The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Clear mucus can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like clear mucus here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here clear mucus is often associated with poor appetite, depression and belching in the pattern “Phlegm”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of clear mucus we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the two medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat clear mucus.
Phlegm, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause clear mucus
In Chinese Medicine clear mucus is a symptom for the pattern "Phlegm". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Er Chen Tang, a formula used for Phlegm
Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Thick coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
The concept of Phlegm is much wider and important in Chinese Medicine than in the West. Broadly speaking, Phlegm is a substance produced when the body fails to handle Body Fluids properly.
In addition to clear mucus, other symptoms associated with Phlegm include poor appetite, depression and belching.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Phlegm is associated with health issues such as Low Breast Milk Supply, Late Menstruation or Scanty Menstruation.
Phlegm is often treated with Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula made of 5 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Er Chen Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm".
Two herbal formulas that might help with clear mucus
Xiao Ban Xia Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Alleviates and removes thin mucus. Directs rebellious Qi downward. Stops vomiting. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Why might Xiao Ban Xia Tang help with clear mucus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm' of which clear mucus is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Phlegm can contribute to many health issues, including Morning Sickness.
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Warms and transforms Phlegm-Fluids. Strengthens the Spleen. Resolves Dampness.
Why might Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang help with clear mucus?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm' of which clear mucus is a symptom.
According to Chinese Medicine, Phlegm can contribute to many health issues, including Morning Sickness.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat clear mucus
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with clear mucus?
Because it is a key herb in Xiao Ban Xia Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with clear mucus as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with clear mucus?
Because it is a key herb in Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern '' (a pattern with clear mucus as a symptom)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Conditions associated with clear mucus
Other symptoms often associated with clear mucus
Dry mouth Poor appetite Depression Dry throat Tiredness Feeling of cold Belching Abdominal distension Epigastric distension Irritability