Yellowish Phlegmaccording to TCM

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What is Yellowish Phlegm?

Yellowish phlegm, also known as golden-colored sputum or yellow mucus, is a type of sputum that can indicate an underlying health condition, particularly when associated with respiratory issues. This symptom is characterized by the presence of yellow or golden-colored mucus that is often expelled through coughing. Yellowish phlegm can be accompanied by various sub-symptoms such as copious thick yellow sputum or a cough with thin yellow sputum. It is important to note that yellowish phlegm is a specific form of sputum, which in general refers to mucus expelled from the respiratory tract.

How Does TCM View Yellowish Phlegm?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), yellowish phlegm is viewed through the lens of different patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which may attribute yellowish phlegm to bacterial or viral infections, TCM considers it a manifestation of internal imbalances.

These imbalances can result from various factors such as Heat, Wind, or Dampness affecting the body's organ systems. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is crucial for effective treatment, as the approach will vary depending on the underlying cause.

Root Causes of Yellowish Phlegm in TCM

In TCM, yellowish phlegm is often linked to patterns involving Heat and Wind, which can present with symptoms such as yellow mucus, aversion to cold, fever, sneezing, coughing, nasal discharge, occipital stiffness, and excessive sweating. This pattern suggests an invasion of external wind combined with internal heat, leading to the production of yellowish phlegm.

Another pattern is Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, characterized by symptoms like thick yellow sputum, cough, chest tightness, and a feeling of heat in the chest. This pattern indicates that internal heat has combined with phlegm, obstructing the lungs and causing yellowish phlegm.

Explore below more details about what might cause Yellowish phlegm according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Lung
  • Gallbladder
  • Stomach
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Yellowish Phlegm

Common Symptoms: Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Thirst Fever Coughing Shortness Of Breath Chronic Bronchitis Asthma Aversion To Cold

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Heat Yellow mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Phlegm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Wen Dan Tang | Gun Tan Wan
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Wen Dan Tang | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Er Chen Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Lung Heat Cough with thin yellow sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, High fever, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne... see more Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xie Bai San | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis... see more Ding Chuan Tang
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Yellowish Phlegm

Common Symptoms: Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Chronic Bronchitis Asthma Shortness Of Breath Depression Stifling Sensation In The Chest Chest Distension Pneumonia

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression Ding Chuan Tang | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Wen Dan Tang | Gun Tan Wan
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Wen Dan Tang | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Er Chen Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis... see more Ding Chuan Tang
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Yellowish Phlegm

Common Symptoms: Aversion To Cold Fever Sneezing Coughing Nasal Discharge Sore Throat Headaches Congested Nose

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Heat Yellow mucus, Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm... see more Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Cong Chi Tang | Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang | Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang | Xiao Feng San | Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis... see more Ding Chuan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Yellowish Phlegm

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Yellowish Phlegm

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Copious thick yellow sputum, Chronic bronchitis, Asthma, Bronchiolitis... see more Ding Chuan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Yellowish Phlegm

Common Symptoms: Thirst Coughing Shortness Of Breath Feeling Of Heat Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Fever Acne Wheezing

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Wen Dan Tang | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Er Chen Tang | Qing Xin Li Ge Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling... see more Yin Qiao San
Lung Heat Cough with thin yellow sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, High fever, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne... see more Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang | Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin | Xie Bai San | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Yellowish Phlegm

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Yellowish Phlegm

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Yellowish Phlegm

TCM offers various formulas and herbs to treat yellowish phlegm based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For the Wind-Heat pattern, formulas such as Yin Qiao San and Sang Ju Yin are commonly recommended. Yin Qiao San, which includes Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), is known for its ability to clear heat and relieve toxicity. Sang Ju Yin, containing Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), is effective in clearing Wind-Heat and alleviating symptoms associated with yellowish phlegm.

For the Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs pattern, herbs like Scutellaria Root (Huang Qin) and Trichosanthes Fruit (Gua Lou) are often used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and restore lung function. These treatments aim to address the root cause of the phlegm production, ensuring a comprehensive approach to alleviating yellowish phlegm.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address yellowish phlegm, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas for a rebellious qi
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that clear lung-Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Yellowish Phlegm Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Lung Heat
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat... see more
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Ding Chuan Tang Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Lung Heat
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Lung Heat
Sang Ju Yin Wind-Heat
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang Wind-Heat
Xiao Feng San Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Wind-Heat
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Wind-Heat
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Er Chen Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Xie Bai San Lung Heat
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Lung Heat

All Formulas Recommended for Yellowish Phlegm Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat... see more
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ding Chuan Tang Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Er Chen Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Ren Shen Ge Jie San Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

All Formulas Recommended for Yellowish Phlegm Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Ding Chuan Tang Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
Sang Ju Yin Wind-Heat
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang Wind-Heat
Xiao Feng San Wind-Heat
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Wind-Heat
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Lung Heat
Gun Tan Wan Phlegm-Heat
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm-Heat, Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat... see more
Er Chen Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yin Qiao San Wind-Heat, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Bing Peng San Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin Wind-Heat
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Lung Heat

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs, Lung Heat
Xie Bai San Lung Heat

All "formulas that clear wind-Heat" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Sang Ju Yin Wind-Heat
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang Wind-Heat
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang Wind-Heat

All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for yellowish phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Cong Chi Tang Wind-Heat
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang Wind-Heat

Acupoints for Yellowish Phlegm

See more details below about Chize LU-5, an acupoint used to address yellowish phlegm.

  • By Meridian
  • Lung Channel
Chize LU-5

Chize LU-5

On the cubital crease, on the redial aspect of the biceps tendon. It can be easily identified when the elbow is slightly flexed.