Lung Heat Coughaccording to TCM

What is <a href='https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/lung-heat'>Lung Heat</a> Cough?

Lung Heat cough is a condition characterized by a persistent cough associated with the sensation of heat in the respiratory tract, often accompanied by thick, yellow Phlegm.

This symptom indicates an excess of heat within the lungs, which can stem from an infection, inflammation, or exposure to irritants. Unlike a cold-induced cough, which is usually more moist and productive with clear or white phlegm, a Lung Heat cough reflects the body's struggle against heat pathogens, manifesting in a dry, irritating cough or one with sticky, yellow sputum.

How does TCM view <a href='https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/lung-heat'>Lung Heat</a> Cough?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets Lung Heat cough as a sign of an imbalance caused by Excessive Heat in the Lung Channel. This condition is viewed through the prism of TCM's holistic understanding of the body, where symptoms are indicative of deeper imbalances rather than isolated issues.

In TCM, the presence of Heat in the Lungs disrupts the natural balance and flow of Qi and Body Fluids, leading to the symptom of coughing. Identifying and treating the specific pattern of disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it aims to restore the body's equilibrium and alleviate symptoms by cooling the Lung Heat and clearing the pathogenic factors.

Causes of <a href='https://www.meandqi.com/tcm-education-center/patterns/lung-heat'>Lung Heat</a> Cough according to TCM

In TCM, Lung Heat cough can arise from several patterns, but primarily it is seen in the context of Heat in the Lungs and Phlegm-Heat. Heat in the Lungs is characterized by symptoms such as a dry cough with yellow sputum, feeling of heat, and possibly sore throat, indicating direct heat affecting the Lung's function.

Phlegm-Heat combines the aspects of mucus production exacerbated by Heat, leading to thick, yellow sputum and a more productive cough. These patterns underscore TCM's nuanced approach to diagnosing and treating coughs, focusing on the underlying imbalances rather than the cough itself.

TCM Herbs for Lung Heat Cough

To treat Lung Heat cough, TCM recommends the use of herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity, aiming to cool down the Lung's Heat and restore healthy respiratory function.

A key herb in this category is Selanginella Herbs (Shi Shang Bai), which is known for its bitter and neutral properties, targeting the Liver and effectively treating Toxic Heat and Damp-Heat conditions. By incorporating such herbs into treatment, TCM seeks to directly address the root cause of Lung Heat cough, offering a targeted approach to healing and symptom relief.

By Herb Category

Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity

Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity

Lung heat cough can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.

One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for lung heat cough.