Scanty Sputumaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Respiratory Secretions

Root Causes of Scanty Sputum in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Scanty sputum according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Lung
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Dryness

"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more

Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Common Symptoms: Dry Throat Fever Dry Cough Headaches Aversion To Cold Skin Dryness Lack Of Sweating Dry Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dry-Cold Scanty sputum, Fever, Headaches, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Coughing... see more Xing Su San
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Dry throat, Wheezing, Pale face... see more Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency Scanty sputum, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Dry cough, Red tongue Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Dry throat, Wheezing, Pale face... see more Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency Scanty sputum, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Dry cough, Red tongue Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dry-Cold Scanty sputum, Fever, Headaches, Aversion to cold, Skin dryness, Lack of sweating, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Coughing... see more Xing Su San
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Common Symptoms: Dry Cough Dry Throat Shortness Of Breath Stifling Sensation In The Chest Sputum Feeling Of Heaviness Dizziness Wheezing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Shortness of breath, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Dry throat, Wheezing, Pale face... see more Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency Scanty sputum, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Dry cough, Red tongue Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Scanty Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency Scanty sputum, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Dry cough, Red tongue Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Scanty Sputum

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address scanty sputum, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Scanty Sputum Caused by Dryness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xing Su San Dry-Cold
Bei Mu Gua Lou San Dry-Phlegm in the Lungs
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency

All "formulas that disperse dryness and moisten" recommended for scanty sputum

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xing Su San Dry-Cold
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency

TCM Herbs for Scanty Sputum

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address scanty sputum, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for scanty sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang