Formula Formulas that dispel Phlegm

Di Tan Tang

涤痰汤

Also known as:

Scouring Phlegm Decoction , Scour Out Phlegm Decoction

Formula Composition

Tian Nan Xing
Tian Nan Xing
Ju Hong
Ju Hong
Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Ren Shen
Ren Shen
Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru
Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
View detailed herb information
Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistants
Supports

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Removes Phlegm
  2. Opens the sensory orifices
  3. Tonifies Qi

Patterns Treated

Phlegm Misting the Heart, Heart Vessel obstructed

Historical Origin

Fine Formulas of Wonderful Efficacy (1470 AD)

Explore More About This Formula

TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Di Tan Tang

Main Actions

Removes Phlegm
Opens the sensory orifices
Tonifies Qi

Key TCM Concepts

Di Tan Tang is a 9-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) and Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1470 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dispel Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) removes Phlegm and 2) opens the sensory orifices.

 

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 Di Tan Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Phlegm Misting the Heart or Heart Vessel obstructed. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as cerebrovascular accident, seizure disorder or motor aphasia for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Phlegm Misting the Heart
  • Heart Vessel obstructed

Common Applications

Cerebrovascular accident Seizure disorder Motor aphasia Bronchial asthma Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease Acute bronchitis Chronic bronchitis Bronchiectasis Multiple sclerosis

Ingredients in Di Tan Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Di Tan Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Tian Nan Xing
Tian Nan Xing

Arisaema

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Di Tan Tang
Tian Nan Xing expels Phlegm due to Dampness and thereby removes the root of any related patterns. It can also disperse Wind so as to treat Phlegm blocking the vessels and channels.
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Ju Hong
Ju Hong

Red Tangerine Peel

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Pungent
Organ Affinity Spleen, Lungs
Parts Used Dried exocarp
Role in Di Tan Tang
In general Ju Hong's main actions are as follows: "Dissipates Cold, dries Dampness, eliminates Phlegm and promotes the flow of Qi"

In the context of Di Tan Tang, it is used because it regulates Qi and dries Dampness.
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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 Di Tan Tang
Ban Xia acrid and warming. It is good at drying Dampness and transforming Phlegm. It also directs the rebellious Qi downward and warms the Stomach.
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Zhi Zi
Zhi Zi

Cape jasmine fruits

Temperature Cold
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Heart, Lungs, Sanjiao, San Jiao (Triple Burner)
Parts Used Dried ripe fruit
Role in Di Tan Tang
In general Zhi Zi's main actions are as follows: "Clears Heat and calms spirit. Drains Damp-Heat affecting the Liver and Gallbladder. Clears Heat in the Blood and stops bleeding. Anti-inflammatory."

In the context of Di Tan Tang, it is used because it breaks up Stagnation and transforms 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 Di Tan Tang
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 Di Tan Tang, it is used because it strengthens the Spleen by draining Dampness.
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Ren Shen
Ren Shen

Ginseng

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter, Sweet
Organ Affinity Heart, Lungs, Spleen
Parts Used Dried root
Role in Di Tan Tang
Ren Shen tonifies the Qi so as to strengthen the Spleen to prevent any Phlegm accumulation or recurring. It is because the Spleen is often the origin of any Phlegm related pathologies.
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Zhu Ru
Zhu Ru

Bamboo shavings

Temperature Cool
Taste Sweet
Organ Affinity Gallbladder, Stomach, Lungs
Parts Used Dried middle shavings
Role in Di Tan Tang
Zhu Ru transforms Phlegm. It is also slightly cooling in nature so that it can balance the warming properties of most of the other ingredients of the formula.
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Shi Chang Pu
Shi Chang Pu

Sweetflag rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Bitter
Organ Affinity Stomach, Heart, Liver
Parts Used Dried rhizome
Role in Di Tan Tang
Shi Chang Pu not only transforms Phlegm due to Dampness, but also aromatically opens up the orifices, directing the formula into the Heart Channel.
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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 Di Tan Tang
Gan Cao harmonizes the actions of the other ingredients and the functions of the Middle Burner. It also counteracts the toxicity of the key and deputy ingredients as well as promoting Qi dispersion throughout the Triple Burner.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Di Tan Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated for pregnant women or weak patients.

Herb-Drug Interactions

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