White And Watery Sputumaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Secretions
Did you mean? Profuse White Sputum
What is white and watery sputum?
White and watery sputum, also known as clear and thin phlegm or white watery mucus, is a type of mucus produced in the respiratory tract. This condition is characterized by the expulsion of thin, clear, and watery mucus during coughing. It is often associated with respiratory infections, chronic bronchitis, and other pulmonary conditions. The presence of white and watery sputum can indicate a variety of underlying health issues, including viral infections, exposure to cold environments, or chronic respiratory diseases. Effective management typically involves addressing the root cause and using medications to help expel the mucus.
How does TCM view white and watery sputum?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), white and watery sputum is seen as a symptom of underlying disharmonies within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often treats the symptom directly, TCM seeks to identify and address the root cause of the imbalance. This approach considers various patterns of disharmony, and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. TCM emphasizes that understanding the specific pattern causing the phlegm is essential for selecting the appropriate treatment strategy.
Root Causes of White And Watery Sputum in TCM
One common TCM pattern associated with white and watery sputum is Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs. This pattern is often characterized by symptoms such as a stifling sensation in the chest, coughing, chills, and cold extremities. Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs can develop due to exposure to cold weather, consumption of cold foods, or a weakened internal system failing to warm the body effectively.
Another pattern is Kidney Yang Deficiency, which is marked by symptoms such as white and watery sputum, edema of the lower extremities, cold sensations in the legs and back, abdominal distention, and shortness of breath. This pattern is usually caused by chronic illness, aging, or overexertion, leading to a weakened kidney function that fails to regulate fluids properly. These patterns illustrate how lifestyle and internal imbalances can contribute to the development of white and watery sputum in TCM.
Explore below more details about what might cause White and watery sputum according to TCM.
Cold
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
Common Symptoms: Chills Nasal Discharge Sneezing Fever Stifling Sensation In The Chest Cold Extremities Coughing Feeling Of Heaviness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm | White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Lack of appetite | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang |
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
| Damp-Cold | White and watery sputum, White watery mucus, Mouth ulcers, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
| Wind-Cold invading the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more | Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San |
| Wind-Cold | White watery mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more | Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San |
Phlegm
In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more
Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Coughing Chills Dizziness Feeling Of Heaviness Cold Extremities Nausea Lack Of Appetite
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm | White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Nausea, Lack of appetite | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang |
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Gurgling noise in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Chills, Cought with sticky phlegm, Itchy throat... see more | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Zhi Sou San |
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
Common Symptoms: Chills Mouth Ulcers Nasal Discharge Sneezing Abdominal Pain Cold Extremities Arthralgia Diarrhea
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Cold | White and watery sputum, White watery mucus, Mouth ulcers, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
| Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Itchy Throat Congested Nose Nasal Discharge Sneezing Headaches Body Pain
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Wind-Cold invading the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more | Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San |
| Wind-Cold | White watery mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum... see more | Ma Huang Tang | Jing Fang Bai Du San | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Shi Shen Tang | Jin Fei Cao San | Wu Ji San |
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Lung
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Lung Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
Common Symptoms: Chills Coughing Dizziness Stifling Sensation In The Chest Feeling Of Heaviness Shortness Of Breath Itchy Throat Cold Hands
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Coughing, Chills, Cold hands, Sputum, Dizziness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
| Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Gurgling noise in the chest, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Chills, Cought with sticky phlegm, Itchy throat... see more | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Zhi Sou San |
| Wind-Cold invading the Lungs | White and watery sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Itchy throat, Shortness of breath, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Coughing and wheezing with copious sputum... see more | Zhi Sou San | Ma Huang Tang | Ge Gen Tang | Xin Yi San |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to White And Watery Sputum
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing | White and watery sputum, Edema of the lower extremities, Cold sensation in legs and back, Abdominal distention, Lumbar pain, Chills, Scanty clear urination, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Cold hands, Coughing, Asthma... see more | Wu Ling San | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for White And Watery Sputum
TCM treatment for white and watery sputum involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the patient’s underlying pattern. For Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, formulas like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang and San Zi Yang Qin Tang are commonly used. These formulas include key herbs such as Dried ginger (Gan Jiang) and White mustard seeds (Bai Jie Zi), which help warm the interior and expel cold.
For Kidney Yang Deficiency, formulas like Wu Ling San and Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan are effective. Wu Ling San includes Water Plantain (Ze Xie) to promote urination and leach out dampness, while Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan includes Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) to warm the interior and support kidney function. The choice of formula depends on the specific pattern diagnosed, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address white and watery sputum, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Cold
- Phlegm
- Dampness
- Wind
- Yang Deficiency
- View More Causes
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
- Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
Top Formula for Cold:
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause white and watery sputum, such as Cold-Phlegm or Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Cold
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
| San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
| Ma Huang Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold |
| Zhi Sou San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
| Wei Ling Tang | Damp-Cold |
| Ge Gen Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Xin Yi San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Jing Fang Bai Du San | Wind-Cold |
| Cong Chi Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Wind-Cold |
| Shi Shen Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jin Fei Cao San | Wind-Cold |
| Wu Ji San | Wind-Cold |
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause white and watery sputum, such as Cold-Phlegm or Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs |
| San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
| Zhi Sou San | Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs |
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
Top Formula for Dampness:
Wei Ling Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause white and watery sputum, such as Damp-Cold
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wei Ling Tang | Damp-Cold |
| Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
| Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Top Formula for Wind:
Ma Huang Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause white and watery sputum, such as Wind-Cold invading the Lungs or Wind-Cold
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ma Huang Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold |
| Zhi Sou San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Ge Gen Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Xin Yi San | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Jing Fang Bai Du San | Wind-Cold |
| Cong Chi Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Wind-Cold |
| Shi Shen Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jin Fei Cao San | Wind-Cold |
| Wu Ji San | Wind-Cold |
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Wu Ling San
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause white and watery sputum, such as Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for White And Watery Sputum Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Wu Ling San | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
| Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan | Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing |
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Cold-Phlegm or Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs.
One such formula is Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs |
| San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Cold-Phlegm, Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs |
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs or Wind-Cold.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ma Huang Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Wind-Cold |
| Ge Gen Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Lungs |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Wind-Cold |
| Shi Shen Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Jin Fei Cao San | Wind-Cold |
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Phlegm-Fluids in the Lungs or Wind-Cold invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Wind-Cold.
One such formula is Cong Chi Tang, with scallions as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cong Chi Tang | Wind-Cold |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Wind-Cold |
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Damp-Cold.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing.
One such formula is Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs.
One such formula is Xin Yi San, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some white and watery sputum-causing patterns like Wind-Cold.
One such formula is Jing Fang Bai Du San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for White And Watery Sputum
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address white and watery sputum, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Ma Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for white and watery sputum
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang |
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang |
| Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) | Jin Fei Cao San |
Herbs that drain Dampness
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Wu Ji San |
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wei Ling Tang | Wu Ling San |
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Aster Roots (Zi Wan), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Zhi Sou San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
| Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Ge Gen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for white and watery sputum
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Gen Tang |
| Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma) | Xin Yi San |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Wei Ling Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Cyathula Roots (Chuan Niu Xi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Ji Sheng Shen Qi Wan.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
White and watery sputum can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for white and watery sputum, like Jing Fang Bai Du San.