Qing Fei Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
清肺湯 · Qīng Fèi Tāng
A classical formula for Lung heat with cough, yellow sputum and dry throat.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Heat-Clearing Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Lung Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear Lung heat, resolve phlegm, stop cough
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear heat from the Lung and transform phlegm
- Classical Source
- Classical TCM formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for Lung heat with cough, yellow sputum and dry throat.
Therapeutic Principle
Traditionally selected for Lung heat cough with yellow sputum and dry throat, rather than heavier phlegm-heat or Yin-deficiency dry cough.
Composition: Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, Envoy
Every herb in the formula, grouped by the job it does in the classical hierarchy.
君SovereignTreats the main pattern
臣MinisterReinforces the sovereign
佐AssistantTreats accompanying patterns
麥冬Mai Dong9g
Ophiopogon Tuber- nourishes yin and generates fluids
貝母Bei Mu9g
Fritillaria Bulb- supports the formula's treatment strategy in this position
梔子Zhi Zi6g
Gardenia Fruit- drains fire and relieves vexation
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
茯苓Fu Ling6g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
使EnvoyGuides and harmonises
Classical Composition
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Cortex Mori (Sang Bai Pi) 9g
- Radix Platycodonis (Jie Geng) 6g
- Radix Ophiopogonis (Mai Dong) 9g
- Bulbus Fritillariae (Bei Mu) 9g
- Fructus Gardeniae (Zhi Zi) 6g
- Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae (Gan Cao) 3g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 6g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears lung heat
- resolves phlegm
- and moistens dryness to stop cough.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for lung heat with dryness and phlegm.
- Signs and symptoms include cough, sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate, and a dry throat.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red, and the pulse is rapid.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern arises when heat obstructs the lung and the lung fails to diffuse and descend.
- Lung heat with dryness and phlegm produces cough, sticky sputum that is difficult to expectorate, and a dry throat.
Clinical presentation
- Heat scorches fluids and forces qi upward, producing cough, labored breathing, thirst and a rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear lung heat, diffuse the lung, and descend counterflow qi.
- In this formula the emphasis is to clear heat from the Lung and transform phlegm.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
Qing Fei Tang, Qing Jin Hua Tan Tang, Bai He Gu Jin Tang and related Lung formulas clear Lung heat or nourish Lung Yin. Qing Jin Hua Tan Tang clears phlegm-heat; Bai He Gu Jin Tang nourishes Lung-Kidney Yin for dry cough. Qing Fei Tang clears Lung heat and resolves phlegm for cough with yellow sputum and dry throat.
Clinical Differentiation
- Qing Fei Tang is used for lung heat with dryness and phlegm that is difficult to expectorate.
- It is distinguished from Qing Jin Hua Tan Tang (more phlegm-heat cough) and from Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang (severe dryness damaging metal).
Safety notes: This formula clears lung heat. It is not appropriate for wind-cold or cold-phlegm cough.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the actions of Qing Fei Tang?
Qing Fei Tang has the actions of clearing Lung Heat, nourishing Yin, regulating Qi, and transforming Phlegm. The widely used version from Wan Bing Hui Chun treats lingering cough when Heat and sticky Phlegm remain and have begun to injure Lung fluids.
Which modern diseases is Qing Fei Tang suited to?
Modern TCM clinical practice commonly applies it to individuals whose pattern differentiation falls within Lung Heat with Phlegm and mild Yin injury, including post-infectious cough with sticky phlegm that is hard to expectorate, chronic bronchitis of Phlegm-Heat type, and lingering productive cough after a febrile airway illness.
Is Qing Fei Tang suitable for improving a lingering cough with thick sticky phlegm?
For presentations of persistent cough, copious sticky phlegm that is difficult to bring up (often yellow or mixed), chest tightness, dry or uncomfortable throat, a redder tongue with yellow or greasy coating, and a slippery or rapid pulse — in those whose pattern differentiation confirms Lung Heat with Phlegm — TCM commonly applies Qing Fei Tang as an adjunct. It cannot replace evaluation of pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, or other respiratory disease.
Related Products
Nong's Qing Fei Tang (Clear the Lung Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Qing Fei Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung Heat, Cough, Phlegm & Sore Throat
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Warm-Dryness Damaging the Lungs, Dry Cough & Qi-Yin Injury
Bai He Gu Jin Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Lung & Kidney Yin Deficiency with Dryness
Qing Jin Hua Tan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Cough & Yellow Sticky Sputum
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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.