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There are cases where there is a gurgling sound in the intestines and stomach, which becomes more pronounced after drinking water, and vomiting of phlegm occurs like a surge. People consider this to be a disease of Phlegm-Fluid (Tan Yin), but who would know that it is due to Deficiency of Stomach Qi?

The Stomach is the sea of water and grain; all food and drink enter the Stomach. The Stomach qi circulates and overflows with essence and qi, transporting them upward to the Spleen and Lung, and downward to the Bladder. Water essence distributes throughout the body, and the five meridians run in parallel. This is the result of vigorous Stomach qi. However, if Stomach qi becomes deficient, it can only digest grains but not fluids. Consequently, when water enters the Stomach, it does not stay in the Stomach but flows downward into the intestines, producing a gurgling sound. Initially, these symptoms may go unnoticed, but over time, the essence of the water turns turbid, forming Phlegm-Fluid. This accumulates in areas difficult to reach by respiration and surges upward. Thus, the origin of phlegm lies in the deficiency of Stomach qi, while its formation results from the abundance of fluid qi. To treat phlegm, one must first eliminate fluids; to eliminate fluids, one must strengthen the Stomach. Yet, merely tonifying Stomach earth will not allow Stomach qi to flourish spontaneously. The decline of Stomach qi stems from the weakness of Pericardium qi. Therefore, tonifying Stomach earth requires tonifying the fire of the Pericardium.

Prescribe San Tan Tang (Scatter Phlegm Decoction):
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 5 fen
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 5 fen
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) - 5 qian
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

This formula is a variation of Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction). Er Chen Tang only assists the Stomach to resolve phlegm, whereas this formula assists the Pericardium to strengthen the Stomach. Rou Gui is used not only to aid the fire of the Pericardium but also to guide Fu Ling and Bai Zhu into the Bladder to separate and eliminate damp-fluid qi. Yi Yi Ren and Shan Yao dry the Spleen to drain the downward-flowing water. Once water is drained, phlegm loses its support; essence is transformed without directly resolving phlegm. How could Phlegm-Fluid fail to heal?

For this syndrome, Yun Tan Tang (Transport Phlegm Decoction) is also effective:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 3 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 3 fen
Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) - 5 grains
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases where fluid flows under the hypochondrium, causing pain upon coughing or spitting saliva, with excessive phlegm expectoration, making the patient afraid to exert force. People consider this Xuan Yin (Hanging Fluid), but who would know it is due to timidity/weakness of Stomach qi?

Water should normally enter the intestines; entering the hypochondrium indicates reversal of Stomach qi. If the Stomach is not weak, its qi does not reverse. When Stomach qi is vigorous, water is subdued; when Stomach qi is weak, water prevails. To restore order to rebellious water, one must first strengthen Stomach qi, guiding water downward and lifting Stomach qi upward. Naturally, weakness ceases, and rebellion stops.

Prescribe Ruo Tan Tang (Weak Phlegm Decoction):
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Spica) - 1 qian
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) - 1 liang
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 5 qian
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix) - 3 qian
Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) - 3 fen
Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) - 2 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

The above herbs resolve phlegm in the upper diaphragm and drive water from the lower intestines and stomach. Strengthening qi makes qi vigorous and water descend. If one uses only phlegm-resolving drugs without tonifying deficient Stomach qi, qi descends while water rises, leading to unending flooding disasters.

For this syndrome, Jia Wei Si Jun Zi Tang (Modified Four Gentlemen Decoction) is also effective:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) - 3 qian
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 5 fen
Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) - 1 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 fen
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases where phlegm-saliva overflows into the four limbs, accompanied by anhidrosis and heavy body sensation, with continuous expectoration. People consider this Yi Yin (Overflowing Fluid), but who would know it is due to stagnation of Stomach qi?

Heaven generates water, flowing everywhere. Any stasis leads to accumulation of turbid matter, causing water channels to flood and overflow laterally. All water enters the Stomach; if the Stomach is open, how can water accumulate? Only when Stomach earth is stagnant does water fail to flow smoothly into the Bladder, instead seeping outward from the Stomach into the limbs. Since the limbs have no pathway to excrete water, it must transform into sweat. However, water transforms into sweat only through the movement of Stomach qi. Now, with Stomach obstruction and halted Stomach qi, how can sweat be produced, and where can water exit? Heavy body sensation is a sign of damp-water. With damp-water unable to exit the limbs, it surges upward, causing expectoration. Treatment must follow nature and guide according to circumstances to remove flooding hazards. Opening Stomach earth stagnation allows water channels of the Bladder and Small Intestine to clear naturally. Earth stagnation is caused by Liver wood counteracting; thus, one must soothe Liver qi depression and tonify Stomach qi deficiency to open Stomach stagnation.

Prescribe Qi Bi Tang (Open Closure Decoction):
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) - 3 qian
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) - 5 fen
Zhu Ling (Polyporus) - 1 qian
Nong Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) - 1 qian
Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. After four doses, phlegm dissipates; after another four doses, the body feels light.

This formula is a variation of Si Ling San (Four Poria Powder). Chai Hu and Bai Shao soothe the Liver; Nong Po moves qi; Ban Xia resolves phlegm. Naturally, qi moves and water follows; qi transforms and phlegm dissolves.

For this syndrome, Bai Hua Yin (White Flower Drink) is also excellent:
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) - 1 liang
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 5 fen
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix) - 3 qian
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) - 1 qian
Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) - 5 fen
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of cough with air-reversal, leaning on objects for breath, shortness of breath, swelling-like appearance, continuous expectoration, and chest/diaphragm fullness. People consider this Zhi Yin (Supporting Fluid), but who would know it is due to reversal of Stomach qi?

The Stomach is the sea of water and grain; it prefers smoothness over rebellion. Smoothness transforms water into essence; rebellion transforms water into phlegm. Rebellion has depth: shallow rebellion puts phlegm in the chest, deep rebellion puts phlegm in the diaphragm. When Stomach qi rebels, driving phlegm-fluid upward into the chest and diaphragm, the rebellion is severe. Why does it reach this state? The Stomach is the gate of the Kidney. Kidney deficiency causes qi to rush into the Stomach, causing the Stomach to lose its opening/closing control. The gate fails to close, and qi rushes upward following Kidney qi. The Kidney carries phlegm from the Stomach into the Lung. The Lung is invaded by water qi, presenting edema, giving rise to cough with air-reversal and shortness of breath.

Although symptoms suggest excess qi, it is actually qi deficiency, hence shortness of breath without continuity. Treatment involves reversing Stomach qi rebellion to descend phlegm, and tonifying Kidney qi deficiency to smooth the Stomach.

Prescribe Zhuan Wei Tang (Turn Stomach Decoction):
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) - 1 liang
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) - 3 qian
Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) - 1 fen
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 3 fen
Su Zi (Perillae Fructus) - 2 qian
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 1 liang
Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) - 3 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. One dose calms Stomach qi; two doses turn Stomach qi; three doses eliminate cough, air-reversal, and shortness of breath; four doses bring complete recovery.

Named "Turning Stomach," this formula actually turns rebellious Kidney qi. Kidney rebellion precedes Stomach rebellion; thus, rectifying the Kidney rectifies the Stomach. Such diseases require large doses; otherwise, Stomach qi cannot penetrate the Stomach interior, nor can Kidney qi return to the Kidney interior. Daily treatment of phlegm consumes Stomach qi, worsening Kidney rebellion. When will phlegm descend? It will not stop until death.

For this syndrome, Jia Wei Shen Zhu Ling Gui Tang (Modified Ginseng, Atractylodes, Poria, and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is also good:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 5 qian
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Po Gu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) - 1 qian
Su Zi (Perillae Fructus) - 1 qian
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of whole-day expectoration. Using little tea/water causes hardness and palpitations below the heart, shortness of breath, and aversion to water. People think water is in the Heart, but who knows it is Fire Depression in the Heart?

The Heart belongs to Fire and fears water most. If Heart qi is not deficient, water entering the Stomach nourishes the Heart, and water dares not invade directly. Only when Heart qi is deficient does Fire fear water, allowing water to attack. Fire wants to emerge but cannot, depressing internally, blocking qi circulation, causing palpitations and shortness of breath—not true qi deficiency. Since Fire battles Water, Water is Fire's enemy; injuring/averting water is expected. Treatment should not merely promote urination. Promoting urination requires resolving phlegm, which damages Stomach qi. Damaged Stomach qi worsens Heart qi, making water and phlegm hard to remove. One must tonify the Heart to generate Stomach qi, scatter depression to facilitate water passage. Then Fire qi becomes vigorous, preventing water invasion, stopping fluid retention below the heart and transformation into Damp-Phlegm.

Prescribe Sheng Shui Tang (Overcome Water Decoction):
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen) - 3 qian
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) - 1 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 fen
Shi Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) - 1 qian
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 5 fen
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. One dose brings relief; two doses further relief; four doses bring complete recovery.

This formula is a variation of Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction). Tonifying the Heart and scattering depression work together. Healthy Heart qi allows Fire qi to flow freely; flowing Fire qi strengthens Stomach qi. Strong Earth controls Water, fearing no water attack on the Heart.

For this syndrome, Jia Jian Yun Tan Tang (Modified Transport Phlegm Decoction) is also effective:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) - 1 liang
Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) - 1 qian
Shi Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 5 fen
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of mouth salivation, thirst wanting to drink, but inability to drink much, as ingested water transforms into phlegm and is vomited. People think water is in the Lung, but who knows it is Heat in Lung qi?

The Lung governs qi, circulates Ying and Wei, distributes body fluids, flowing throughout the body without stagnation. Only when Water Evil enters, blocking airways, does qi congeal and fluids gather, transforming into saliva/phlegm. Loss of Lung's clearing/descending function leads to internal Fire self-burning, prompting intake of external water to save internal Fire. However, internal Fire cannot be extinguished by external water, nor is external water easily consumed by internal Fire. Thus, it fails to transform into essence/fluids, remaining as phlegm-saliva and vomiting upward.

Treatment clears Lung Metal heat without relying on external water; then water does not enter the Lung, and saliva resolves. However, loss of Lung's clearing function is not solely due to Water Evil. Water Evil entering the Lung is caused by Heart Fire insulting Lung. Insulted by Fire, the Lung seeks Water to balance it; Water takes advantage of thirst to enter. Thus, to clear Lung heat, one must clear Heart Fire flare-up.

Prescribe Jie Yan Tang (Resolve Flare-up Decoction):
Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) - 5 fen
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix) - 2 qian
Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) - 1 qian
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 1 liang
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) - 1 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 fen
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 3 fen
Shen Qu (Massae Fermentatae Medicinalis) - 5 fen
Decoct in water and take orally. One dose relieves thirst; two doses dissipate phlegm; no need for three doses.

This formula clears Heart and Lung heat. If phlegm-qiang rises excessively, it is unsuitable. Adding Fu Ling guides downward to the Bladder, so Fire follows Water, restoring natural flow. It resolves phlegm and descends Fire, preventing Lung congestion. Although resolving phlegm and descending Fire, it does not consume Lung Metal qi, explaining why phlegm and Fire are easily resolved.

For this syndrome, Xi Fei Yin (Extinge Boiling Drink) is also good:
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 2 qian
Kuan Dong Hua (Farfarae Flos) - 1 qian
Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) - 2 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) - 3 qian
Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) - 2 qian
Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix) - 2 qian
Zhu Ye (Bambusae Folium) - 30 leaves
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of shortness of breath, heavy body, daily expectoration of clear fluid and clear phlegm. People think water is in the Spleen, but who knows it is Cold in Spleen qi?

The Spleen is Wet Earth, disliking Water and preferring Fire. Fire decline leads to Water prosperity, and Water prosperity leads to Fire decline—a necessary principle. Without Fire, Earth becomes Cold Earth; Water cannot dry and risks freezing. Even slight Fire can only transform water, not fluids; it creates phlegm, not liquid. Weak Fire can only transform Upper Jiao water, not resolve Lower Jiao freezing. This explains why clear phlegm/fluid vomits upward rather than descending. Dampness flowing to the four limbs causes heaviness. Treatment must promote urination, clear phlegm, and dry Spleen Earth qi. However, Spleen lacks Fire; Spleen Earth decline stems from weak Kidney Fire. Without tonifying Kidney Fire, there is no fuel under the cauldron; Earth is like ice/charcoal. How can solar warmth return, turning wet/muddy land into fertile soil? Thus, one must tonify Kidney Fire to dry Earth; dried Earth removes dampness.

Prescribe Zao Tu Tang (Dry Earth Decoction):
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 2 qian
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Po Gu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) - 1 qian
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Qian Shi (Euryales Semen) - 5 qian
Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus) - 3 grains
Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) - 1 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 2 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

Seven parts of this formula dry the Spleen, three parts dry the Kidney. It seems to focus on tonifying the Spleen and lightly tonifying the Kidney. However, the Spleen likes dryness, while the Kidney dislikes dryness. Too many drying-Kidney herbs damage the Kidney first, hindering Spleen benefit. This shows the subtlety of dosage balancing.

For this syndrome, Jia Jian Yun Tan Tang (Modified Transport Phlegm Decoction) is also usable:
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) - 3 qian
Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 1 qian
Bai Dou Kou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus) - 1 pod
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 5 fen
Shen Qu (Massae Fermentatae Medicinalis) - 1 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of circulating phlegm-qiang, hypochondriac fullness/pain upon sneezing, light expectoration, avoiding forceful coughing. This is not Water Qi in the Liver, but Depressed Qi in the Liver.

The Liver stores Blood but not Water; it avoids water. However, Liver qi depression prevents Blood storage; unstored Blood allows Water to enter the Liver gap. The Liver never stores water; water stays outside the Liver without dispersing. Depressed Liver qi attracts water, and water worsens depression, indicating Liver qi rebellion. The hypochondrium is the Liver's territory. Even without Water Evil, depressed Liver qi causes distension/tightness; with water stagnating there, fullness is inevitable. Sneezing pain occurs because trapped Fire wants to exit via sneeze but cannot, causing pain upon muscle contraction. Treatment must unblock Liver qi depression, aided slightly by phlegm-resolving and water-separating herbs, achieving immediate results.

Prescribe Kai Tan Yin (Open Phlegm Drink):
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) - 1 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Chao Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus Praeparatus) - 1 qian
Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) - 1 qian
Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) - 1 qian
Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) - 3 fen
Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 2 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 5 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. Two doses soothe Liver qi depression; four doses relieve hypochondriac fullness/pain; no need for five doses.

This formula specifically resolves Liver depression. As depression lifts and Fire scatters, it no longer insults Spleen/Stomach Earth or draws up phlegm-saliva closure. How could water remain under the hypochondrium increasing pain/fullness?

For this syndrome, Shu Tan Tang (Ventilate Phlegm Decoction) is usable:
Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) - 5 qian
Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood) - 5 qian
Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian
Shen Qu (Massae Fermentatae Medicinalis) - 1 qian
Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases where water floods into phlegm, saliva like clear water, dissolving immediately in water. People do not know it is Phlegm in the Kidney. Who knows Kidney Cold transforms Essence into Phlegm?

Phlegm in other meridions forms from external water entering; only Phlegm in the Kidney forms from internal water. Thus, Phlegm in Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Lung can be treated with attacking methods, but Phlegm in the Kidney requires pure tonification, avoiding any phlegm-attacking ingredients. Kidney phlegm is Pure Yin Water; Yin Fire cannot be controlled without Yang Fire. Yang Fire is Fire within Water. When Yin Water floods and Fire is weak, or Yang Water is strong and Fire is hidden, greatly tonifying Fire within Water causes phlegm to descend spontaneously without direct phlegm-resolving action.

Prescribe Ba Wei Di Huang Wan (Eight-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill):
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) - 1 liang
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 5 qian
Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) - 5 qian
Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) - 3 qian
Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) - 3 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 2 qian
Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. One dose instantly eliminates flooding-phlegm.

No faster remedy for phlegm exists under heaven. However, it treats only Kidney Cold with flooding phlegm; do not apply this formula universally to all phlegm. If phlegm is not from Kidney flooding, it is External Evil. How can internal phlegm treatment apply to external phlegm? Only for true Kidney Water flooding does this formula yield prompt results. Crucially, use equal amounts of Fu Ling and Shu Di Huang so Kidney Water returns to its source, digesting dampness in Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao, preventing lingering pathology. Do not rigidly adhere to Zhang Zhongjing's original prescription stating Fu Ling should not be used in large doses; thus, I clarify this point.

For this syndrome, Fu Yin Dan (Restore Yin Pill) is also wonderful:
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) - 1 liang
Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) - 5 qian
Qian Shi (Euryales Semen) - 1 liang
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of expectorating pure white foam, continuous coughing, lighter by day, heavier at night. People think it is Lung Fire phlegm, but who knows Kidney Heat boils Fire into phlegm?

Such phlegm results from Yin Deficiency with Fire stirring, mostly leading to Consumption Disease (Lao Zhai), known anciently as expectorating white blood. The phlegm resembles crab saliva; continuous expectoration changes color to green mucus, indicating advanced, incurable Consumption. However, Consumption with white foam expectoration is Kidney Exhaustion phlegm. There are also cases before Consumption develops, or initial Yin Deficiency Fire stirring, distinct from advanced Consumption. How can they be ignored? People blindly treat phlegm, failing to recognize treating Kidney Yin, continuing until Consumption develops. Boiling Fire phlegm results from excessive Kidney Fire due to extreme Water deficiency. The Kidney can be tonified but not purged. Tonifying declining Kidney Water drains excessive Kidney Fire. Thus, use Yin-tonifying herbs to control Yang, not Yang-purging herbs to save Yin. If seeing strong Kidney Fire and lightly using Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), regardless of whether Fire extinguishes quickly or phlegm disappears, striking Fire often transforms it into Consumption frequently. Treatment simply supplements Water to expel phlegm; phlegm vanishes into nothingness.

Prescribe Ding Fei Tang (Stabilize Boiling Decoction):
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) - 2 liang
Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus) - 1 liang
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) - 1 liang
Bei Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) - 2 qian
Fu Ling (Poria) - 1 liang
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) - 1 liang
Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) - 1 liang
Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) - 3 qian
Decoct in water and take orally. After two doses, one wonders how boiling phlegm disappeared. This formula should be taken continuously for ten doses; do not stop after seeing effects in two doses.

Boiling Fire phlegm originates from Yin Deficiency. Yin Deficiency Fire requires prolonged Yin-tonifying herbs to significantly increase Yin and rapidly dissipate Fire. Patients view this formula as life-extending soup; physicians view it as life-saving agent. Do not discard it lightly.

For this syndrome, Gui Mo Tang (Return Foam Decoction) is also excellent:
Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) - 2 liang
Shan Yu Rou (Corni Fructus) - 1 liang
Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) - 1 liang
Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix) - 3 qian
Nv Zhen Zi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus) - 3 qian
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) - 3 qian
Bai He (Lilii Bulbus) - 3 qian
Kuan Dong Hua (Farfarae Flos) - 1 qian
Decoct in water and take orally.

There are cases of sudden Wind Evil invasion, nasal congestion, coughing, expectorating yellow turbid phlegm. People think phlegm blocks chest/diaphragm, suggesting emesis therapy. Who knows Wind Evil blocks Lung meridians?

When Evil is in the Lung, ancients sometimes used emesis effectively because Lung qi blockage implies emesis contains dispersing meaning. However, it must be severe fullness/excess...