INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

 

Wolfporia, fruit 72.1mg

Baikal Skullcap, root 57.7mg

Prune, seed 57.7mg

Snakegourd, seed 43.3mg

Nutgrass, rhiz. 43.3mg

Unripe Bitter Orange, peel 43.3mg

Thunberg Fritillary, bulb 28.8mg

Bitter Orange, peel 28.8mg

 

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 482247

Manufactured In Australia.

 

Indications: thick, yellow, sticky phlegm that is hard to cough up or blow out.

Actions: clear heat, resolve phlegm, stop cough.

Dosages: 12 - 15 pills, 2 - 3 times per day, or as symptoms return. Take near food.

Children: 6 months an over 1 pill per year of age up to the age of 10 as directed above.

Over use, don’t under use. Treat sooner rather than later.

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Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang – "Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm"

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to clear thick yellow phlegm from the lungs, reduce inflammation and restore easier breathing during chest infections and productive coughs.

 

What is Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang?

Not all coughs are the same.

Some coughs are dry and irritating.

Some begin with only a tickle in the throat.

Others produce large amounts of thick, yellow mucus that feels impossible to clear.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognised these as completely different illnesses requiring different treatment.

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang (清气化痰汤) was developed specifically for coughs where the lungs have become congested with thick, sticky yellow phlegm.

At Chiron Medical we call it "Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm", because those words immediately describe the people most likely to benefit from this formula.

Rather than suppressing the cough, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang helps the lungs clear mucus while reducing the inflammation that causes it.

 

A Formula with More Than 400 Years of Clinical History

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang first appeared in Yi Xue Ru Men (Introduction to Medicine) by Li Chan, published during the Ming Dynasty in 1575 CE.

It became one of the classical formulas for Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Lungs, a pattern characterised by productive cough, yellow sputum and chest congestion.

Today it remains one of the most widely prescribed Chinese herbal formulas for lower respiratory infections accompanied by thick mucus.

 

Why We Call It "Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm"

The colour and consistency of mucus often provide valuable clues.

When patients describe:

• thick mucus

• yellow phlegm

• greenish sputum

• chest congestion

• rattling breathing

• difficulty clearing mucus

• productive cough

Chinese medicine recognises a very different pattern from a dry cough.

The emphasis is no longer simply calming irritation.

The lungs need help clearing inflammatory mucus.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is prescribed for Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Lungs.

Chest Infections

• productive cough

• bronchitis

• chest congestion

• prolonged chest infections

• bacterial respiratory infections (alongside appropriate medical care)

Respiratory Symptoms

• yellow sputum

• thick sticky mucus

• rattling chest

• wheezing with mucus

• cough worse in the morning

• chest tightness

Recovery After Viral Illness

Some patients develop lingering thick mucus after influenza or viral respiratory infections.

This formula is commonly considered during that stage of recovery when inflammation has moved deeper into the lungs.

 

The Herbs That Make the Formula

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang combines herbs that clear Heat, transform Phlegm and restore healthy movement of Lung Qi.

Dan Nan Xing (Processed Arisaema)

Traditional role

Transforms stubborn Phlegm and relieves cough.

Biomedical actions

Traditionally valued for reducing excessive mucus and improving airway clearance.

Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes Seed)

Traditional role

Clears Lung Heat while moistening and loosening thick mucus.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• expectorant effects

• immune regulation

Huang Qin (Baikal Skullcap)

Traditional role

Clears Heat from the Lungs.

Biomedical actions

Contains baicalin and baicalein with:

• antibacterial activity

• antiviral effects

• anti-inflammatory properties

Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel)

Traditional role

Stops cough and descends Lung Qi.

Biomedical actions

Research demonstrates:

• bronchodilatory effects

• cough suppression

• airway relaxation

Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel)

Traditional role

Regulates Qi and transforms mucus.

Biomedical actions

Supports:

• gastric motility

• mucus clearance

• digestive function

Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange)

Traditional role

Breaks up congestion and promotes movement.

Biomedical actions

May improve smooth muscle activity and digestive motility.

Fu Ling (Poria)

Traditional role

Resolves Dampness while supporting digestion.

Biomedical actions

Research suggests:

• immune modulation

• gut microbiome support

• anti-inflammatory activity

Gan Cao (Liquorice)

Traditional role

Harmonises the formula while soothing the lungs.

Biomedical actions

Provides:

• anti-inflammatory activity

• mucosal protection

• immune support

 

How the Formula Works

Healthy lungs continuously produce mucus.

The problem arises when inflammation causes mucus to become:

• thicker

• stickier

• more difficult to clear

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang works by helping to:

• loosen mucus

• reduce inflammatory Heat

• improve airway clearance

• calm coughing

• restore healthy Lung Qi movement

Rather than simply suppressing symptoms, it helps the lungs perform one of their most important functions—clearing themselves.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Research into the constituent herbs has explored:

Respiratory Disease

• acute bronchitis

• chronic bronchitis

• lower respiratory tract infection

• pneumonia recovery (adjunctive care)

• COPD with mucus production

Airway Inflammation

Studies suggest effects involving:

• inflammatory cytokines

• mucus secretion

• airway inflammation

• oxidative stress

• bronchial smooth muscle

Several herbs demonstrate laboratory evidence of antibacterial and antiviral activity while also reducing inflammatory signalling.

Although further clinical trials are needed, these findings align closely with the formula's traditional role.

 

Understanding Wet and Dry Coughs

One of the greatest strengths of Chinese medicine is recognising that not every cough should be treated the same way.

Treating a dry cough with mucus-clearing herbs may worsen dryness.

Treating a wet cough with moistening herbs may worsen congestion.

Choosing the correct formula depends on recognising the pattern.

 

Comparing the Chiron Medical Cough Formulas

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Sang Ju Yin - New Cough - Early-stage coughDry tickly cough, sore throat, mild fever, beginning of a cold

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang - Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm - Productive inflammatory cough - Thick yellow mucus, rattling chest, chest congestion, productive cough

Bai He Gu Jin Tang - Dry Cough - Chronic dry irritated cough - Dry throat, dry cough, little or no mucus, hoarse voice, night cough

Ding Chuan Tang - Wheeze - Cough with airway narrowingWheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, cough with difficult breathing

 

How These Formulas Work Together

Respiratory illnesses often change over time.

A typical progression might look like this:

Stage 1 – New Cough

The illness begins.

A dry, tickly cough appears with a sore throat.

Sang Ju Yin ("New Cough") is often the appropriate choice.

↓

Stage 2 – Wet Cough

Inflammation moves deeper into the lungs.

Yellow sticky mucus develops.

The cough becomes productive.

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang ("Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm") becomes the better match.

↓

Stage 3 – Wheeze

If inflammation narrows the airways, wheezing and chest tightness develop.

Ding Chuan Tang ("Wheeze") helps open the lungs while reducing cough.

↓

Stage 4 – Dry Recovery

After the infection resolves, inflammation settles but dryness remains.

Patients complain of:

• lingering dry cough

• throat irritation

• little mucus

• coughing at night

Bai He Gu Jin Tang ("Dry Cough") helps restore moisture to the lungs and complete recovery.

This progression explains why different formulas may be used at different stages of the same illness.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Lung

Typical presentation:

• productive cough

• thick yellow sputum

• chest fullness

• difficult expectoration

• thirst

• red tongue with greasy yellow coating

• slippery rapid pulse

Formula Strategy

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang:

• Clears Lung Heat.

• Transforms Phlegm.

• Descends Lung Qi.

• Stops cough.

• Restores airway clearance.

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• bronchitis

• COPD with productive sputum

• bacterial respiratory infections

• post-viral mucus retention

• smoking-related productive cough

 

For Medical Doctors

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• inflammatory cytokines

• airway mucus production

• mucociliary clearance

• oxidative stress

• bronchial smooth muscle

• immune regulation

Major bioactive compounds include:

• baicalin

• baicalein

• glycyrrhizin

• hesperidin

• trichosanthin-related compounds

• amygdalin (from Xing Ren)

Collectively these compounds demonstrate expectorant, anti-inflammatory, bronchodilatory and antimicrobial properties.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is appropriate alongside:

• antibiotics

• bronchodilators

• inhaled corticosteroids

• mucolytic medications

• anticoagulants (general botanical precaution)

Patients with high fever, shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing up blood or suspected pneumonia require prompt medical assessment. Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is intended to complement—not replace—appropriate medical care.

 

Helping the Lungs Clean Themselves

A productive cough is often uncomfortable, but it serves an important purpose.

The lungs are trying to remove inflammatory material.

The goal is not always to stop coughing.

Sometimes the goal is to help the lungs clear more effectively.

Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang reflects this philosophy.

It reduces inflammation while helping the body remove thick mucus naturally.

That is why we call it "Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm."

The name immediately tells people when the formula is most likely to help—when the chest feels heavy, congested and full of mucus that simply won't come up.

 

Key Takeaways

• Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang is a classical respiratory formula first recorded during the Ming Dynasty for productive coughs with thick yellow phlegm.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm" because it is specifically designed for inflammatory chest congestion with difficult-to-clear mucus.

• It differs from Sang Ju Yin ("New Cough"), which treats the earliest stage of respiratory infection, Bai He Gu Jin Tang ("Dry Cough"), which nourishes dry irritated lungs during recovery, and Ding Chuan Tang ("Wheeze"), which is directed at airway narrowing and wheezing.

• Modern research supports anti-inflammatory, expectorant, bronchodilatory and antimicrobial actions of its constituent herbs.

• The formula should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner following an individual assessment and used alongside appropriate medical care. Persistent fever, breathing difficulty, chest pain or suspected pneumonia require urgent medical evaluation.

 

Clinical Perspective

Within the Chiron Medical respiratory collection, Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang ("Wet Cough – Yellow Sticky Phlegm") occupies the central stage of a natural progression through respiratory illness. Sang Ju Yin ("New Cough") addresses the earliest, superficial stage before mucus develops. Qing Qi Hua Tan Tang becomes appropriate once inflammation settles into the lungs and produces thick yellow sputum. If airway narrowing becomes the dominant feature, Ding Chuan Tang ("Wheeze") takes over by focusing on bronchospasm and difficult breathing. Finally, as the infection resolves and the lungs are left dry and irritated, Bai He Gu Jin Tang ("Dry Cough") nourishes and repairs the respiratory tissues. This sequence reflects one of the defining strengths of Traditional Chinese Medicine: treatment evolves with the changing physiology of illness, rather than using the same remedy from beginning to end.