Sputum in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different sputum patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Overview
What causes it 12 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each sputum pattern
Classical remedies 71 herbal formulas documented

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views sputum as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's systems, commonly associated with the accumulation of Phlegm, a pathogenic factor in TCM. Phlegm in TCM is not just the physical secretion but a reflection of a functional imbalance, often related to the Lungs, Spleen, Heart and Kidney systems.

TCM underscores the importance of identifying the type of Phlegm and the underlying disharmony to tailor the treatment, as sputum characteristics can vary from Cold-Phlegm to Phlegm-Fire, each requiring different therapeutic strategies.

TCM Patterns for Sputum

Phlegm

Causes: Mucus, Sputum throat, Phlegm in throat, Profuse white sputum, Phlegm, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Clear mucus, Copious sputum, Coughing of phlegm, Excessive phlegm, Coughing of copious thin and white sputum, Coughing with copious white sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

19 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with sputum

Sputum throat

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat

Along with: Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness,

Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat, Profuse white sputum

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat, Phlegm, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Clear mucus

Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness

Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Copious sputum, Coughing of phlegm

Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Turbid Phlegm Blocks Orifices
How it presents with sputum

Excessive phlegm

Along with: Coma, Loss of consciousness, Clenching of teeth, Shortness of breath, Pale face, Copious sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Fluids above the diaphragm
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thin and white sputum, Profuse white sputum

Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Edema, Stifling sensation in the chest, Dizziness

Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thin and white sputum, Coughing with copious white sputum

Along with: Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Profuse white sputum

Along with: Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity,

Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

Along with: Focal distention of the chest, Loss of appetite, Dyspepsia, Chronic bronchitis, Bronchial asthma, Emphysema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thin and white sputum

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with copious white sputum

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Heat

Causes: Mucus, Phlegm in throat, Phlegm, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Bloody sputum, Yellow mucus, Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

12 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat, Phlegm, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat,

Phlegm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression

Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung Heat
How it presents with sputum

Cough with thin yellow sputum

Along with: Feeling of heat, Thirst, High fever, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne

Heat in the Blood
How it presents with sputum

Bloody sputum

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Hematochezia, Hematuria,

Wind-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Yellow mucus

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness,

Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

Along with: Wheezing, Dry throat, Hot palms and soles, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes: Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Clear mucus, Yellow mucus, Copious sputum, Coughing of phlegm, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum

6 variations documented
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Wind
How it presents with sputum

Clear mucus

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Headaches, Wind phobia, Nasal discharge, Clear sputum,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Yellow mucus

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness,

Wind-Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Copious sputum, Coughing of phlegm

Along with: Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Aphasia, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Noisy breathing, Limb numbness

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge,

Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dampness

Causes: Sputum throat, Phlegm in throat, Profuse white sputum, Coughing of copious thin and white sputum, Coughing with copious white sputum

5 variations documented
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it presents with sputum

Sputum throat

Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest,

Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat, Profuse white sputum

Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Profuse white sputum

Along with: Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity,

Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thin and white sputum

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with copious white sputum

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Causes: Phlegm in throat, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Phlegm, Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Coughing with copious white sputum

5 variations documented
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat

Along with: Coughing, White and watery sputum, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness,

Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge,

Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm

Along with: Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum

Along with: Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis, Bronchial asthma

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with copious white sputum

Along with: Nausea, Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Qi Stagnation

Causes: Mild coughing with copious sputum, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

3 variations documented
Qi Stagnation
How it presents with sputum

Mild coughing with copious sputum

Along with: General fullness, Moving pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Sighing

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
How it presents with sputum

Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum

Along with: Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Phlegm clogging the Lungs with Qi Stagnation
How it presents with sputum

Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum

Along with: Focal distention of the chest, Loss of appetite, Dyspepsia, Chronic bronchitis, Bronchial asthma, Emphysema,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Mind Disturbance

Causes: Mucus

2 variations documented
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it presents with sputum

Mucus

Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia,

Yin Deficiency

Causes: Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

2 variations documented
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation,

Lung and Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Fire
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with blood-streaked sputum

Along with: Wheezing, Dry throat, Hot palms and soles, Night sweats, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic pharyngitis,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Dryness

Causes: Phlegm in throat, Phlegm

2 variations documented
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm in throat

Along with: Dry cough, Scanty sputum, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Exterior Dry Cold invading the Lungs
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm

Along with: Headaches, Chills without sweating, Congested nose, Dry throat, Sputum, Dry cough,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Stasis

Causes: Phlegm

1 variation documented
Heart Vessel obstructed
How it presents with sputum

Phlegm

Along with: Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain,

Blood Deficiency

Causes: Bloody sputum

1 variation documented
Loss of Blood
How it presents with sputum

Bloody sputum

Along with: Nosebleeds, Uterine hemorrhage, Hematuria, Hematochezia, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Causes: Coughing with copious clear thin sputum

1 variation documented
Lung Yang Deficiency
How it presents with sputum

Coughing with copious clear thin sputum

Along with: Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum, Cold extremities, Spontaneous sweat, Frequent colds or flu, Pale face, Generalized fatigue,

Herbal Formulas for Sputum

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address sputum

Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance Qi Stagnation

Er Chen Tang

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Dampness Heat Cold

Ding Chuan Tang

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Wind Cold

Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Zhi Bao Dan

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Hui Chun Dan

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

Sheng Tie Luo Yin

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Heat Mind Disturbance

San Zi Yang Qin Tang

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Cold Qi Stagnation

Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan

Addresses these sputum patterns:

Phlegm Dampness