Recently, various parts of the country have gradually entered a period of high temperature and heavy rain, and even the southern region has experienced a "return to the southern sky" where everything is damp.
This climate may be even more uncomfortable for those who are naturally humid, as phlegm and dampness accumulate in the body and cannot be released excessively, eventually brewing into phlegm drinks.
In traditional Chinese medicine, there are two types of phlegm: "tangible phlegm" and "intangible phlegm". Tangible phlegm can be expelled through the respiratory tract, such as white phlegm and yellow phlegm coughed up during a cold. Invisible phlegm, on the other hand, refers to the decreased ability of the spleen to transport water and dampness when the spleen and stomach function is disrupted, which hinders the flow of water in the body and leads to the accumulation of phlegm in the organs and meridians.
Whether it is tangible phlegm or intangible phlegm, Er Chen Tang and Wen Dan Tang can be used as commonly used basic formulas to regulate.
Er Chen Tang: The Basic Formula for Regulating Phlegm and Dampness
Er Chen Tang comes from the "Tai Ping Hui Min He Zhi Ju Fang" and is composed of Banxia, Chenpi, Poria, Licorice, Ginger, and Ume. It has the effects of drying dampness, resolving phlegm, regulating qi, and harmonizing the middle.
Chenpi is the most commonly used herb in regulating qi, which can regulate the qi of the spleen and stomach. If symptoms such as indigestion and upper abdominal bloating occur, you can use tangerine peel soaked in water as a substitute for tea; People with cold spleen and stomach can also add ginger to make ginger tangerine peel tea.
Banxia is another "Chen" in the "Two Chens". The Banxia in this formula refers to the Banxia made through special processing techniques, which not only reduces the toxicity of raw materials but also enhances the effect of drying dampness and resolving phlegm.
Poria cocos is beneficial for the health of the spleen, as well as for promoting dampness and diuresis. When combined with Pinellia ternata and Chenpi, it helps to eliminate dampness and phlegm. In addition, Poria cocos has the effect of calming the heart and calming the mind, which can treat dizziness, palpitations, and other symptoms caused by phlegm and qi reflux, and can also help with sleep. Good sleep naturally strengthens the spleen and stomach.
Due to the relatively warm and dry nature of the ingredients in the formula, such as Banxia and Chenpi, in order to prevent heat and dryness from consuming qi and damaging yin, the astringent and nourishing plum blossom is used as a supplement. Moreover, the astringency and accumulation of phlegm in black plums also contribute to the production and dissipation of phlegm.
Finally, with a taste of "old man" licorice, it can play a certain role in tonifying qi and strengthening spleen, and can reconcile the properties of various drugs in the prescription.
Er Chen Tang tends to be hot and dry, and should be used with caution for those with yin deficiency and excessive fire to avoid aiding in heat.
Wendan Tang: Regulating Insomnia Caused by Phlegm Dampness
In Sun Simiao's "Essential Prescriptions for Preparing Urgent Qianjin", there is also a very famous warming gallbladder soup, which actually evolved from the "Er Chen Tang". For insomnia caused by phlegm dampness, warm gallbladder soup can be considered.
The use of Fructus Aurantii in the formula can vaporize phlegm, and when combined with Pinellia ternata, it can not only dry dampness and reduce phlegm, but also prevent nausea and vomiting; Zhuru can clear heat and phlegm, and when combined with dried tangerine peel, it can not only widen the chest and regulate qi, but also reduce stomach reflux.
Wendan Tang is often used to regulate insomnia caused by disharmony between the gallbladder and stomach, as well as internal disturbances of phlegm and heat. It helps improve sleep quality and alleviate symptoms such as nightmares and bitter mouth after waking up. Having good sleep makes the body naturally more relaxed, enhances resistance, and prevents diseases. The liver, gallbladder, and spiritual emotions in traditional Chinese medicine are related. When the gallbladder meridian is unobstructed, people's mood becomes relaxed and comfortable.