Di Tan Tang  涤痰汤
Scour Phlegm Decoction

Tradition:

TCM

Source / Author:

Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid Life), by Yan Yonghe in 1253 CE

Preparation:

Form a standard decoction. 5 slices of fresh Ginger and 3 pieces of Jujubes (Da Zao) are usually added.
Can also be prepared as Pills or Powder.

Function:

Scours Phlegm, Settles Wind, Opens the Orifices, Tonifies Spleen and Qi

Use:

Copious sputum, fullness in the chest, sound of phlegm rattling when coughing or breathing, thick tongue coat
1. Stroke (CVA) recovery with Phlegm obstructing the Brain (loss of speech, facial deviation, hemiplegia)
2. Stiffness of the Tongue, Speech impediment
3. Seizure disorders
4. Tremors, Shaking
5. Dementia or Alzheimer’s diseases with Phlegm
6. Severe Vertigo
7. Meniere’s Disease
8. Sleep Apnea and Snoring
9. Schizophrenia
10. Mania
11. Acute and Chronic Bronshitis
12. Bronchial Asthma
13. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Dose:

The above is taken in 2 equal doses over the course of the day.
As a powder or pills, 3–6 grams twice daily with ginger tea.

Cautions:

1. Not used during Pregnancy
2. Not suitable for Yin deficiency
3. Use with caution in markedly weak individuals

Modifications:

1. Severe Internal Wind with Tremors or Convulsions, add Gastrodia Tian Ma and Uncaria Gou Teng
2. Phlegm Heat, with yellow phlegm and red tongue, add Coptis Huang Lian
3. Blood Stasis (purple lips and tongue, fixed pain) add Safflower (Hong Hua) and Ligusticum Chuan Xiong.
4. Severe deficiency increase the dose of Ginseng

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