Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan: A TCM Formula for Clearing Heat, Resolving Phlegm, and Relieving Cough
Hongji Medical- 16 hours ago
- 4 min read
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan originates from the classic Chinese medical text Yifang Kao (Examination of Medical Prescriptions), compiled by Wu Kun, a Ming Dynasty physician.
This text covers Chinese medicine fundamentals, diagnostic methods, and formulas, making it a key reference in traditional Chinese medicine. Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan, a classic formula, is widely used for treating cough with phlegm-heat due to its unique composition and effective results.
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan Formula Explanation
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan is primarily used to treat cough with phlegm-heat, characterized by symptoms like coughing, wheezing, thick yellow phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea, irritability, red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery rapid pulse.
The formula clears heat, resolves phlegm, regulates qi, and stops coughing, making it effective for conditions like pneumonia, acute bronchitis, and acute exacerbations of chronic bronchitis caused by phlegm-heat.
Monarch Herb: Trichosanthes Seed (Gua Lou Ren)Trichosanthes seed, the monarch herb, clears heat, resolves phlegm, and promotes bowel movements. It effectively clears heat-related phlegm, making it ideal for treating cough with thick yellow phlegm.
Minister Herbs: Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi) and Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)Immature bitter orange and tangerine peel, the minister herbs, regulate qi, relieve chest tightness, resolve phlegm, and stop coughing. Together, they enhance qi regulation and phlegm resolution for optimal effect.
Assistant Herbs: Poria (Fu Ling) and Scutellaria (Huang Qin)Poria and scutellaria, the assistant herbs, clear heat, drain dampness, strengthen the spleen, and resolve phlegm. Their combined action effectively clears heat, drains dampness, and supports spleen function to resolve phlegm.
Envoy Herbs: Arisaema with Bile (Dan Nan Xing), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), and Processed Pinellia (Zhi Ban Xia)Arisaema with bile, apricot kernel, and processed pinellia, the envoy herbs, resolve phlegm, stop coughing, and calm rebellious qi to relieve nausea. Together, they enhance phlegm resolution, cough suppression, and nausea relief.
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan Indications
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan is mainly used for cough with phlegm-heat, with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, thick yellow phlegm, chest tightness, shortness of breath, nausea, irritability, red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery rapid pulse. It is also effective for:
Pneumonia: The formula’s ability to clear heat, resolve phlegm, regulate qi, and stop coughing effectively clears heat-related phlegm, improving lung function in pneumonia.
Acute Bronchitis: By clearing heat and resolving phlegm, the formula improves bronchial function, making it suitable for acute bronchitis.
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: The formula clears heat-related phlegm and regulates qi, improving bronchial function during acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan Effects
The primary effects of Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan are clearing heat, resolving phlegm, regulating qi, and stopping coughing. It effectively clears heat-related phlegm, relieving symptoms like cough with thick yellow phlegm. The formula also regulates qi to ease coughing and chest tightness.
Additionally, it calms rebellious qi to relieve nausea caused by upward-rising qi, making it effective for symptoms like shortness of breath and nausea.
Modern Applications of Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan
In modern medicine, Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan is widely used for various conditions, including:
Pneumonia: Its heat-clearing and phlegm-resolving properties improve lung function, making it effective for pneumonia.
Acute Bronchitis: The formula clears heat-related phlegm and regulates qi, improving bronchial function in acute bronchitis.
Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Bronchitis: It clears heat-related phlegm and enhances bronchial function during acute flare-ups of chronic bronchitis.
Comparison with Related Formulas
Er Chen Tang: Er Chen Tang treats damp-phlegm cough with symptoms like copious white sticky phlegm and chest tightness. Unlike Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan, which focuses on clearing heat and resolving phlegm, Er Chen Tang emphasizes drying dampness and regulating qi.
Xie Bai San: Xie Bai San treats lung-heat cough with symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and thick yellow phlegm. It focuses on clearing lung heat and stopping cough, while Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan emphasizes clearing heat and resolving phlegm.
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang: Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang treats severe lung heat with symptoms like high fever, coughing, and thick yellow phlegm. It focuses on clearing heat and relieving asthma, while Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan prioritizes phlegm resolution and qi regulation.
Precautions
When using Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan, consider the following:
Syndrome Differentiation: The formula is for phlegm-heat cough, so it must be used based on the patient’s specific symptoms and constitution to ensure suitability.
Tailored Adjustments: Modify the formula based on symptoms. For example, add apricot kernel for severe cough and wheezing, arisaema with bile for thick yellow phlegm, immature bitter orange and tangerine peel for chest tightness, or processed pinellia for nausea.
Contraindications: The formula is for phlegm-heat cough and should not be used for cold or deficiency syndromes.
Conclusion
Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan, a time-honored Chinese medicine formula, is highly effective for treating cough with phlegm-heat due to its unique composition and significant therapeutic effects.
Through its detailed origins, formula explanation, indications, effects, and modern applications, we see its importance and wide use in clinical practice. This article aims to help readers better understand and apply Qing Jin Hua Tan Wan for optimal treatment outcomes.
