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dí tán tāng • scour phlegm decoction • 滌痰湯

prescription
open the orifices • scour phlegm and open the orifices

dí tán tāng is used for patterns with

internal obstruction from severe phlegm, internal wind-phlegm rising, phlegm obstructing the heart orifices, yin obstruction (tense type with cold signs).

symptoms indicating the use of dí tán tāng

stiffness of the tongue, sudden falling and loss of consciousness, convulsions, spitting saliva, screaming, a hot temper, dysphoria, inability to speak, insomnia, a bitter taste in the mouth, dryness of the pharynx, cough with sputum, scanty, dark urine, constipation.

western interpretation of dí tán tāng

cerebrovascular accident, seizure disorder, motor aphasia, bronchial asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, acute and chronic bronchitis, and bronchiectasis.

explanation of the mechanism

stiffness of the tongue and speech impairment are the cardinal symptoms of this pattern of internal obstruction due to severe phlegm in which the smooth movement of the fluids has ceased, and the fluids accumulate and form phlegm. stiffness of the tongue and speech impairment are due to excessive accumulation of phlegm which spreads throughout the body, or phlegm moving upward under the influence of internal wind.

this is a variation of er chen tang (two-cured decoction), which is the basic formula for drying dampness and transforming phlegm. it is most commonly used in treating impaired speech following wind-stroke due to phlegm veiling the orifices of the heart, and thus the tongue. based on the actions of its constituent ingredients, its use has been expanded to include wheezing with copious sputum and focal distention and fullness in the chest due to obstruction of the qi in the chest by phlegm.

(bensky & barolet)

⚠️ important note: if you experience symptoms that resemble the ones presented in the tcm pocketguide please consult a medical doctor or tcm therapist. these prescriptions are not meant for self-medication and should only be prescribed by a licensed tcm practitioner. of course you can also book a consultation with me. i would be pleased to welcome you.

tcm pocketguide

created with love in switzerland 🇨🇭

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