Formula Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan

苍附导痰丸

Also known as:

Atractylodes-Cyperus Conducting Phlegm Pill , Black Atractylodes Coco-grass Conducting Phlegm Pill

Formula Composition

Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu
Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
Shen Qu
Shen Qu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Dan Nan Xing
Dan Nan Xing
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Resolves Dampness and Phlegm

Patterns Treated

Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus, Phlegm

Historical Origin

叶天士女科证治秘方 / Doctor Ye Tian Shi's Gynecology formula (1817 AD )

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan

Main Actions

Resolves Dampness and Phlegm

Key TCM Concepts

Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan is a 10-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) and Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1817 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. Its main action is that it resolves Dampness and Phlegm.

 

In Chinese Medicine health conditions are thought to arise due to "disharmonies" in the body as a system. These disharmonies are called "patterns" and the very purpose of herbal formulas is to fight them in order to restore the body's harmony.

 

In this case Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus or Phlegm. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as scanty menstruation, absence of menstruation or low breast milk supply for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
  • Phlegm

Common Applications

Scanty menstruation Absence of menstruation Low breast milk supply

Ingredients in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan

Detailed information about each herb in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan and their roles

Kings
Xiang Fu
Xiang Fu

Coco-grass rhizomes

Temperature Neutral
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Liver, Spleen, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Xiang Fu's main actions are as follows: "Unblocks Stagnant Liver Qi and relieves pain. Regulates the Liver and Spleen. Assists the regulation of menses and relieves pain."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it moves Qi and eliminates Qi Stagnation which will help to resolve Phlegm.
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Cang Zhu
Cang Zhu

Black atractylodes rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used The dried rhizome
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Cang Zhu's main actions are as follows: "Dries Damp and tonifies the Spleen. Relieves the Exterior for invasion of Wind-Cold-Damp. Relieves Wind-Damp painful obstruction. Dries Damp for either Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat when combined with the correct herbs. Clears the eyes and improves sight."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it resolves Dampness and Phlegm.
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Fu Ling
Fu Ling

Poria-cocos mushrooms

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Kidneys, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried sclerotium
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Fu Ling's main actions are as follows: "Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it resolves Dampness and Phlegm..
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Zhi Ke
Zhi Ke

Bitter oranges

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent, Sour
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Zhi Ke's main actions are as follows: "To regulate the flow of Qi, remove its stagnation, and alleviate distension."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it moves Qi and eliminates Qi Stagnation which will help to resolve Phlegm.
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Chen Pi
Chen Pi

Tangerine peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried pericarp of the ripe fruit
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Chen Pi's main actions are as follows: "Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it moves Qi and eliminates Qi Stagnation which will help to resolve Phlegm.
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Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang

Fresh ginger

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Fresh root
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Sheng Jiang's main actions are as follows: "Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it helps digestion and dissolves food accumulation in the Stomach, which will help to resolve Phlegm.
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Shen Qu
Shen Qu

Medicated leaven

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent, Sweet
Organ Affinity Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used This is a fermented combination of wheat flour, Artemisia annua, Xanthium, Polygonum hydropiper and other herbs.
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Shen Qu's main actions are as follows: "Assists the Stomach in removing Food Stagnation. Harmonizes the Earth element and improves digestion."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it helps digestion and dissolves food accumulation in the Stomach, which will help to resolve Phlegm..
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Gan Cao
Gan Cao

Liquorice

Temperature Neutral
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried root and rhizome
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Gan Cao's main actions are as follows: "Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it harmonizes all ingredients.
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Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Ban Xia's main actions are as follows: "Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention."

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it dries Dampness, transforms Phlegm, dissipates nodules and reduces Stagnation.
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Dan Nan Xing
Dan Nan Xing

Arisaema with bile

Temperature Cool
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Liver, Lungs
Parts Used The rhizome
Role in Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
In general Dan Nan Xing's main actions are as follows: "To clear Heat and resolve Phlegm, dispel Wind and stop convulsions"

In the context of Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan, it is used because it clears Heat, dissolves Phlegm, calms Wind and stops convulsions.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any TCM herbal formula.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan may interact with certain medications. If you are taking any prescription medications, we recommend consulting with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in herb-drug interactions.