White And Watery Sputumaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Respiratory Secretions

Did you mean? Profuse White Sputum

Root Causes of White And Watery Sputum in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause White and watery sputum according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Lung
  • Kidney
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 White And Watery Sputum

Common Symptoms: Chills Nasal Discharge Sneezing Fever Feeling Of Oppression Of The Chest Cold Extremities Coughing Feeling Of Heaviness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm White and watery sputum, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Lack of appetite Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Damp-Cold White and watery sputum, White watery mucus, Mouth ulcers, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San
Wind-Cold White watery mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San
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 White And Watery Sputum

Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Oppression Of The Chest Coughing Chills Dizziness Feeling Of Heaviness Cold Extremities Nausea Lack Of Appetite

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm White and watery sputum, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Lack of appetite Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs White and watery sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Gurgling noise in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Chills, Cought with sticky phlegm, Itchy throat... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Zhi Sou San
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum

Common Symptoms: Chills Mouth Ulcers Nasal Discharge Sneezing Abdominal Pain Cold Extremities Arthralgia Diarrhea

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Cold White and watery sputum, White watery mucus, Mouth ulcers, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more Wei Ling Tang
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Itchy Throat Congested Nose Nasal Discharge Sneezing Headaches Body Pain

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San
Wind-Cold White watery mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
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 White And Watery Sputum

Common Symptoms: Chills Coughing Dizziness Feeling Of Heaviness Shortness Of Breath Itchy Throat Cold Hands Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs White and watery sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Gurgling noise in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Chills, Cought with sticky phlegm, Itchy throat... see more Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Zhi Sou San
Wind-Cold invading the Lungs White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San
Detailed description of the cause

Kidney

In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more

Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for White And Watery Sputum

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

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
  • Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior

All Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold
Zhi Sou San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Wind-Cold
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Wind-Cold
Shi Shen Tang Wind-Cold
Jin Fei Cao San Wind-Cold
Wu Ji San Wind-Cold

All Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Zhi Sou San Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs

All Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wei Ling Tang Damp-Cold
Wu Ling San Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

All Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold
Zhi Sou San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Xin Yi San Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Jing Fang Bai Du San Wind-Cold
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Wind-Cold
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Wind-Cold
Shi Shen Tang Wind-Cold
Jin Fei Cao San Wind-Cold
Wu Ji San Wind-Cold

All Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Yang Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wu Ling San Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing

All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs
San Zi Yang Qin Tang Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Huang Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold
Ge Gen Tang Wind-Cold invading the Lungs
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Wind-Cold
Jia Wei Xiang Su San Wind-Cold
Shi Shen Tang Wind-Cold
Jin Fei Cao San Wind-Cold

All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for white and watery sputum

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Cold
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Cold

TCM Herbs for White And Watery Sputum

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address white and watery sputum, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that relieve food stagnation
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Herbs that dispel wind and dampness

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan
Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for white and watery sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) Jin Fei Cao San

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for white and watery sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Wu Ji San
Water Plantain (Ze Xie) Wei Ling Tang | Wu Ling San

"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for white and watery sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Aster Roots (Zi Wan) Zhi Sou San
Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) Zhi Sou San

"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for white and watery sputum

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) Ge Gen Tang
Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma) Xin Yi San