Sputum in the lungs and throat according to Chinese Medicine
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.
Sputum in the lungs and throat 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 sputum in the lungs and throat 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 sputum in the lungs and throat is often associated with coughing, pale face and phlegm in throat in the pattern “Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of sputum in the lungs and throat we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Er Chen Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause sputum in the lungs and throat
In Chinese Medicine sputum in the lungs and throat is a symptom for the pattern "Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Lungs is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Lungs in Chinese Medicine
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Pulse type(s): Slippery (Hua), Soggy (Ru)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Thick coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
Phlegm in the Lungs (a synonym for "Substantial Phlegm") is the sputum that collects in the Lungs and is spat out during bronchitis or other Lung diseases.
In addition to sputum in the lungs and throat, other symptoms associated with Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs include coughing, pale face and phlegm in throat.
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs 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".
A herbal formula that might help with sputum in the lungs and throat
Er Chen Tang
Source date: 1148 AD
Number of ingredients: 5 herbs
Key actions: Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm. Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen).
Why might Er Chen Tang help with sputum in the lungs and throat?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' of which sputum in the lungs and throat is a symptom.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat sputum in the lungs and throat
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with sputum in the lungs and throat?
Because it is a key herb in Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' (a pattern with sputum in the lungs and throat as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Why might Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) help with sputum in the lungs and throat?
Because it is a key herb in Er Chen Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs' (a pattern with sputum in the lungs and throat as a symptom)
Tangerine Peel is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Warms the Spleen and regulates the Middle Burner Qi. Dries Dampness and disperses Phlegm from the Lungs and Middle Burner. Reduces the potential for Stagnation caused by tonifying herbs.
Other symptoms often associated with sputum in the lungs and throat
Coughing Pale face Phlegm in throat Stifling sensation in the chest Shortness of breath Dislike of lying down Wheezing Nausea Feeling of heaviness Dizziness