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Coughing with copious sputum 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 coughing with copious sputum 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 coughing with copious sputum is often associated with constipation, headaches and stifling sensation in the chest in the pattern “Wind-Phlegm”. As you will see below, we have in record three patterns that can cause coughing with copious sputum.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of coughing with copious sputum we’ve identified four herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat coughing with copious sputum.
The three "patterns of disharmony" that can cause coughing with copious sputum
In Chinese Medicine coughing with copious sputum is a symptom for 3 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a formula used for Wind-Phlegm
Wind-Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Tongue shape: Deviated, Swollen
Wind-Phlegm is when Phlegm invades the Channels and sensory orifices, leading to such symptoms as dizziness, vertigo, or headache.
In addition to coughing with copious sputum, other symptoms associated with Wind-Phlegm include constipation, headaches and stifling sensation in the chest.
Wind-Phlegm is often treated with Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries and dissolves Phlegm".
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Lung Yang Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Slow (Chi), Slowed-down (Huan), Wiry (Xian)
In addition to coughing with copious sputum, other symptoms associated with Lung Yang Deficiency include poor appetite, frequent urination and cold limbs.
Lung Yang Deficiency is often treated with Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang, a herbal formula made of 2 herbs (including Dried Ginger - Gan Jiang - as a key herb). Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that warm interior cold", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Warms the Lungs".
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) is the king ingredient for Xiao Yao San, a formula used for Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Red sides
Qi Stagnation refers to Qi becoming stuck or stagnant, a bit like a traffic jam on the freeway. This restricted flow of Qi can be body-wide or happen in any specific Organ.
In addition to coughing with copious sputum, other symptoms associated with Qi Stagnation include vomiting, poor appetite and feeling of oppression of the chest.
From a Western Medicine standpoint Qi Stagnation is associated with health issues such as Late Menstruation.
Qi Stagnation is often treated with Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 6 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize liver-spleen", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen".
Four herbal formulas that might help with coughing with copious sputum
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Dries and dissolves Phlegm. Strengthens the Spleen. Smoothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic).
Why might Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' of which coughing with copious sputum is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Wind-Phlegm include constipation, headaches and stifling sensation in the chest.
Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 2 herbs
Key actions: Warms the Lungs. Strengthens the Stomach.
Why might Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Lung Yang Deficiency' of which coughing with copious sputum is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Lung Yang Deficiency include poor appetite, frequent urination and cold limbs.
Xiao Yao San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Nourishes the Blood.
Why might Xiao Yao San help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Qi Stagnation' of which coughing with copious sputum is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Qi Stagnation include vomiting, poor appetite and feeling of oppression of the chest.
Si Jun Zi Tang
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies Qi. Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Why might Si Jun Zi Tang help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Lung Yang Deficiency' of which coughing with copious sputum is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Lung Yang Deficiency include poor appetite, frequent urination and cold limbs.
Acupuncture points used for coughing with copious sputum
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat coughing with copious sputum
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat coughing with copious sputum as a symptom, like Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang or Si Jun Zi Tang for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: 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.
Why might Ginseng (Ren Shen) help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because Ginseng is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat coughing with copious sputum as a symptom, like Si Jun Zi Tang or Sheng Mai San for instance.
Ginseng is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen, the Heart and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Very strongly tonifies the Qi. Tonifies the Lungs and Spleen. Assists the body in the secretion of Fluids and stops thirst. Strengthens the Heart and calms the Shen (mind/spirit).
Why might Szechuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong) help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because Szechuan Lovage Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat coughing with copious sputum as a symptom, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San or Yue Ju Wan for instance.
Szechuan Lovage Roots is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Gallbladder, the Liver and the Pericardium.
Its main actions are: Regulates and moves the Blood. Relieves Wind-Cold and pain. Circulates the Qi in the Upper Burner, relieving headaches.
Why might Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu) help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because Atractylodes Rhizome is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat coughing with copious sputum as a symptom, like Yue Ju Wan or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Atractylodes Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen Qi. Fortifies the Spleen Yang and dispels Damp through urination. Tonifies Qi and stops sweating. Calms restless fetus when due to Deficiency of Spleen Qi.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with coughing with copious sputum?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat coughing with copious sputum as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Chai Hu Shu Gan San for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Spleen and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Other symptoms often associated with coughing with copious sputum
Coughing Constipation Vomiting Poor appetite Chest congestion Vertigo Hemiplegia Epilepsy Convulsions Tetanus