Qing Fei Tang — Clear the Lung Decoction

On this page

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

Overview

Qing Fei Tang — Clear the Lung Decoction — is one of the most widely used Chinese herbal formulas for respiratory conditions characterised by Lung Heat with Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Lung’s descending and dispersing function. It combines powerful Heat-clearing, Phlegm-resolving and Lung-moistening herbs to address the common clinical picture of productive cough with yellow or green phlegm, chest tightness and breathlessness from a combination of Heat and Phlegm lodged in the Lung. The formula is particularly suited to the aftermath of acute respiratory infections where Heat and Phlegm have lingered, producing a chronic productive cough, as well as to inflammatory respiratory conditions with prominent Heat and Phlegm.

TCM pattern

Prescribed for Phlegm-Heat obstructing the Lung, characterised by: cough with yellow, green or thick phlegm that is difficult to expectorate, chest tightness and breathlessness, possible low-grade fever, a dry or sore throat, a red tongue with a yellow greasy coating, and a slippery, rapid pulse.

Key herbs

1. Huang Qin (Scutellaria baicalensis root, 5g) — the principal herb; clears Heat from the Lung; strongly anti-inflammatory and antibacterial; the most important herb for Lung Heat
2. Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome) — clears Heat and nourishes Yin; generates fluids; prevents Heat from drying the Lung
3. Sang Bai Pi (Morus alba root bark, 5g) — clears Lung Heat and descends Lung Qi; stops cough and reduces breathlessness
4. Bei Mu (Fritillaria thunbergii bulb, 3g) — clears Lung Heat, transforms Phlegm-Heat and stops cough; moistens the Lung
5. Gua Lou Ren (Trichosanthes kirilowii seed) — clears Lung Heat, transforms Phlegm and moistens the Lung and Intestines
6. Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon japonicus root, 2g) — nourishes Lung Yin and generates fluids; counteracts the drying effects of other herbs
7. Chen Pi (aged Citrus reticulata peel, 3g) — regulates Qi, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm; prevents the nourishing herbs from causing stagnation
8. Fu Ling (Poria cocos, 3g) — tonifies Spleen and resolves Dampness; addresses the root of Phlegm production
9. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root, 1g) — clears Heat, resolves toxicity and harmonises the formula; moderates cough

Formula actions

1. Clears Heat from the Lungs
2. Transforms Phlegm
3. Stops cough

Conditions treated

1. Post-infection productive cough with yellow phlegm — after acute respiratory infections where Heat and Phlegm have lingered
2. Acute bronchitis and tracheobronchitis with Phlegm-Heat pattern
3. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) during acute exacerbations with Phlegm-Heat
4. Pneumonia recovery — used in the resolving phase when Heat and residual Phlegm remain
5. Asthma with Phlegm-Heat producing yellow or sticky phlegm and breathlessness
6. Post-COVID respiratory conditions with persistent cough and Phlegm-Heat

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.

Prefer to be treated from home? Chinese herbal medicine online consultations are available throughout the UK and worldwide. After a full video consultation, Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto formulates a bespoke herbal prescription and posts your Chinese herbs directly to your door.