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The method for treating phlegm (Tan) should not merely focus on eliminating dampness (Shi), but must prioritize tonification, supplemented by herbs that resolve phlegm, to achieve effectiveness. The prescription is as follows:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian) Fu Ling (Poria, 3 qian) Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen, 5 qian) Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 3 qian) Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian) Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, 1 qian)

Many people do not understand the intention behind using Shen Qu in this formula. They consider Shen Qu to be a supreme medicine for digesting food, not a divine product for resolving phlegm. However, they fail to realize that the accumulation of phlegm is often related to the spleen and stomach's transformation and transportation functions; Shen Qu aids digestion, thereby cutting off the source of phlegm production.

For patients with Qi deficiency accompanied by cold-phlegm, it suffices to add Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian) and Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma, 0.5 qian) to the aforementioned formula.

For patients with Qi deficiency accompanied by heat-phlegm, this formula should not be used. Instead, the following prescription should be employed:
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 qian) Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 2 qian) Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 qian) Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian) Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen, 1 qian) Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 3 qian)

The Yin water in the Kidneys remains stable when warmed by the Fire of the Gate of Life (Ming Men); without fire, it overflows. If one engages in excessive sexual activity, kidney water is depleted, and the fire of the Gate of Life dissipates along with it. Over time, both water and fire become deficient. Treatment requires tonifying the kidneys and anchoring the floating fire to prevent the upward overflow of fluids. The prescription is: Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 3 liang) Shan Yu (Corni Fructus, 1 liang) Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 2 qian) Bei Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 1.5 qian) Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
After one dose, the phlegm moves downward; after two doses, the phlegm pathology will be completely eliminated.

For those suffering from chronic phlegm disease that has not healed for a long time, use one pig lung, 5 qian of Luobo Zi (Radish Seed), crushed, mixed with 1 liang of Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen). Blend well with five flavors, steam until cooked over rice, and consume.

The formulas established by ancient physicians for treating phlegm mostly address the branch (biao/symptoms) of phlegm disease rather than its root (ben/cause). For instance, Er Chen Tang treats phlegm of various durations in the upper, middle, and lower jiao, yet lacks substantial efficacy. The three formulas established here cover the scope of all phlegm diseases:

Wind-attack cough with expectoration belongs to this category. The prescription is:
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 1 qian) Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 1 qian) Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix, 1 qian) Fu Ling (Poria, 1 qian) Su Zi (Perillae Fructus, 1 qian) Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.
After two doses, the phlegm can be eliminated. This formula aims to clear phlegm from the Upper Jiao. Phlegm in the Upper Jiao originally originates from the Stomach, not the Lung; by clearing the phlegm from the Stomach, the Lung qi descends naturally.