Intro to Herbs: Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing
Intro to Herbs Lecture 5
Herbs that Transform Phlegm and Stop Coughing
Definition and Nature of Phlegm
Phlegm:
Often conceptualized as mucus.
Described as congealed dampness.
Origin: “Made by the Spleen and stored in the Lungs.”
Manifestation: Lumps, nodules can appear under the skin.
Reiteration of its significance: “Phlegm is the mother of a hundred diseases.”
Philosophical viewpoint: Phlegm is also considered “the yin of acquired experiences.”
Causes of Phlegm
Spleen Qi Deficiency: Weakness in the Spleen can interrupt normal fluid metabolism.
Kidney Deficiency: Impairs fluid regulation and can lead to accumulation.
Heat or Cold Congealing the Fluids: External temperature influences can cause fluids to congeal.
Liver Qi Stagnation: Emotional and physical factors that affect liver flow can lead to phlegm production.
Additional Factors: Other contributing factors may also exist but were not detailed extensively in the lecture notes.
Symptoms of Phlegm
Symptoms vary depending on the affected organ but generally include:
Descriptions of phlegm: Sticky, turbid, cloudy/muzzy.
Associated Symptoms: Mental impairment, nausea, vomiting.
Movement of Phlegm: Phlegm moves and follows the Qi in the body.
Herbs that Dispel Phlegm and Stop Cough
Combining Herbs: Typically combined with herbs that move Qi.
Taste Characteristics:
Bitter and pungent are commonly used.
Occasionally salty.
Effects on Phlegm:
Expectoration, anti-tussive (cough suppressing), anti-inflammatory.
Types of Phlegm:
Phlegm-Cold: Herbs used to treat this are warming and drying; generally acrid or bitter.
Phlegm-Heat: Herbs for this condition are cooling and moistening; generally sweet and cool.
Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm Cold and Stop Cough
Herb Highlighted: Zhi Ban Xia (prepared Pinellia rhizome).
Zhi Ban Xia - Properties
Significance: Considered the single most important herb for transforming phlegm.
Characteristics:
Taste: Acrid
Temperature: Warm
Toxicity: Toxic
Appearance: White color, round shape.
Plant Details:
Part used: Root/rhizome.
Channels entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach.
Nature: Described as “slippery,” and versatile in its applications.
Actions and Indications of Zhi Ban Xia
Actions:
Dries damp, transforms phlegm, descends rebellious Qi.
Directs rebellious Qi downward, stops vomiting.
Dissipates nodules and clumps.
Indications:
Cough with copious sputum.
Nausea and vomiting due to various reasons: Dis-harmony, pregnancy, cold.
Lumps or nodules in channels, distention in the chest or epigastrium.
Herbs that Warm and Transform Phlegm Cold and Stop Cough
Next Herb: Bai Jie Zi (mustard seed).
Properties of Bai Jie Zi
Classification: Brassica family.
Taste and Characteristics:
Taste: Acrid
Temperature: Warm
Channels Entered: Enters the Lung.
Functionality: “Penetrates the yin to restore movement to the yang.”
Part Used: Seed.
Flavor Profile: Strong flavor and nature.
Actions and Indications of Bai Jie Zi
Actions:
Transforms cold-phlegm, dissipates clumps, penetrates yin to restore movement to yang.
Warms the Lungs, regulates Qi, and expels phlegm.
Promotes movement of Qi, disperses clumps, unblocks channels.
Indications:
Coughing with mucus, chest distention and pain.
Phlegm dampness in channels with lumps and nodules.
Cautions for Bai Jie Zi
Contraindications:
Qi deficiency (qi xu), yin deficiency (yin xu).
Avoid in conditions of excess heat.
Potential Side Effects:
May irritate skin or gastric mucosa.
Dosage: Keep doses low.
Classic Formula: 3 Seeds to Nourish One’s Parents
Formula: San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Components: Zi Su Zi (Perilla Seed), Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed), Mustard Seed (Bai Jie Zi).
Mustard Seed Plaster
Description: A classic remedy for stubborn cough.
Effectiveness: Great for stuck phlegm in the Lungs and lingering infections or colds.
Properties of Mustard: Acts as a rubefacient (causes redness of the skin).
Preparation: Combine 1 part dried ground mustard seeds with 8-10 parts flour of your choice.
Herbs that Cool and Transform Hot Phlegm
Highlighted Herb: Gua Lou (Trichosanthes fruit).
Properties of Gua Lou
Family: Cucurbitaceae.
Taste and Temperature: Sweet, cold.
Channels Entered: Lung, Large Intestine, Stomach.
Part Used: All parts of the plant can be utilized.
Actions and Indications for Gua Lou
Actions:
Cools and transforms phlegm-heat, scours and directs turbidity down and out.
Clears heat and transforms phlegm heat.
Unbinds the chest and dissipates nodules.
Indications:
Thick, difficult-to-expectorate sputum caused by heat, possibly related to smoker's cough.
Chest pain, pressure in the diaphragm, a feeling of oppression, tightness, or distention in the chest.
Herbs that Stop Cough
Cough Definition: Indicates that Lung Qi is not descending.
Considerations: Identify potential blockages preventing the Qi from descending; herbs should address the root cause of the cough.
Types of Herbs: Anti-tussive (cough-suppressing) herbs.
Herbs that Stop Cough: Xing Ren (apricot seed)
Properties of Xing Ren
Family: Rosaeceae, genus Prunus.
Taste and Characteristics:
Taste: Bitter
Temperatures: Slightly warm
Moist; slightly toxic.
Channels Entered: Lung and Large Intestine.
Part Used: Seed.
Toxicity: Contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can be toxic in large amounts.
Actions and Indications of Xing Ren
Actions:
Stops cough and wheezing.
Moistens the intestines and unblocks the bowels.
Indications:
Applicable for many types of coughs, whether hot or cold.
Especially effective for dry cough, and also beneficial for Qi deficient, blood deficient, and cases of dry constipation, often observed in the elderly.
Cautions with Xing Ren
Toxicity Warning:
Slightly toxic; should avoid prolonged use and large single doses.
Herbs that Stop Cough: Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot)
Properties of Kuan Dong Hua
Genus: Tussilago (Tussis meaning cough, and lago meaning large).
Taste and Characteristics:
Taste: Acrid
Temperature: Warm, but not drying.
Growing Conditions: Typically grows in mucky ditches during the spring.
Part Used: New flower buds, known for being moist, fresh, and light.
Channels Entered: Lung.
Actions and Indications of Kuan Dong Hua
Actions:
Considered an all-purpose herb for cough and wheezing of various etiologies.
Moistens the Lungs and directs Qi downwards.
Stops cough and transforms phlegm.
Indications:
Effective for many types of cough and wheezing, whether hot or cold, acute or chronic.
Particularly useful for cough with phlegm due to wind-cold.
Coltsfoot (Kuan Dong Hua) Honey
Use: A classic children's cough remedy.
Preparation: Kuan Dong Hua is often prepared with honey to enhance its moistening properties.
Additional Resource: A video link for further reference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRZDRdOvn2E .