qingjin huatan tang

Qingjin Huatan Tang is a classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescription originating from the Ming Dynasty and documented in ancient medical texts such as "Yifang Kao" and "Genera Principles of Medicine"[3][6]. It is primarily used to treat respiratory diseases characterized by phlegm-heat obstructing the lungs, including cough with thick yellow phlegm, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and related symptoms[6][7]. The formula works by clearing heat from the lungs, resolving phlegm, regulating qi (vital energy), stopping coughs, and supporting respiratory health[2][6]. Pharmacological studies have shown that Qingjin Huatan Tang exerts anti-inflammatory effects by downregulating inflammatory signaling pathways (such as JAK/STAT), suppressing TLR4 and MUC5AC expression in airway tissues, reducing mucus hypersecretion and airway inflammation[3][4]. Key bioactive components identified include meranzin (from bitter orange), baicalin/baicalein/wogonoside (from Scutellaria), which contribute to its anti-inflammatory activity[5]. The formula typically contains multiple herbs such as Trichosanthes seed (Gua Lou Ren), Pinellia rhizome (Zhi Ban Xia), Arisaema bile-cured rhizome (Dan Nan Xing), Chinese skullcap root (Huang Qin/Scutellaria baicalensis), Tangerine peel (Chen Pi), Apricot seed (Ku Xing Ren/Xing Ren), Bitter orange young fruit (Zhi Shi/Citrus aurantium immaturus) and Poria sclerotium (Fu Ling)[2][6]. Qingjin Huatan Tang is widely used for conditions like stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)[4], community-acquired pneumonia[3], acute/chronic bronchitis[6], upper respiratory tract infections[7], tonsillitis[7], acute lung injury[3]—especially when these are associated with phlegm-heat syndrome.

Brand names

Qing Jin Hua Tan WanQing Jin Hua Tan TangQJHTTQJHTD

Other names

清金化痰汤Qing Jin Hua Tan Decoction