Formula Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Er Chen Tang

二陈汤

Also known as:

Citrus and Pinellia Combination , Two Cured Decoction , Decoction of Two Old (Cured) Drugs

Formula Composition

Ban Xia
Ban Xia
Chen Pi
Chen Pi
Fu Ling
Fu Ling
Gan Cao
Gan Cao
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang
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Kings
Main ingredient
Deputy
Assists main
Assistant
Supports
Envoy
Directs formula

Formula Properties

Main Actions

  1. Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
  2. Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)

Patterns Treated

Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, Damp-Phlegm, Phlegm-Fluids, Phlegm, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Stomach Deficiency, Damp-Cold Phlegm

Historical Origin

Formulary of the Pharmacy Service for Benefiting the People in the Taiping Era (1148 AD)

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TCM Actions & Uses Formula Ingredients Contraindications

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Er Chen Tang

Main Actions

Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)

Key TCM Concepts

Er Chen Tang is a 5-ingredient Chinese Medicine formula with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) as principal ingredients.

 

Invented in 1148 AD, it belongs to the category of formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. Its main actions are: 1) dries Damp and dispels Phlegm and 2) regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen).

 

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 Er Chen Tang is used by TCM practitioners to fight patterns like Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, Damp-Phlegm or Phlegm-Fluids. From a Western Medicine standpoint, such patterns can give rise to a range of conditions such as morning sickness, upper respiratory tract infections or chronic bronchitis for instance.

TCM Patterns Addressed

  • Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
  • Damp-Phlegm
  • Phlegm-Fluids
  • Phlegm
  • Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
  • Stomach Deficiency
  • Damp-Cold Phlegm

Common Applications

Morning sickness Upper respiratory tract infections Chronic bronchitis Emphysema Goiter Chronic gastritis Peptic ulcers Meniere's disease

Ingredients in Er Chen Tang

Detailed information about each herb in Er Chen Tang and their roles

Kings
Deputies
Assistants
Envoys
Ban Xia
Ban Xia

Crow-dipper rhizomes

Temperature Warm
Taste Pungent
Organ Affinity Lungs, Spleen, Stomach
Parts Used Dried rhizome and tuber
Role in Er Chen Tang
Ban Xia dries Dampness, expels Phlegm, and causes rebellious Qi in the Stomach to descend. As a single ingredient, it provides most of the actions required in treating a Phlegm-Dampness pattern.
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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 Er Chen Tang
Chen Pi disperses stagnant Qi and Cold as well as dries Dampness. It assists the Spleen and Stomach in removing Phlegm by promoting flow of Qi in these two Organs.
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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 Er Chen Tang
Fu Ling leaches out Dampness from the Middle-Burner and strengthens the Spleen. It also resolves the palpitations and dizziness often caused by the upward-rising Phlegm-Dampness. A key Chinese medical text explains its role as such: "Fu Ling is an herb that focuses on treating Phlegm. The root of Phlegm is water. Fu Ling is able to move water and is also able to move Dampness".
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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 Er Chen Tang
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 Er Chen Tang, it is used because it tonifies the Spleen.
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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 Er Chen Tang
Sheng Jiang reinforces the actions of the key herbs in moving the Qi and eliminating the Phlegm, harmonizing the Stomach, and controlling the nausea.
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Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Er Chen Tang

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

Contraindications

Contraindicated when the cough is associated with Lungs Yin Deficiency

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many TCM formulas, Er Chen 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.