Thick And Yellow Phlegmaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Respiratory Secretions, Cough Related Symptoms
Did you mean? Cough With Thin Yellow Sputum Thick And Yellow Phlegm
What is Thick and Yellow Phlegm?
Thick and yellow phlegm is a common respiratory symptom characterized by the production of dense, sticky mucus that is yellow in color. This type of sputum is often indicative of an inflammatory response within the respiratory system, particularly in the presence of a bacterial infection.
The yellow hue suggests the body's immune system is actively fighting off the infection, with white blood cells accumulating in the mucus, giving it its distinctive color. Patients may experience coughing as the body attempts to expel this phlegm, which can be accompanied by wheezing and a feeling of congestion in the chest.
How does TCM view Thick and Yellow Phlegm?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the symptom of thick and yellow phlegm through a lens that seeks to understand the underlying imbalances within the body's organ systems.
According to TCM, this symptom is often a sign of Heat and Phlegm accumulation, indicating an excess condition where pathogenic Heat transforms Body Fluids into Phlegm. TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as treatment strategies are tailored to rebalance these energies, rather than directly targeting the phlegm itself.
Root Causes of Thick And Yellow Phlegm in TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to the production of thick and yellow phlegm, with Phlegm-Heat and Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phlegm-Heat being among the most common. Phlegm-Heat is characterized by symptoms such as coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, signaling the presence of Heat in the body that mixes with Phlegm, leading to its dense, yellow quality.
Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phlegm-Heat involves an external pathogenic influence that combines with internal Heat, resulting in similar symptoms along with shortness of breath and a feeling of oppression in the chest. These patterns highlight the complex interplay between external pathogenic factors and internal conditions in TCM.
Explore below more details about what might cause Thick and yellow phlegm according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Phlegm
- Heat
- Wind
- Cold
- View More Causes
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 Thick And Yellow Phlegm
Common Symptoms: Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Chronic Bronchitis Shortness Of Breath Asthma Bronchiolitis Upper Abdominal Oppression Mucous In Feces Depression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Heat | Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
| 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 |
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 Thick And Yellow Phlegm
Common Symptoms: Copious Thick Yellow Sputum Chronic Bronchitis Shortness Of Breath Asthma Bronchiolitis Upper Abdominal Oppression Mucous In Feces Depression
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Phlegm-Heat | Coughing and wheezing with copious thick and yellow sputum, Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
| 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 |
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 Thick And Yellow 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 |
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 Thick And Yellow 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 |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Thick And Yellow Phlegm
To address the symptom of thick and yellow phlegm, TCM recommends specific formulas and herbs that target the underlying patterns of disharmony. Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan is a key formula for treating Phlegm-Heat, with ingredients like Arisaema with bile (Dan Nan Xing) that work to clear Heat and transform Phlegm.
For cases where Wind-Cold combines with Phlegm-Heat, Ding Chuan Tang is recommended, incorporating Ginkgo nuts (Bai Guo) to stabilize and bind, helping to relieve coughing and wheezing. These formulas exemplify TCM's holistic approach, aiming to restore balance by addressing the root cause of symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address thick and yellow phlegm, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Phlegm
- Heat
- Wind
- Cold
- View More Causes
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
Top Formula for Phlegm:
Ding Chuan Tang
Suitable for Phlegm patterns that may cause thick and yellow phlegm, such as Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Thick And Yellow Phlegm Caused by Phlegm
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ding Chuan Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
Top Formula for Heat:
Ding Chuan Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause thick and yellow phlegm, such as Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Thick And Yellow Phlegm Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ding Chuan Tang | Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat |
| Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Phlegm-Heat |
Top Formula for Wind:
Ding Chuan Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause thick and yellow phlegm, such as Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
Learn more
Top Formula for Cold:
Ding Chuan Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause thick and yellow phlegm, such as Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat
Learn moreFormulas for a rebellious Qi
These formulas are suitable for some thick and yellow phlegm-causing patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Interior with Phelgm-Heat.
One such formula is Ding Chuan Tang, with ginkgo nuts as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some thick and yellow phlegm-causing patterns like Phlegm-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with arisaema with bile as a key herb.
Acupoints for Thick And Yellow Phlegm
In TCM, specific acupoints are utilized to complement herbal treatments for thick and yellow phlegm. Feishu BL-13 is a crucial point located on the Bladder Channel, 1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3). Activating Feishu BL-13 can tonify Lung Qi, nourish Lung Yin, clear Lung Heat, and expel Exterior Wind.
This acupoint plays a significant role in addressing respiratory symptoms by regulating the flow of Qi and balancing the body's internal environment, demonstrating TCM's integrated approach to treating symptoms like thick and yellow phlegm.
See more details below about Feishu BL-13, an acupoint used to address thick and yellow phlegm.
- By Meridian
- Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).