Herb Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Bing Tang

Rock sugar | 冰糖

Saccharum cristallisatum

TCM Properties

Temperature

Neutral

Taste

Sweet

Organ Affinity

Spleen, Lungs

Parts Used

The whole thing

TCM Actions & Uses

Traditional Chinese Medicine properties and applications of Bing Tang

Traditional Actions

Tonifies Qi and moisturizes the Lungs.
Relieves cough and resolves Phlegm.

Key TCM Concepts

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Bing Tang belongs to the 'Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency' category. Tonic herbs are used for patterns of Deficiency, when one lacks one of the 'Four Treasures' (Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang). Qi tonics are typically sweet and they tend to enter the Spleen and Lungs because these Organs are most involved with the production of Qi.

 

Furthermore Bing Tang is Neutral in nature. This means that Bing Tang typically doesn't affect the balance in your body. Balance between Yin and Yang is a key health concept in TCM. Eating too many "Hot" (Yang) ingredients can lead to an imbalance whereby one has a Yang Excess. The inverse is true as well: too many "Cold" (Yin) ingredients can lead to a Yin Excess. The Neutral nature of Bing Tang means that you don't have to worry about that!

 

Bing Tang also tastes Sweet. The so-called 'Five Phases' theory in Chinese Medicine states that the taste of TCM ingredients is a key determinant of their action in the body. Sweet ingredients like Bing Tang tends to slow down acute reactions and detoxify the body. They also have a tonic effect because they replenish Qi and Blood.

 

The tastes of ingredients in TCM also determine what Organs and Meridians they target. As such Bing Tang is thought to target the Spleen and the Lung. In TCM the Spleen assists with digestion, Blood coagulation and Fluids metabolism in the body. In addition to performing respiration, the Lungs are thought in TCM to be a key part of the production chain for Qi and the Body Fluids that nourish the body.

Common Applications

Coughing Dysentery Malaria Sore throat

Preparation & Dosage

Traditional and modern methods for preparing Bing Tang

Traditional Preparation

Ice-like crystals are produced by decocting sugar.

Recommended Dosage

Note: The following information is provided for educational purposes only and is not meant to replace professional medical advice.

10 - 15 grams

Safety & Contraindications

Important safety information and precautions for Bing Tang

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before using any herb or supplement.

Herb-Drug Interactions

Like many herbs, Bing 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.

Related Educational Resources

Formulas Containing Bing Tang

Discover traditional and modern TCM formulas that use Bing Tang as an ingredient to understand its clinical applications.

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