Di Tan Tang — Scour Phlegm Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. Cautions

Overview

Di Tan Tang — Scour Phlegm Decoction — is the principal Chinese herbal formula for resolving Phlegm-Wind obstructing the Heart orifices and the channels of the head and face. It is specifically designed for the Phlegm-Wind pattern of stroke and similar neurological conditions where thick Phlegm, carried upward by Wind, obstructs the Heart orifices and the channels of the tongue, causing sudden loss of speech, altered consciousness, facial deviation and limb weakness. The formula transforms and scours the Phlegm obstruction while simultaneously extinguishing Wind and opening the orifices to restore consciousness and function.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Wind-Phlegm obstructing the orifices of the Heart and the channels of the head, characterised by: sudden loss of speech or difficulty speaking, facial deviation, hemiplegia or limb weakness, dizziness and vertigo, a sensation of mental cloudiness or fogginess, excessive saliva or phlegm, a swollen tongue with greasy coating, and a wiry, slippery pulse.

Key herbs

1. Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata rhizome, processed) — the principal herb; dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm; the most important single herb for Phlegm in TCM
2. Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema erubescens rhizome, processed) — powerfully transforms Phlegm and extinguishes Wind; the most important herb for Wind-Phlegm in neurological conditions
3. Zhi Shi (Citrus aurantium immature fruit) — breaks up Qi stagnation and reduces Phlegm accumulation
4. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen, resolves Dampness and calms the Heart-Mind
5. Ren Shen (Panax ginseng root) — tonifies Yuan Qi to support the orifice-opening action
6. Shi Chang Pu (Acorus gramineus rhizome) — aromatically opens the orifices and transforms Phlegm; the principal herb for restoring consciousness and clarity in Phlegm conditions
7. Zhu Ru (Phyllostachys nigra stem shavings) — clears Heat, transforms Phlegm and calms the Stomach
8. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root) — harmonises the formula

Conditions treated

1. Stroke recovery — the formula’s primary application; particularly for the Wind-Phlegm pattern of stroke with speech difficulties, facial deviation and limb weakness
2. Sudden loss of speech or aphasia from Wind-Phlegm obstructing the tongue channels
3. Severe dizziness and vertigo from Wind-Phlegm rising to the head
4. Mental cloudiness and cognitive difficulties from Phlegm obstructing the Heart orifices
5. Epilepsy with Phlegm-Wind pattern — as part of a complex treatment approach
6. Sudden facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy) from Wind-Phlegm obstructing the face channels

Cautions

Always consult a qualified Chinese herbalist registered with the Register of Chinese Herbal Medicine (RCHM). Online herbal consultations are available. See the prices page for costs.