Er Chen Tang

(Two Cured Decoction)

Sub-Category:

• Formulas that Dry Dampness and Expel Phlegm

Actions:

• Dries dampness, reduces phlegm, regulates the Qi, and harmonizes the Middle Jiao

Indications:

• Nausea, vomiting, cough with easy expectoration of copious white sputum Epigastric and chest distension and fullness. Palpitations and dizziness.

Possible Tongue Appearance:

• Swollen tongue with teeth marks and a thick white greasy coat

Possible Pulse Patterns:

• Slippery pulse

Western Uses:

• Chronic Tracheitis
• Bronchitis
• Pulmonary Emphysema
• Goiter

Cautions, Contraindications, Herb Drug Interactions:

• Do not use in cases where there is phlegm heat, dry cough, or dry phlegm due to Lung Qi Deficiency
• This formula contains one or more toxic substances (while some Chinese herbs are toxic, it must be noted that many come prepared, or are combined, to mitigate their toxicity).

Preparation Notes:

• Decoction. Chen Pi can be substituted for Ju Hong.

Originally Appeared In:

• Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping Era (Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang)

Combined Channels of all herbs in this formula:

• Lungs, Stomach, Spleen, Heart

Substances in this Formula (4 Total):

	Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) Qty: 15 grams Chan: LU, SP, ST Prop: Spicy, Warm, Toxic Latin: Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae Cat: Warm Herbs that Transform Phlegm-Cold
	Ju Hong (Outermost Citrus Peel, Tangerine Peel, Orange Peel) Qty: 15 grams Chan: LU, ST Prop: Spicy, Bitter, Warm Latin: Exocarpium Citri Rubrum Cat: Herbs that Regulate the Qi
	Fu Ling (Sclerotium of Tuckahoe, China Root, Poria, Hoelen) Qty: 9 grams Chan: HT, SP, LU Prop: Sweet, Bland, Neutral Latin: Scierotium Poriae Cocos Cat: Herbs that Regulate Water and Drain Dampness
	Zhi Gan Cao (Honey Fried Licorice Root) Qty: 4.5 grams Chan: All 12 Channels Prop: Sweet, Warm Latin: Radix Glycyrrhizae Cat: Herbs that Tonify Qi

References

Formulas

• 15. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies (First Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 18. Handbook of Chinese Herbal Formulas (First Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 16. The Traditional Chinese Medicine Formula Study Guide (First Edition)
  - Qiao Yi

Herbs

• 13. Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica (Revised Edition)
  - Dan Bensky
• 25. Lancet 2000 January 8;355(9198):134-138 (Article)
  - Fugh-Berman A.
• 17. Handbook of Chinese Herbs (Second Edition)
  - Him Che. Yeung
• 12. Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology (First Edition)
  - John K. Chen, Tina T. Chen
• 26. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals (Third Edition)
  - Max Wichtl

Only use Chinese herbs or formulas under the direct care and supervision of a licensed Acupuncturist/Herbalist.
Some of the substances included on this website are no longer used, and are included for historical reference only.