Symptom family: Respiratory Secretions
Parent symptom: Sputum
Explore below more details about what might cause Clear sputum according to TCM.
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Phlegm | Clear mucus, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Head fog, Dizziness | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Xiao Ban Xia Tang |
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Exterior Wind | Clear mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Anemophobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum, Itchy throat, Sneezing, Coughing, Muscle pain, Itchy skin... see more | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address clear sputum, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause clear sputum, such as Phlegm
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Phlegm |
Xiao Ban Xia Tang | Phlegm |
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause clear sputum, such as Exterior Wind
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some clear sputum-causing patterns like Exterior Wind.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clear sputum-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some clear sputum-causing patterns like Phlegm.
One such formula is Xiao Ban Xia Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address clear sputum, organized by herb category.
Clear sputum can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for clear sputum, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
Clear sputum can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for clear sputum, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Clear sputum can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for clear sputum, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Clear sputum can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for clear sputum, like Xiao Ban Xia Tang.