Guiding Phlegm Decoction

Guiding Phlegm Decoction (Dao Tan Tang, 导痰汤) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to address conditions associated with "phlegm" accumulation and internal wind. It is typically prescribed for symptoms such as dizziness, accumulation of phlegm rheum, fullness of the chest and diaphragm, distention of the hypochondrium, headache and vomiting, panting and cough with expectoration, sticky snivel or saliva, a thick greasy tongue coating, and a slippery pulse. The formula works by drying dampness and removing phlegm while moving qi (vital energy) to open constraint. Its classical ingredients include Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia), Arisaema consanguineum (Tian Nan Xing), Citrus aurantium (Zhi Shi), Citrus reticulata peel (Ju Hong), Poria cocos var. rubra (Chi Fu Ling), often prepared with fresh ginger. The mechanism is based on TCM theory rather than modern pharmacology; it aims to resolve phlegm obstruction in the body by harmonizing digestive function and fluid metabolism[1][6].

Brand names

Guiding Phlegm Decoction

Other names

Dao Tan Tang导痰汤Phlegm-Expelling Decoction