清气化痰汤的核心功效与机制是什么？

清气化痰汤由胆南星、黄芩、瓜蒌仁、杏仁、陈皮、枳实、茯苓与半夏科学配伍而成，核心功效为清肺化痰、顺气止咳。该方调理在于痰气兼顾，火热并清：以胆南星、黄芩、瓜蒌仁直清肺胃蕴结之实热，熔化胶固之黄稠老痰；配伍杏仁、枳实降气平喘，陈皮、半夏理气化湿，茯苓健脾阻断生痰之源。此方药力专一，专为扫清肺络中因火邪熏灼津液、凝聚成浓痰导致的气道闭阻。

现代医学中，清气化痰汤主要应用于哪些疾病？

现代临床和黏膜排痰药理研究表明，本方广泛用于治疗急性支气管炎、肺炎、慢性阻塞性肺疾病（慢阻肺）急性发作、支气管扩张感染及小儿脓痰咳嗽。当患者表现为剧烈频繁咳嗽、气促喘息、咳出的痰液黏稠发黄且极难吐出、胸闷、身热、口干、舌红、舌苔黄腻等痰热阻肺表现时，合理使用本方能显著稀释黏稠痰液、促进呼吸道纤毛运动并迅速减轻肺部炎症损伤。

服用清气化痰汤有哪些严格的辨证禁忌？

本方药性苦寒清泄、极易化燥，不适于虚证与寒证。肺虚久咳、寒痰喘促（痰稀白如水、畏寒怕冷、舌淡苔白滑），以及无痰的阴虚干咳、肺燥咳嗽者绝对禁用，盲目误用会导致寒邪凝滞肺络或进一步烧灼肺阴。方中含枳实与半夏，孕妇及哺乳期妇女必须严格慎用或禁用。用药期间忌烟酒、辛辣、海鲜发物及生冷肥腻食物。不确定体质者应前往专业医疗机构评估。

Phlegm-Resolving Formulas

清氣化痰湯 · Qīng Qì Huà Tán Tāng

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang

A classical formula for phlegm-heat in the Lung with yellow sticky sputum and chest oppression.

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Last reviewed August 2026

Formula CategoryPhlegm-Resolving Formulas

Primary PatternPhlegm-Heat

Primary FunctionClear heat, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi

Primary Therapeutic PrincipleClear phlegm-heat from the Lung and regulate Qi

Main HerbsBile Arisaema · Trichosanthes Seed · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Immature Bitter Orange · Tangerine Peel · Poria / Hoelen · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Pinellia Rhizome

Classical SourceMing-Qing classical formulary

Why This Formula?

Traditionally selected for Lung phlegm-heat with yellow sticky sputum, rather than focal chest phlegm-heat clumping, plain damp-phlegm, or exterior-interior wheezing patterns.

Overview

What Is Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

1. Origin and Inheritance

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (清气化痰汤), or Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Decoction, is a classical Ming-dynasty formula from Wu Kun’s Yi Fang Kao (Investigations of Medical Formulas). It belongs to the category of formulas that clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and regulate Lung Qi.

This formula addresses Phlegm-Heat accumulating in the Lungs, in which Heat condenses fluids into sticky yellow Phlegm that obstructs the descent of Lung Qi. Typical signs include cough with copious thick yellow phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, chest oppression or fullness, possible nausea, a red tongue with a greasy yellow coating, and a slippery rapid pulse.

Combining Dan Nan Xing and Ban Xia to transform Phlegm and dry Dampness, Gua Lou Ren to clear Heat and loosen the chest, Huang Qin to drain Lung Heat, Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi and stop cough, Zhi Shi and Chen Pi to move Qi and break up Phlegm accumulation, and Fu Ling to strengthen the Spleen and leach Dampness, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang effectively clears Heat, transforms Phlegm, restores the descent of Lung Qi, and stops cough.

2. Respiratory System Diseases

Common Uses: Clinically, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Decoction) is heavily relied upon for various respiratory issues.
Target Symptoms: It is especially useful during acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis when a patient experiences severe coughing, large amounts of thick, yellow phlegm, wheezing, and chest tightness. It is also used as a supportive treatment for conditions like pneumonia and bronchiectasis, provided the patient fits the "internal binding of phlegm-heat" profile.

3. Digestive System Diseases

Beyond the Lungs: Surprisingly, this formula is also effective for certain digestive issues like reflux esophagitis.
Target Symptoms: It is used when a patient has a burning stomach pain, a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness, nausea, and vomiting that brings up thick, yellow phlegm. By clearing the heat and directing the rebellious stomach energy downwards, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang helps soothe the digestive tract.

4. Other Conditions

Neurological and Sleep Issues: When diagnosed correctly, this formula can be adapted to treat symptoms like dizziness, head pressure, restlessness, and insomnia caused by trapped phlegm-heat.
Target Symptoms: For instance, if a patient experiences intense dizziness accompanied by a bitter taste in the mouth and a thick, yellow tongue coating, it indicates that phlegm-heat is "disturbing the upper orifices." By clearing this blockage, the formula helps calm the mind and relieve the vertigo.

How It Works

Herb Composition (Sovereign / Minister / Assistant / Envoy)

1. King (Chief) Herb - Dan Nan Xing

The Core Ingredient: Dan Nan Xing (Bile-Processed Arisaema) serves as the "King" or main herb in Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Clear the Qi and Transform Phlegm Decoction).
Its Role: Known for its cooling nature, it excels at clearing heat, resolving thick phlegm, and calming internal wind. It specifically targets the deep-seated "phlegm-heat" in the body, making it highly effective for treating stubborn coughs accompanied by thick, yellow mucus.

2. Minister (Deputy) Herbs - Gua Lou and Huang Qin

Gua Lou (Trichosanthes): This bitter and cold herb helps to thin out sticky phlegm, making it much easier to cough up. It also relieves a feeling of tightness or fullness in the chest.
Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root): Known for its ability to clear heat and dry dampness, it helps "put out the fire" in the body.
The Synergy: Together, these two "Minister" herbs strongly support the King herb, significantly boosting the formula's ability to clear out heat and transform stubborn phlegm.

3. Assistant Herbs - Chen Pi, Xing Ren, and Zhi Shi

Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel): This warm, aromatic herb regulates the flow of "Qi" (energy) and strengthens digestion. By keeping energy moving smoothly, it prevents new phlegm from forming.
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed): Famous for moistening the lungs and intestines, it is excellent at stopping coughs and calming asthma-like wheezing while gently promoting bowel movements.
Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange): A powerful herb for breaking up stagnant energy and reducing chest stuffiness. It helps the primary herbs work better while ensuring the overall formula is not so cold that it damages the digestive system.

4. Guide (Envoy) Herbs - Fu Ling and Ban Xia

Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom): This gentle, neutral herb helps the body drain out excess dampness through urination, giving the phlegm an exit route.
Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome): It dries dampness and enhances the phlegm-resolving power of the formula. As a "Guide" herb, it also harmonizes the other ingredients and directs the medicinal effects straight to the lungs where they are needed most.

Symptoms Traditionally Associated

Clinical Presentation in TCM

1. Pathogenesis

The Root Cause: This formula targets a condition known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as the "internal binding of phlegm-heat."
How it Happens: When external heat gets trapped in the body, or when internal organs are out of balance, heat and phlegm mix together in the lungs. This blocks the lungs' natural ability to send energy downwards, causing that energy to rebel upwards. The result is coughing, wheezing, and a heavy, tight feeling in the chest.

2. Efficacy

The Goal of the Formula: Whether used as Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Decoction) or Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan (Pill), the primary goal is to clear heat and resolve phlegm.
The Mechanism: By clearing out this hot, sticky mucus, the formula restores normal lung function, smooths out breathing, and stops the cough at its source.

3. Indications

Who it is For: This formula is primarily used for patients suffering from a "phlegm-heat cough."
Key Symptoms: Look for a heavy cough, wheezing or asthma-like symptoms, and most importantly, thick, yellow phlegm. Patients might also experience a stifling sensation in the chest, shortness of breath, mild nausea, and general restlessness. Clinically, it is a go-to choice for various respiratory issues that fit this specific "hot and sticky" profile.

Formula Analysis

The Mechanism in Classical Theory

1. Clearing Heat and Resolving Phlegm

The Core Trio: In this formula, Dan Nan Xing (Bile-Processed Arisaema), Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Seed), and Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) act as the primary herbs for clearing heat and resolving phlegm.
How They Work: Dan Nan Xing has a powerful ability to clear heat and resolve phlegm, targeting the root of the illness. Gua Lou moistens dryness and helps break down the mucus, while Huang Qin aggressively clears heat and purges internal fire. Together, they eliminate the trapped phlegm-heat, solving the core issue of stagnant energy turning into fire and generating mucus.

2. Regulating Qi and Resolving Phlegm for Discharge

Moving the Energy: Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) and Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) are used to regulate Qi (vital energy). In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a saying that "when Qi moves smoothly, phlegm will disappear."
Easing the Chest: By improving energy flow, these herbs make it much easier for the body to expel phlegm. This smooth flow also quickly relieves the uncomfortable feeling of chest tightness and pressure.
Supporting the Lungs: Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) is added to relieve coughing and wheezing, helping the lungs function normally and assisting in the physical discharge of the phlegm.

3. Tonifying Spleen and Promoting Diuresis to Prevent Phlegm

Treating the Source: Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom) works to strengthen the Spleen and promote urination, while Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) dries up internal dampness.
A Complete Solution: This combination is strategic: it prevents the body from creating new "phlegm-dampness" by improving digestion, while simultaneously flushing out existing dampness through urine. This ensures the root cause is treated alongside the visible symptoms.

How This Formula Compares

Clinical Comparison Table

Compare	Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang	Xiao Xian Xiong Tang	Er Chen Tang	Ding Chuan Tang
Primary Function	Clear heat, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi	Clear heat, resolve phlegm, open the chest	Dry dampness, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi, harmonize middle	Diffuse Lung, direct Qi down, clear heat, resolve phlegm, calm wheezing
Formula Category	Phlegm-Resolving Formulas	Phlegm-Resolving Formulas	Phlegm-Resolving Formulas	Exterior-Releasing Formulas
Typical TCM Pattern	Phlegm-Heat	Phlegm-Heat	Phlegm-Dampness	Phlegm-Heat
Main Conditions	Chest Tightness, Excessive Mucus	Chest Tightness, Abdominal Pain	Poor Appetite, Nausea	Asthma & Wheezing, Cough
Main Herbs	Bile Arisaema · Trichosanthes Seed · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Immature Bitter Orange · Tangerine Peel · Poria / Hoelen · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Pinellia Rhizome	Coptis Rhizome · Pinellia Rhizome · Trichosanthes Fruit	Pinellia Rhizome · Tangerine Peel · Poria / Hoelen · Honey-fried Licorice	Ginkgo Seed · Ephedra Herb · Perilla Fruit · Licorice Root · Coltsfoot Flower · Bitter Apricot Kernel · Mulberry Root Bark · Scutellaria / Baikal Skullcap · Pinellia Rhizome
Classical Source	Ming-Qing classical formulary	Shang Han Lun (Zhang Zhongjing, Eastern Han)	Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang (Song, 1107)	Ming-Qing classical formulary

How to tell them apart

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang, Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, Er Chen Tang and Ding Chuan Tang all transform phlegm. Xiao Xian Xiong Tang clears phlegm-heat clumping in the chest; Er Chen Tang is the plain damp-phlegm base; Ding Chuan Tang addresses exterior cold with interior phlegm-heat wheezing. Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang clears Lung phlegm-heat with yellow sticky sputum and chest oppression.

For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.

Clinical Modifications

Clinical Modifications for Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang

1. Those with severe heat of amine

If the heat is relatively severe, gypsum and anemarrhena can be added to enhance the effect of clearing heat. Gypsum is pungent, sweet and extremely cold, which can clear heat and purge fire, relieve restlessness and quench thirst; anemarrhena clears heat and purges fire, nourishes yin and moistens dryness. When combined with the drugs in the original prescription, they can effectively enhance the effect of clearing heat, and relieve symptoms such as high fever and thirst caused by heat.

2. Those with excessive phlegm and shortness of breath

When there are obvious symptoms of excessive phlegm and shortness of breath, mulberry bark and lepidium can be added. Mulberry bark purges lung qi and relieves asthma, promotes diuresis and reduces swelling; lepidium purges lung qi, descends qi and dispels phlegm to relieve asthma, which can enhance the effects of relieving cough and asthma, resolving phlegm, making the phlegm discharge more smoothly and reducing the symptoms of shortness of breath.

3. Those with chest stuffiness and fullness

When the symptom of chest fullness and stuffiness is prominent, magnolia officinalis and Aucklandia lappa can be added to promote qi movement and relieve fullness. Magnolia officinalis is bitter, pungent and warm, which can dry dampness and resolve phlegm, descend qi and relieve fullness; Aucklandia lappa promotes qi movement to stop pain, invigorates the spleen and promotes digestion. The two can enhance the effect of regulating qi and relieving fullness in the chest, and relieve the discomfort of chest fullness and stuffiness.

Modern Research

What the Science Suggests

1. Pharmacological Findings

Modern studies on Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang reveal how its individual ingredients work together scientifically:

Inflammation and Phlegm: Herbs like Dan Nan Xing (Bile-Processed Arisaema) and Gua Lou (Trichosanthes) show strong expectorant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them highly effective for clearing mucus.
Antibacterial Action: Huang Qin (Baical Skullcap Root) is noted for its antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects.
Digestive Support: Ingredients like Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) and Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) help stimulate digestive juices and improve gastrointestinal movement, showing how the formula treats the digestive "root" of phlegm.
Respiratory and Immune Function: Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) and Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) act as powerful cough suppressants, while Fu Ling (Poria) acts as a gentle diuretic and helps boost overall immune function.

2. Clinical Efficacy

Large-scale clinical observations have verified that Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is highly effective for treating "phlegm-heat" conditions.

In Respiratory Health: It successfully relieves symptoms like persistent coughing, heavy yellow expectoration, and wheezing, while measurably improving overall lung function.
In Digestive Health: It helps regulate the gastrointestinal tract and soothes stomach discomfort associated with phlegm-heat. Overall, clinical trials show a high success rate, cementing its value in modern medical practice.

3. Dosage Form Innovations

To make this traditional remedy more accessible, modern technology has improved how Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is delivered:

Modern Formats: Beyond the traditional boiled tea and concentrated granules, researchers are developing capsules and tablets to make taking the medication much more convenient and stable.
Better Extraction: Extraction methods are continually being refined to ensure the active, beneficial compounds from the raw herbs are perfectly preserved, resulting in higher clinical efficacy and better patient outcomes.

Safety

Safety Considerations

1. Dietary Taboos and Constitution

While taking Qingqi Huatan Decoction, avoid phlegm- and heat-producing foods, including spicy, greasy, and overly sweet foods. People with a deficiency-cold constitution should use it cautiously because its cooling nature may cause abdominal pain or diarrhea. Pregnant women should take it only under a doctor’s guidance.

2. Monitoring and Adverse Reactions

Monitor your condition during treatment. If symptoms fail to improve, worsen, or new symptoms develop, consult a doctor promptly. Report adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, or rash to a healthcare professional.

Available Products

Where to Get It

Hoi Tin Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Clear Qi and Transform Phlegm Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $30.50

Nong's Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Concentrated Granules

HJMEDICAL Nong's Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Chest-Focal-Distention) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $56.60

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Ingredients Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $29.10

HJMEDICAL Nong's Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $51.25

Hoi Tin Ding Chuan Tang Extract Granules

HJMEDICAL Hoi Tin Ding Chuan Tang (Calm the Wheezing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $26.32

HJMEDICAL Nong's Ding Chuan Tang (Arrest Wheezing Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules $65.16

FAQ

Questions About Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang

Q1: What are the actions of Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang has the actions of clearing Heat, transforming Phlegm, regulating Qi, and stopping cough. It is a representative formula for Phlegm-Heat congesting the Lung, based on the idea that clearing Qi allows Phlegm to resolve.

Q2: Which modern diseases is Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang suited to?

Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Phlegm-Heat in the Lung, including acute bronchitis, pneumonia, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis with thick yellow sticky phlegm, chest oppression, and a yellow greasy tongue coating.

Q3: Is Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang suitable for improving cough with thick yellow phlegm and chest fullness?

For presentations of cough or wheezing with copious thick yellow sticky phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, chest and diaphragm fullness or oppression, possible irritability or nausea, a red tongue with yellow greasy coating, and a slippery rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Phlegm-Heat — TCM commonly applies Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace standard treatment of pneumonia or other respiratory infection.

Q4: Who should not take Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

Those with Wind-Cold cough and thin white watery phlegm, Yin-deficiency dry cough with little sputum, or Spleen-Stomach deficiency Cold are generally not suitable. The formula is cold and drying toward Phlegm-Heat; it can worsen Cold patterns and further injure Yin. Use should be assessed by a qualified TCM physician.

Q5: Why is this formula said to “clear Qi in order to transform Phlegm”?

Wu Kun explained that when Qi is unclear it is because of Phlegm, and that Qi excess can transform into Fire which then drives Phlegm. The formula therefore clears Heat, regulates constrained Qi, and simultaneously dries, descends, and leaches Phlegm. Once Qi is clear and moving, Phlegm-Heat has no place to accumulate.

Q6: How does Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang differ from Er Chen Tang?

Er Chen Tang is the foundational formula for Damp-Phlegm without significant Heat (white, easy-to-expectorate phlegm). Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is built on an Er Chen Tang structure but adds Dan Nan Xing, Gua Lou Ren, Huang Qin, Xing Ren, and Zhi Shi to clear Phlegm-Heat and descend constrained Qi. It is chosen when the sputum is yellow, sticky, and the coating is yellow and greasy.

Q7: What are the main ingredients of Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

The classical formula consists of Dan Nan Xing and Gua Lou Ren to clear Heat and transform stubborn Phlegm; Huang Qin to drain Lung Heat; Ban Xia and Chen Pi to dry Dampness, transform Phlegm, and regulate Qi; Xing Ren to descend Lung Qi and stop cough; Zhi Shi to break Qi stagnation and dissipate Phlegm accumulation; and Fu Ling to strengthen the Spleen and leach Dampness.

Q8: Is Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang suitable for long-term use?

No. It is a short-course formula for Phlegm-Heat congestion. Once yellow phlegm, chest oppression, and Heat signs improve, the formula should be stopped or changed. Prolonged use of its cold, drying, and Qi-moving herbs can injure Spleen Yang or Yin fluids.

Q9: Can Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang help both the cough and the chest oppression from Phlegm-Heat?

Yes. Phlegm-Heat in the Lung both disrupts the Lung’s descending function (cough, wheeze, sticky yellow sputum) and blocks Qi in the chest (fullness, oppression, possible nausea). By clearing Heat, transforming Phlegm, and regulating Qi together, the formula addresses this whole cluster when the pattern matches.

Q10: What lifestyle advice supports the use of Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

Avoiding spicy, greasy, sweet, and alcohol-containing foods that generate Phlegm-Heat, maintaining adequate fluids, resting during acute cough, and keeping the environment from becoming overly dry or dusty help the formula clear Heat and transform Phlegm. High fever, shortness of breath, or bloody sputum requires prompt medical evaluation.

FAQ

General Questions

How do I choose the right formula?

TCM formulas are traditionally selected according to individual pattern differentiation rather than by symptom alone. If you're not sure which formula fits your presentation, take our AI Assessment below for a personalized starting point, then confirm with a qualified TCM practitioner.

What are concentrated herbal granules?

Concentrated herbal granules are made by decocting raw herbs, then extracting and concentrating the resulting liquid into a fine granule or powder form. This preserves the same active compounds as a traditional decoction while making the herbs far easier to store, measure, and prepare.

How should I take these products?

Dissolve the recommended amount of granules in hot water, stir until fully dissolved, and drink while warm — following the dosage and frequency advised by your TCM practitioner or as stated on the product packaging.

Are concentrated herbal granules equivalent to traditional decoctions?

Concentrated granules are produced from the same herbs and processed to retain their active compounds, so they are traditionally regarded as a convenient alternative to decoctions rather than a different remedy. Some practitioners note subtle differences in strength or absorption between the two forms, so your TCM practitioner may adjust dosage accordingly.

Are your products authentic?

Yes. HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules exclusively from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry, with GMP compliance stated directly on their packaging.

Are HJMEDICAL products manufactured under GMP standards?

HJMEDICAL sources its concentrated granules from established, reputable manufacturers such as Nong's and Hoi Tin, both long-standing names in the TCM granules industry. GMP compliance for these products is stated directly on their packaging.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide! Every order goes out via Hong Kong Post, and your exact shipping cost and estimated delivery time for your address are calculated and shown right at checkout, so there are never any surprises. We also offer free shipping once your order reaches our free-shipping threshold, so it's easy to stock up on your favorite formulas and save.

Can I take more than one formula at the same time?

Some formulas are traditionally combined, while others overlap or counteract each other. We recommend checking with a qualified TCM practitioner before combining formulas, especially if you are already taking other medication.

Are these products suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Some TCM formulas are not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or your doctor before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or nursing.

Do these products replace medical treatment?

No. These products are traditional herbal supplements intended to support wellbeing according to TCM principles — they are not a replacement for professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or combining any treatment, especially if you have a chronic condition.

Medical Disclaimer

For general TCM education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified TCM practitioner or licensed healthcare provider before use, especially if pregnant, nursing, on medication, or managing a chronic condition.

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