- Ban Xia, Chen Pi and Fu Ling form the Er Chen Tang Two Old Decoction which
resolves Phlegm. - Zhu Ru resolves hot Phlegm and calms the Mind. It calms irritability deriving from Fire.
- Zhi Shi helps to resolve Phlegm by moving Qi and making Qi descend.
- Sheng Jiang and Da Zao harmonize the Stomach.
- Gan Cao harmonizes.
This formula, already discussed above under "Mind Obstructed" (p. 241) resolves Phlegm-Heat
from the Stomach and Heart.
Mental-Emotional Pattern
Worry and pensiveness knot Qi and, after a long time, the impaired Qi movement leads to the
formation of Phlegm. On the other hand, knotted Qi easily turns into Fire after a long time. Fire,
in turn, may lead to the formation of more Phlegm as it burns and condenses fluids.
Phlegm-Fire both mists and agitates the Mind. The Phlegm aspect of it causes mental confusion,
poor memory, dizziness and, in severe cases, total mental confusion with loss of insight. The Fire
aspect of it causes agitation, mental restlessness, insomnia, a flustered feeling in the chest,
anxiety and, in severe cases, manic behaviour. Nowadays this formula is widely used for
manic-depression.
Phlegm-Fire in this case affects Stomach, Heart and Gall-Bladder. In the Heart, it mists the Mind
and causes mental confusion. In the Gall-Bladder, it prevents the Ethereal Soul from returning to
the Liver at night, hence the insomnia. Disturbance of the Ethereal Soul also causes depression
and a lack of direction in life.
Obviously, irregular eating plays an important role in the development of this pattern. These
people are often busy executives who eat at irregular times, or in a hurry while working or late at
night.
Variations
- If Heart-Fire is evident add Huang Lian Rhizoma Coptidis.
- If obstruction of the Mind by Phlegm is pronounced add Shi Chang Pu Rhizoma Acori