Dao Tan Tang
Star导痰汤 (Guide Out Phlegm Decoction)
Source: Ji Sheng Fang — Yan Yong-He (Song, 1253)
Last updated October 1, 2026
Description
Dao Tan Tang (Guide Out Phlegm Decoction), from the Ji Sheng Fang (Formulas to Aid the Living) by Yan Yong-He — a variation of Er Chen Tang.
Actions: Dries dampness; Dispels phlegm; Activates qi circulation; Unblocks stagnation.
Presentation: Phlegm stagnation in the chest and diaphragm: fullness and distention in chest and hypochondrium, cough, nausea, poor appetite; also Liver wind rising with phlegm: inability to eat due to nausea and vomiting, headache, vertigo.
Source: Chen JK, Chen TT. Chinese Herbal Formulas and Applications: Pharmacological Effects & Clinical Research. Art of Medicine Press, 2009, p. 1211.
Composition
| Herb | Amount | % | Role | Function |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ban Xia
xi (washed) with liquid 7 times; as printed: Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae) 120g [12g]
|
12g | 30.77% | Jun (Chief) | — |
|
Tian Nan Xing
pao (blast-fried); as printed: Tian Nan Xing (Rhizoma Arisaematis) 30g [6g]
|
6g | 15.38% | Chen (Deputy) | — |
|
Ju Hong
as printed: Ju Hong (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae) 30g [6g]
|
6g | 15.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | — |
|
Zhi Shi
chao (dry-fried) with bran; as printed: Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) 30g [6g]
|
6g | 15.38% | Zuo (Assistant) | — |
|
Chi Fu Ling
as printed: Chi Fu Ling (Poria Rubra) 30g [6g]
|
6g | 15.38% | — | |
|
Gan Cao
as printed: Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) 15g [3g]
|
3g | 7.69% | — |
Energetics dose-weighted
The formula's overall nature, taste balance and channel reach, weighted by each herb's dose. Classical formulas often pair warm and cool herbs on purpose, so a net figure summarises the mix — it doesn't describe every herb in it.
Nature
Net slightly warm (+0.46)
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Grams by band: cool 15%, neutral 23%, warm 62%.
Taste
- pungent 51%
- sweet 15%
- sour 5%
- bitter 21%
- bland 8%
From 100% of the weighed grams.
Channels reached
- Spleen 100%
- Lung 69%
- Stomach 54%
- Heart 23%
- Large intestine 15%
- Liver 15%
Share of the grams entering each channel, from 100% of the weighed grams.
Dose-weighted from each herb's recorded nature, taste and channels (missing values are left out, never counted as neutral). It describes the composition — it is not a recommendation.
Preparation
Powder; cook 12g with 10 slices Sheng Jiang in 2 bowls water to 80%; take warm after meals. Today may be decocted with bracketed doses.
Relationships
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Formula Network
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Similar Formulas by composition
Match score combines dosage-weighted composition (cosine, 70%) with shared-herb overlap (Jaccard, 30%).
Traditional formula information is for educational purposes only. Herbal formulas should be prescribed by a qualified practitioner — dosages and combinations are individualized and can interact with medications.
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