Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang
Classical TCM Formula Profile
Part of the HJMEDICAL TCM Discovery Center
清氣化痰湯 · Qīng Qì Huà Tán Tāng
A classical formula for phlegm-heat in the Lung with yellow sticky sputum and chest oppression.
Read the complete guide →Quick Facts
- Formula Category
- Phlegm-Resolving Formulas
- Primary Pattern
- Phlegm-Heat
- Primary Function
- Clear heat, resolve phlegm, regulate Qi
- Primary Therapeutic Principle
- Clear phlegm-heat from the Lung and regulate Qi
- Classical Source
- Ming-Qing classical formulary
- Available as Granules
- Yes
Formula Overview
A classical formula for phlegm-heat in the Lung with yellow sticky sputum and chest oppression.
Therapeutic Principle
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.
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/使Assistant & EnvoyTreats accompanying patterns, harmonises the whole
枳實Zhi Shi9g
Immature Bitter Orange- breaks stagnant qi and reduces accumulation
陳皮Chen Pi6g
Tangerine Peel- regulates middle qi
- dries dampness and directs counterflow downward
茯苓Fu Ling9g
Poria / Hoelen- fortifies the spleen
- leaches dampness and quiets the heart
杏仁Xing Ren9g
Bitter Apricot Kernel- descends lung qi
- stops cough and moistens the intestines
半夏Ban Xia9g
Pinellia Rhizome- transforms phlegm
Classical Composition
- Arisaema cum Bile (Dan Nan Xing) 9g
- Trichosanthis Semen (Gua Lou Ren) 9g
- Radix Scutellariae (Huang Qin) 9g
- Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (Zhi Shi) 9g
- Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (Chen Pi) 6g
- Poria (Fu Ling) 9g
- Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xing Ren) 9g
- Rhizoma Pinelliae (Ban Xia) 9g
Dosages follow the classical source and are shown for study, not as a prescription.
Related Conditions
Related Health Topics
Actions
- Clears heat
- resolves phlegm
- and directs lung qi downward.
Indications
- This formula is indicated for phlegm-heat congesting the lung.
- Signs and symptoms include cough with yellow sticky sputum, chest oppression, and a slippery rapid pulse.
Tongue & pulseThe tongue is red with a yellow greasy coating.
Traditional Pathogenesis
Cause & mechanism
- This pattern is caused by phlegm and heat binding in the lung or chest.
Clinical presentation
- Heat condenses fluids into sticky yellow phlegm; constrained lung qi then produces cough, chest tightness and a rapid pulse.
- Phlegm-heat congesting the lung produces cough with yellow sticky sputum, chest oppression and a slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment strategy
- The correct method is to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and unblock the chest and lung.
- In this formula the emphasis is to clear phlegm-heat from the Lung and regulate Qi.
How does this formula compare?
Clinical Perspective
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.
Clinical Differentiation
- Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is used for phlegm-heat congesting the lung: yellow sticky sputum, chest oppression and a slippery rapid pulse.
- It is distinguished from Er Chen Tang (damp-phlegm without heat), Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (binding phlegm-heat in the chest) and Ding Chuan Tang (wheezing with an exterior layer).
Safety notes: This formula is cold and descending. It is not appropriate for cold-phlegm or for spleen-yang deficiency with thin white sputum.
For educational reference only, based on traditional pattern differentiation — not a substitute for professional advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
Related Products
Hoi Tin Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (Clear Qi and Transform Phlegm Decoction) 5:1 Concentrated Granules
Related Articles
Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Cough & Yellow Sputum
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Heat in the Chest, Focal Distension & Pain
Er Chen Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Phlegm-Damp, Cough, Nausea & Spleen Deficiency
Ding Chuan Tang: Classic TCM Formula for Asthma, Wheezing & Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
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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.