Qing Fei Tang — Clear the Lung Decoction

On this page

1. Overview
2. TCM pattern
3. Key herbs
4. Conditions treated
5. 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) — 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) — clears Lung Heat and descends Lung Qi; stops cough and reduces breathlessness
4. Bei Mu (Fritillaria thunbergii bulb) — 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) — nourishes Lung Yin and generates fluids; counteracts the drying effects of other herbs
7. Chen Pi (aged Citrus reticulata peel) — regulates Qi, dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm; prevents the nourishing herbs from causing stagnation
8. Fu Ling (Poria cocos) — tonifies Spleen and resolves Dampness; addresses the root of Phlegm production
9. Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis root) — clears Heat, resolves toxicity and harmonises the formula; moderates 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.