum or coughing up blood.
• Phlegm: masses, nodules, scrofula.
• Hot or stony painful urinary dysfunction – urinary tract infection, kidney or bladder stones.
• Pumice is very light – some say it can slightly disperse Lung Qi.
• To promote urination, grind into a powder and take directly.
• When decocting, place it in a tea bag.
• History of use as an abrasive for softening skin, and more recently in spas as a powder as an exfolliant.

Dose: 6-15g

Nature: sweet, cold

Enters: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Actions: Moistens the Lungs and Large Intestine; promotes bowel movement; promotes healing of sores; clears phlegm-heat; expands and promotes Qi circulation in the chest; clears Lung heat.

Indications:
DY: Sweet, cold, moistening, clearing, downbearing; clears the Lungs; transforms phlegm; loosens the chest, scatters nodulations; moistens dryness, moistens the intestines; promotes Qi circulation; loosens the chest and diaphragm and frees the flow of impediment.
• Though Gua lou is sweet and cold, it is used for chest Bi due to Qi stagnation and blood stasis and/or chest Yang deficiency. Though Gua lou is sweet, it does not supplement, nor produce Qi stagnation. Though it is cold, it does not cause obstruction. In cases of chest Yang deficiency or stagnation, Gua lou is combined with herbs that balance its cold nature, such as Xie bai, Bai jiu, Gui zhi, and Tan xiang.
• With Xie bai to effectively free the flow of Yang and move the Qi, loosen the chest and clear the Lungs, transform phlegm and scatter nodulation, stop pain, moisten the intestines, and free the flow of the stools. For indications such as:
– 1. Constipation due to fluid dryness of the large intestine and/or Qi stagnation.
– 2. Yin binding constipation. (Constipation due to spleen-kidney Yang deficiency or sometimes due to dryness in the large intestine caused by an essence-blood deficiency with pale lips, white tongue fur, and clear, copious urination.)
– 3. Chest Bi with oppression of the chest and epigastrium, cough, profuse phlegm, piercing pain in the chest radiating toward the back, and shortness of breath due to accumulation of turbid phlegm blocking the Qi and Yang of the chest. (Gua Lou Xie Bai Ban Xia Tang – which can be favorably combined with Er Chen Tang) Use Gua lou which has been stir-fried until scorched.
– 4. Chest Bi and cardiac disease with intense heart pain due to heart Qi and blood stasis and deficiency of heart Yang. (Gua Lou Xie Bai Bai Jiu Tang) For these indications, the combination can be favorably reinforced by adding Dan shen, San qi, Tan xiang, and Gui zhi. The Gua lou should be stir-fried until scorched.

Dose: 10-20g

Nature: sweet, cold

Enters: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Actions: Promotes Qi circulation in the chest; clears Lung heat; eliminates phlegm, moistens.

Indications:
• Lung heat: cough with thick and sticky sputum, including dry coughs with difficult-to-expectorate sputum.
• Lung phlegm-heat: distention or pain in the chest.
• Qi accumulation in the chest: stifling or distended sensation, constriction, pain, diaphragmatic pressure.
• Painful obstruction of the chest, Lung abscess, breast abscess.
• May help break down granulomas.
• Gua lou pi is less moistening than Gua lou ren.
• Not to be used with Aconite products.
Li: Stronger than Gua lou ren to open the chest.
MLT: Same energetics as the whole fruit (Gua lou), but better for dry throat, cough, and wind-heat-phlegm that is difficult to expectorate.

Dose: 9-30g

Nature: sweet, cold

Enters: Lung, Stomach, Large Intestine

Actions: Moistens the Lungs and large intestine; promotes bowel movement; promotes healing of sores; clears phlegm-heat; expands the chest.

Indications:
• Large intestine dryness: constipation – especially when accompanied by Lung heat with dry mouth, thirst, and irritability.
• Lung heat/phlegm-heat: cough with thick, sticky, difficult-to-expectorate sputum, chest pain.
• Accumulation of phlegm in the chest: stifling sensation, pain, diaphragmatic pressure.
• Adjunct herb for breast abscesses, swellings, and for sores that have not yet suppurated.
• Gua lou – the whole fruit – is similar in effect to the seed, but is less effective at lubricating the intestines, transforming phlegm, and dissipating nodules.
• Not to be used with Aconite products.
MLT: Dry constipation associated with thirst.
Hsu: Antibacterial, anti-cancerous – mild inhibitory action on tumors.

Dose: 10-15g

Nature: salty, cold

Enters: Liver, Stomach, Kidney, Lung

Actions: Softens masses; resolves phlegm; promotes urination, reduces edema.

Indications:
• Phlegm accumulation: masses, lumps, neck nodules – goiter, scrofula.
• Adjunct herb for edema due to leg qi or floating edema.
• Pain associated with hernial disorder.
• Stronger than Kun bu to promote urination.
• May soften atherosclerosis.
• Contains iodine – caution with hyperthyroidism (when due to iodine excess).
• May lower cholesterol.
Li: With Kun bu, also with Gui ban: for polycystic kidneys, all cysts and swellings, inner ear phlegm. Also for some thyroid problems.
MLT: Often used with Kun bu for swollen glands (especially the thyroid) and tumors.
SD: Heavy metal poisoning: has been shown to bind heavy metals.
Hsu: Anticoagulant [when decocted] (this component possesses same action as heparin [about half the strength]), antifungal, hypotensive, lowers serum cholesterol.

Dose: 4.5-15g

Nature: bitter, neutral, toxic

Enters: Heart, Liver, Lung

Actions: Dissipates nodules, reduces masses; cools the blood, stops bleeding; reduces toxicity of toxic swellings.

Indications:
• Masses: many kinds of cancer, especially those involving the esophagus, stomach, uterus, and colon; also for goiter.
• Bleeding: hematemesis, hemoptysis, uterine bleeding.
• Topical: sores, snake bite, dog bite.
• Thyroid tumors: tinctures and decoctions have been used in many clinical series for thyroid tumors, including endemic goiter and thyroid cancer. It has been most effective in treating nonmalignant tumors of short duration in relatively young patients. Side effects included nausea and vomiting that required cessation of treatment. There are also recorded cases in which tinctures led to significant liver dysfunction and jaundice.
• Esophageal and gastric tumors: in one series of 28 cases, tinctures of Huang yao zi improved symptoms in 18 cases. In a few cases there were adverse effects on the liver.
• Often taken in wine, or directly in pill or powder form.
• To avoid hepatotoxicity, the herb is given only for a few weeks at a time (while monitoring liver function). It may be resumed after a break.

Dose: 6-15g

Nature: salty, cold

Enters: Liver, Stomach, Kidney

Actions: Softens masses and nodules; resolves phlegm; promotes urination, reduces swelling.

Indications:
• Phlegm: swellings, masses, nodules in the neck, sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest.
• Adjunct herb for edema and leg qi.
• Stronger than Hai zao at resolving phlegm and soften masses.
• Shown to have an anti-asthmatic and antitussive effect in many animals.
• Contains iodine – caution with hyperthyroidism (when due to iodine excess).
• Useful in treating both hyperthyroidism (temporarily improves the symptoms) and hypothyroidism (due to a lack of iodine).
• Extracts of this herb and Undaria have been used for their fucoxanthin content as a non-stimulating thermogenic supplement for weight loss.
SD: Heavy metal poisoning: has been shown to bind heavy metals.
K&R: Earth, metal, and water yin.
• Glandular stimulant, remineralizer.
• Treats obesity and cellulite by nourishing thyroid function.
• Rich in minerals and nutrients for various deficiencies.
• Retarded development, anorexia, emaciation, asthenia, anemia, frigidity, impotence.
• Strengthens a weak constitution for chronic problems like asthma, emphysema, sinusitis, arthritis, collagenoses, chronic dermatoses, amenorrhea, oligomenorrhea, hypothryroidism, polyneuritis, paralysis.
• Adjunct herb for autoimmune disorders, degenerative disease, cancer.
MLT: Long Western tradition for regulation of the thyroid and for weight reduction (due in part to high iodine).
• Binds toxins to help their excretion.
Hsu: Antitussive, expectorant, hypotensive (slight, temporary).

Dose: 4.5-15g

Nature: sweet, salty, neutral

Enters: Lung, Liver

Actions: Calms the liver, relieves convulsions and palpitations; descends the Lung Qi; resolves phlegm.

Indications:
• Stubborn phlegm: cough and difficulty breathing with old, viscous, clumped phlegm.
• Liver wind stirring, phlegm-heat: convulsions, palpitations, seizures, mania-withdrawal.
• Severe food stagnation.
• Bensky/Gamble classifies as an herb to stop cough and wheezing.
• Duan meng shi, the calcined form, is more easily absorbed then the raw form.

Dose: 9-15g

Nature: sweet, cold

Enters: Lung, Large Intestine

Actions: Clears heat and disperses Lung Qi; clears large intestine heat; promotes bowel movement; encourages the expression of rashes (topical use).

Indications:
• Lung heat: hoarse voice, sore throat, tonsilitis.
• Lung phlegm-heat: cough.
• Heat and dry feces in the colon: constipation with concurrent headache, red eyes, and feverish body.
• Good for the combination of hoarse voice with constipation.
• Use alone in hot water for hoarseness/sore throat and watch its metamorphosis.
• Topical: as an external wash for incomplete expression of rashes.
Hsu: Strongly inhibits influenza viruses; laxative (when eaten) by absorption of a large amount of water into colon; hypotensive; diuretic; analgesic.

Dose: 4.5-9g

Nature: bitter, acrid, slightly cold

Enters: Lung

Actions: Descends Lung Qi; eliminates phlegm; mildly disperses wind-heat.

Indications:
• Lung heat or Lung Qi stagnation with failure of the Lung Qi to descend: cough with thick and sticky sputum, wheezing.
• Wind-heat or wind-cold: cough, copious sputum. Most often for wind-heat.
• Can be used with Chai hu for externally-contracted diseases presenting with cough, rebellious Qi, thick sputum, and/or malarial disorders.
DY: With Bai Qian, for mutual reinforcement in dispersion of phlegm. The two herbs complement each other to downbear (mainly via Bai qian) and diffuse (mainly via Qian hu) the Lung Qi in order to effectively treat cough. For such indications as: cough with abundant phlegm or phlegm which is difficult to expectorate, itchy throat, chest oppression due to blockage of the Lung Qi and Lung Qi counterflow. The combination can be used in the treatment of numerous respiratory diseases: chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, asthma, whopping cough, cough associated with a cold, etc.
• In case of cough due to wind-cold or wind-heat, the uncooked form of the herb should be prescribed.
• In case of cough caused by an accumulation of phlegm in the Lungs, the herb should be stir-fried until scorched.
• In case of chronic cough, dryness in the Lungs, or if the patient is old, use the honey mix-fried form of the herb.
Hsu: Dilates coronary artery; expectorant – stimulates secretions of the respiratory tract (effect similar to Jie geng, but weaker antitussive action); antihistamine action.

Dose: 4.5-9g

Nature: sweet, cold

Enters: Heart, Liver, Gallbladder

Actions: Clears heat and resolves phlegm to calm the Shen and ease convulsions; stabilizes fright.

Indications:
• Lung phlegm-heat: difficult-to-expectorate sputum.
• Phlegm-heat: convulsions, spasms. Especially useful for childhood convulsions.
• Wind-stroke due to phlegm accumulation: gurgling sound in the throat.
• Mental disturbances due to fright.
• Compared to Zhu li, Tian zhu huang is gentler and less cold, and is therefore more appropriate for children.
• The fully natural product is rare. Heat is usually applied to the bamboo, the secretions are collected from a node and then crystallized.
Yoga: Vamsha-rochana (includes Zhu ru): P, V-; K+
• Demulcent, expectorant, tonic, rejuvenative, antispasmodic, hemostatic; nurtures the heart, soothes the nervous system.
• For colds, cough, fever, asthma, bleeding disorders, emaciation, debility, dehydration, palpitations, vomiting, consumption.
• Helps Lung weakness, helps recovery from chronic disease.
• Strong anti-Pitta herb.

Dose: 3-9g (0.6-1.2g taken directly)

Nature: acrid, bitter, cool, slightly toxic

Enters: Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Lung

Actions: Transforms phlegm; stops cough, arrests wheezing; dissipates nodules; promotes urination, strongly reduces edema.

Indications:
• Lung heat with phlegm and congested fluids: coughing, wheezing.
• Scrofula: used both internally and topically (as a wash, paste, or powder).
• Edema in the upper abdomen, face and eyes, and extremities.
• Bacillary dysentery: In one study of 79 cases, oral preparations markedly improved 44 cases and improved 13.
• Esophageal cancer: In one study of 64 cases (using IM injection of a 20% solution of neutral saponins), in terms of their ability to swallow, 10 cases were cured, 18 were markedly improved, 30 were improved. Results were generally noted within five days. The herb had no effect if the patient had previously undergone radiation therapy.

Dose: 3-15g

Nature: sweet, very cold

Enters: Heart, Lung, Stomach

Actions: Clears heat, transforms phlegm, penetrates to and unblocks the channels; transforms phlegm-heat, stops coughing.

Indications:
• Phlegm obstructing sensory (heart) orifices: fainting, paralysis of the hands or feet, hemiplegia, coma.
• Phlegm-heat: Cough. Used in small doses as powerful adjunct herb.
• Channel obstruction: spasms of the extremities.
• Take directly. May be mixed with ginger juice to offset its cold nature (as when used in a large dose for coma).
• Compared to Tian zhu huang, Zhu li is extremely cold and slippery in nature, and therefore is very effective in clearing heat and moistening excessive dryness.

Dose: 30-90g (9-15g for cough)

MLT: Important in the preparation of Sito Paladi Churna (Ayurvedic cold/cough remedy):
• Take 8 parts Zhu li, 16 parts raw brown sugar, 1 part cinnamon (Rou gui), 4 parts black pepper (Hu jiao), 2 parts cardamom (Sha ren).
• Grind into a powder.
• Take 1 teaspoon at a time with warm water or milk.
• Strongly warming, clears mucus, helps digestion.

Nature: sweet, slightly cold

Enters: Lung, Stomach, Gallbladder

Actions: Descends gallbladder and stomach Qi and fire; clears heat; resolves phlegm; stops vomiting; cools the blood, stops bleeding; eases restlessness.

Indications:
• Vomiting: especially due to stomach heat and rebellious stomach Qi; also for other patterns (including morning sickness), when appropriately combined.
• Lung phlegm-heat: cough with thick and yellowish sputum, stifling sensation in the chest, hemoptysis.
• Shen disturbance due to gallbladder and/or stomach heat: restlessness, insomnia.
• Stomach heat: bad breath, aversion to heat, yellow, greasy tongue coat.
• Epistaxis, hematemesis.
• Often fried in ginger juice to mitigate its slightly cold nature.
• Compared to Ban xia, Zhu ru has similar effects and the two are often used together, though Zhu ru is cooling and is better for calming the Shen and alleviating irritability.
Hsu: Strongly antibacterial.
DY: With Ban xia for mutual reinforcement, to effectively dry dampness, clear heat, transform phlegm, harmonize the stomach, and stop vomiting. For such indications as:
– 1. Hiccup, nausea, and vomiting due to counterflow of stomach Qi. (Use ginger-processed Ban xia and ginger mix-fried Zhu ru.)
– 2. Vertigo, agitation, and insomnia due to phlegm turbidity. (Use lime-processed Ban xia and ginger-processed Zhu ru.)
– 3. Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy due to disharmony of the stomach, phlegm-heat, or heat in the stomach. In cases of stomach disharmony, add Zi su geng and Sha ren. In cases of stomach cold, add Sheng jiang and Sha ren. In cases of phlegm-heat, add Pi pa ye. In cases of stomach heat, add Bai mao gen and Pi pa ye.

Dose: 4.5-10g