Chinese Herbal Formulas That Scour Phlegm and Open the Orifices

Di Tan Tang

Scour Phlegm Decoction

Main Actions for Di Tan Tang

The functions of this chinese medicine formula are to clear out phlegm and open the orifices while tonifying Qi. This TCM herbal formula is best suited for conditions of internal obstruction due to severe phlegm where the smoothe circulation of fluids has stopped creating more phlegm.

Indications and Symptoms for Di Tan Tang

stiffness of the tongue, speech impairment

Tongue –

Pulse –

Medicinal Ingredients of Di Tan Tang

Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae, Pinellia Rhizome) - 6.6g.

-dries dampness, transform phlegm, direct rebel Qi downwards, harmonize stomach, stop vomit

Ju Hong (Pars Rubra Epicarpii Citri Erythocarpae, Tangerine Peel (red part)) - 6g.

-regultes Qi, dries dampness, clears phlegm,

Fu Ling (Sclerotium Poriae Cocos, China-root, Poria, Hoelen) - 6g.

-tonify spleen, drain dampness

Zhi Shi (Fructus Immaturus Citri Aurantii, Immature Fruit of Bitter Orange) - 6g.

-breaks up stagnation of Qi, direct Qi downwards, dries dampness, eliminate phlegm, clear heat

Zhu Ru (Caulis Bambusae in Taeniis, Bamboo Shavings) - 2.1g.

-breaks up stagnation of Qi, direct Qi downwards, dries dampness, eliminate phlegm, clear heat

Dan Nan Xing (Pulvis Arisaemae cum Felle Bovis) - 6.6g.

-breaks up stagnation of Qi, direct Qi downwards, dries dampness, eliminate phlegm, clear heat

Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Graminei, Sweetflag Rhizome, Acorus) - 3g.

-opens up orifices

Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng, Ginseng Root) - 3g.

-tonify Qi, strengthen spleen

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, Licorice Root) - 1.5g.

-harmonizes other herbs within formula

Preparation Instructions of Di Tan Tang

When preparing this natural chinese medicine formula a small amount of Sheng Jiang and Da Zao are added to the decoction. Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) is often substituted for Ju Hong (Pericarpium Citri Erythocarpae).

Additional Points on Di Tan Tang

This chinese medicine formula is a variation of Er Chen Tang (Two Cured Decoction) which is the basic formula for drying dampness and transforming phlegm.

Di Tan Tang is most often used to treat impaired speech following wind stroke due to phlegm which covers the heart orifices and therefore the tongue.

When the appropriate symptoms are present this alternative medicine herbal formula is used to treat such disorders as cerebrovascular accident (CVA), seizure disorders, motor aphasia, bron chial asthma, chron ic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute bronchitis, chronic bronchitis and bron chiectasis.