Er Chen Tang

Er Chen Tang

Pinellia 3 qian, Tangerine Peel 3 qian, Poria 3 qian, Licorice 2 qian

This formula is a general remedy for eliminating phlegm and fluid. Phlegm is essentially water, so poria treats the root cause by managing water; when phlegm moves, it's due to moisture, so poria absorbs moisture to calm its movement. The remaining pinellia reduces reverse flow, tangerine peel smooths qi, and licorice balances the middle, all serving as auxiliary agents for poria. Therefore, in Zhang Zhongjing's writings, whenever there is excessive phlegm, poria is always added; whenever there is vomiting, pinellia is always added. Nowadays, people ignore ancient teachings, treating pinellia as a dedicated phlegm-clearing agent, unaware that pinellia doesn't just clear phlegm—it has the strongest descending qi, essentially dominating the qi flow. So when using any medication, one should never lose sight of its true nature.

[Note] This formula originates from "Jufang." It is a general remedy for eliminating phlegm and fluid. Poria is the main ingredient, targeting the root cause of phlegm.