Chest Coldaccording to TCM

Formulas that dispel Phlegm

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.

One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm

Chest cold can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.

One such formula is Gun Tan Wan, with chlorite schist as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.

One such formula is Jin Fei Cao San, with inula flower as a key herb.

Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.

One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.

Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.

One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Dryness

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by dryness affecting the body.

One such formula is Sang Xing Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.

Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind

Chest cold can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.

One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.

Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.

One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Sang Xing Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.

One such herb is Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Di Tan Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.

One such herb is Prepared Kusnezoffii Aconite (Zhi Cao Wu), which is directly recommended for chest cold.

Herbs that regulate Qi

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.

One such herb is Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Di Tan Tang.

Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.

One such herb is Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Gun Tan Wan.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.

One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Jin Fei Cao San.

Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.

One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Mai Men Dong Tang.

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.

Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat

Chest cold can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.

One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chest cold, like Sang Xing Tang.