✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Expectorants,Herbs for Resolving Heat-Phlegm.
Introduction: Introduction: Expectorants—Herbs for Resolving Cold-Phlegm: agents or herbs warm in nature, used to treat disorders of cold-phlegm or phlegm-dampness; also known as cooling phlegm-resolving herbs. Expectorants for resolving heat-phlegm are mostly cold or cool in nature and function to clear heat and resolve heat-phlegm.
Expectorants for resolving heat-phlegm are mostly cold or cool in nature and function to clear heat and resolve heat-phlegm; some nourish yin and moisten dryness; some with a salty flavor soften hard masses and dissipate nodules; these herbs are primarily indicated for various heat-phlegm syndromes—as well as secondary syndromes arising from heat-phlegm—such as heat-phlegm type epilepsy, apoplexy with convulsion, goiter, and phlegm-heat type scrofula. Representative herbs of this kind are Bèi Mǔ (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii, Bulbus Fritillarie Cirrhosae, Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae , Bulbus Fritillarie Ussuriensis), Radix Platycoli (Jú Gěnɡ), and other herbs including Flos Farfarae (Kuǎn Dōnɡ Huā), Radix Stemonae (Bǎi Bù), Folium rhododendri Daurici (Mǎn Shān Hónɡ), Semen Oroxyli (Mù Hú Dié), Semen Sterculiae Lychnophorae (Pànɡ Dà Hǎi), Concha Arcae (Wǎ Lénɡ Zǐ), Concha Arcae Usta(Duàn Wǎ Lénɡ), Fructus Trichosanthis (Guā Lóu), Radix Trichosanthis (Tiān Huā Fěn), Concretio Silicea Bambusae (Tiān Zhú Huánɡ), Caulis Bambusae (Zhú Rú), Radix Adenophorae(Nán Shā Shēn), Sargassum (Hái Zǎo), Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae (Kūn Bù), Radix Peucedani(Qián Hú), Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones (Shān Cí Gu), Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae (Huánɡ Yào Zǐ), Lapis Micae Aureus(Jīn Ménɡ Shí) etc.
✵As of January 1, 2024, this category records a total of [23] commonly used TCM herbs, [35] related plant species, and [3] animal-derived (shellfish) substances. These Expectorants—Herbs for Resolving Heat-Phlegm are introduced individually below:
Brief Introduction:Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii (Thunberg Fritillary Bulb) is the dried bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. It is used (1) to clear heat and resolve phlegm in cases of cough with thick, sticky sputum, and (2) to dissipate nodules in cases of mastitis and scrofula. It is commonly known as Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, or Zhè Bèi Mǔ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae is the dried bulb of Fritillaria walujewii Regel or Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk(family Liliaceae), used as thunbery fritillary bulb. The herb is commonly known as Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae, Sinkiang Fritillary Bulb, Yī Bèi Mǔ.
Brief Introduction:Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae is the dried bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K. C. Hsia, Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim. ex Batal., or Fritillaria delavayi Franch. It is used (1) to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and moisten the lungs—to relieve dry cough due to lung-heat and chronic cough with bloody sputum in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis—and (2) to dissipate nodules, for treating boils, sores, mastitis, and lung abscesses.
Brief Introduction:Bulbus Fritillariae Ussuriensis is the dried bulb of Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim., used to clear lung heat, arrest cough, and resolve phlegm—indicated for cough with sticky or blood-streaked sputum.
Radix Platycoli (Platycodon Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Platycodi is the dried root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., used to resolve phlegm, soothe the throat, and drain pus—indicated for cough with copious phlegm, lung abscess with purulent sputum, sore and swollen throat, and hoarseness. It is commonly known as Radix Platycodi, Platycodon Root, or Jié Gěnɡ.
Flos Farfarae (Common Coltsfoot Flower)
Brief Introduction:Flos Farfarae is the dried flower bud of Tussilago farfara L., used clinically to treat chronic cough with profuse expectoration and hemoptysis in consumptive diseases.It is also known as Common Coltsfoot Flower and Kuǎn Dōnɡ Huā.
Radix Stemonae (Stemona Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Stemonae is the steamed and dried tuberous root of Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Franch. et Sav., Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq., or Stemona tuberosa Lour. It is used internally to moisten the lungs and relieve acute and chronic coughs, and externally to kill trichomonads and lice. The herb is commonly known as Radix Stemonae, Stemona Root, Bǎi Bù.
Brief Introduction:Folium Rhododendri Daurici is the dried leaf of Rhododendron dauricum L. (family Ericaceae). It is used as an antitussive and expectorant in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis. The herb is commonly known as Folium Rhododendri Daurici, Dahurian Rhododendron Leaf, Mǎn Shān Hónɡ.
Semen Oroxyli (Trumpetflower Seed)
Brief Introduction:Semen Oroxyli is the dried ripe seed of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz., used to clear lung heat and soothe the throat for the treatment of cough, sore throat, and hoarseness in wind-heat syndromes. The herb is commonly known as Trumetflower Seed, Seed of Trumetflower or Mù Hú Dié.
Brief Introduction:Semen Sterculiae Lychnophorae is the dried ripe seed of Sterculia lychnophora Hance, used (1) to clear lung heat and relieve sore throat, hoarseness, and cough; and (2) to moisten the intestines and alleviate constipation. The herb is commonly known as Boat-fruited Scaphium Seed, Seed of Boat-fruited Sterculia, Pànɡ Dà Hǎi.
Concha Arcae (Arc Shell)
Brief Introduction: The herb Concha Arcae is the shell of Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca granosa Linnaeus, or Arca inflata Reeve, used to eliminate phlegm and soften hard masses for treating scrofula and goiter. It is commonly known as Concha Arcae, Arc Shell, or Wǎ Lénɡ Zǐ.
Concha Arcae Usta (Calcined Arc Shell)
Brief Introduction:Concha Arcae Usta is the calcined shell of Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca granosa Linnaeus, or Arca inflata Reeve (family Arcidae), used as an antacid for treating acid regurgitation. It is commonly known as Concha Arcae Usta, Calcined Arc Shell, or Duàn Wǎ Lénɡ Zǐ.
Fructus Trichosanthis (Snakegourd Fruit)
Brief Introduction:Fructus Trichosanthis is the dried fruit of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms. It is used: (1) to clear heat and resolve phlegm, thereby relieving cough and dyspnea caused by heat-phlegm; (2) to soothe the chest and alleviate angina pectoris; (3) to reduce swelling in the treatment of lung abscess, appendicitis, and mastitis; and (4) to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movement. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Trichosanthis, Snakegourd Fruit, or Guā Lóu.
Radix Trichosanthis (Snake-gourd Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Trichosanthis is the dried root of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms. It is used to clear heat, promote fluid production, moisten the lungs, resolve toxins, and reduce swelling—indicated for thirst in febrile diseases and diabetes mellitus, as well as for boils, sores, and abscesses.
Concretio Silicea Bambusae (Tabashir)
Brief Introduction:Concretio Silicea Bambusae is the dried secretory mass found in the stems of Bambusa textilis McClure or Schizostachyum chinense Rendle. It is used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and calm the heart, especially for treating impaired consciousness due to high fever or stroke, and infantile convulsions. It is commonly known as Concretio Silicea Bambusae, Tabashir, or Tian Zhu Huang.
Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam (Bamboo Shavings)
Brief Introduction:Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam is the dried shavings obtained from the stems of Bambusa tuldoides Munro, Sinocalamus beecheyanus (Munro) McClure var. pubescens P. F. Li, or Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis Stapf. It clears heat, resolves phlegm, calms the mind, and suppresses vomiting—used for cough or insomnia due to phlegm-heat, and vomiting caused by stomach heat. It is commonly known as Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam, Bamboo Shavings, or Zhu Ru.
Radix Adenophorae (Fourleaf Ladybell Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Adenophorae is the dried root of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thunb.) Fisch. or Adenophora stricta Miq. It nourishes Yin, clears Lung heat, resolves phlegm, and replenishes Qi—primarily used for cough due to Lung Yin deficiency and for Qi and fluid depletion in the convalescent stage of febrile diseases. Commonly known as Radix Adenophorae, Fourleaf Ladybell Root, or Nán Shā Shēn.
Sargassum (Seaweed)
Brief Introduction: The herb Sargassum is the dried thallus of Sargassum pallidum (Turn.) C. Ag. or Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch., used (1) to eliminate phlegm and soften hard masses—treating goiter, scrofula, and testicular swelling—and (2) to induce diuresis for edema. The herb is commonly known as Sargassum, Seaweed, or Hái Zǎo.
Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae (Kelp or Tangle)
Brief Introduction:Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae is the dried thallus of the brown algae Laminaria japonica Aresch. or Ecklonia kurome Okamura, used alone or in combination with seaweed (e.g., Sargassum fusiforme) to resolve phlegm, soften hard masses, and promote diuresis. It is commonly known as Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae, Kelp, Tangle, or Kūn Bù.
Radix Peucedani (Hogfennel Root)
Brief Introduction:Radix Peucedani is the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn or Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim., used to subdue rebellious Qi and resolve phlegm to relieve cough and dyspnea accompanied by copious or yellow, sticky sputum.
Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones
Brief Introduction:Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones is the dried, ripe pseudobulb of Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino, Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe, or Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe, used to clear heat and treat boils, sores, scrofula, and snakebites. Also known as Appendiculate Cremastra Pseudobulb or Common Pleione Pseudobulb.
Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae (Airpotato Yam)
Brief Introduction:Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea bulbifera L., used for cooling the blood and arresting hemorrhage—indicated for various types of bleeding—and for detoxification in the treatment of boils, sores, and snakebites.
Lapis Micae Aureus (Mica-schist)
Brief Introduction:Lapis Micae Aureus is a golden-colored mineral mica-schist, commonly processed into pills or powders to resolve phlegm and suppress convulsions. It is used clinically for cough and dyspnea with sticky sputum, epilepsy, and mania. It is also known as Lapis Micae Aureus, Mica-schist, or Jīn Méng Shí.
✵TCM herbalism is also known as the pharmaceutics of Traditional Chinese Medicine or Chinese pharmaceutics. It is the branch of health science dealing with the preparation, dispensing, and proper utilization of Chinese herbs. It is primarily composed of Introduction to Chinese Medicinals, Classification of Chinese Herbs, Formulas, and Patent Medicines.
Introduction: Introduction: Expectorants—Herbs for Resolving Cold-Phlegm: agents or herbs warm in nature, used to treat disorders of cold-phlegm or phlegm-dampness; also known as cooling phlegm-resolving herbs. Expectorants for resolving heat-phlegm are mostly cold or cool in nature and function to clear heat and resolve heat-phlegm.
Brief Introduction: Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii (Thunberg Fritillary Bulb) is the dried bulb of Fritillaria thunbergii Miq. It is used (1) to clear heat and resolve phlegm in cases of cough with thick, sticky sputum, and (2) to dissipate nodules in cases of mastitis and scrofula. It is commonly known as Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii, Thunberg Fritillary Bulb, or Zhè Bèi Mǔ.
Brief Introduction: The herb Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae is the dried bulb of Fritillaria walujewii Regel or Fritillaria pallidiflora Schrenk(family Liliaceae), used as thunbery fritillary bulb. The herb is commonly known as Bulbus Fritillariae Pallidiflorae, Sinkiang Fritillary Bulb, Yī Bèi Mǔ.
Brief Introduction: Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae is the dried bulb of Fritillaria cirrhosa D. Don, Fritillaria unibracteata Hsiao et K. C. Hsia, Fritillaria przewalskii Maxim. ex Batal., or Fritillaria delavayi Franch. It is used (1) to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and moisten the lungs—to relieve dry cough due to lung-heat and chronic cough with bloody sputum in cases of pulmonary tuberculosis—and (2) to dissipate nodules, for treating boils, sores, mastitis, and lung abscesses.
Brief Introduction: Bulbus Fritillariae Ussuriensis is the dried bulb of Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim., used to clear lung heat, arrest cough, and resolve phlegm—indicated for cough with sticky or blood-streaked sputum.
Brief Introduction: Radix Platycodi is the dried root of Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., used to resolve phlegm, soothe the throat, and drain pus—indicated for cough with copious phlegm, lung abscess with purulent sputum, sore and swollen throat, and hoarseness. It is commonly known as Radix Platycodi, Platycodon Root, or Jié Gěnɡ.
Brief Introduction: Flos Farfarae is the dried flower bud of Tussilago farfara L., used clinically to treat chronic cough with profuse expectoration and hemoptysis in consumptive diseases.It is also known as Common Coltsfoot Flower and Kuǎn Dōnɡ Huā.
Brief Introduction: Radix Stemonae is the steamed and dried tuberous root of Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Franch. et Sav., Stemona japonica (Blume) Miq., or Stemona tuberosa Lour. It is used internally to moisten the lungs and relieve acute and chronic coughs, and externally to kill trichomonads and lice. The herb is commonly known as Radix Stemonae, Stemona Root, Bǎi Bù.
Brief Introduction: Folium Rhododendri Daurici is the dried leaf of Rhododendron dauricum L. (family Ericaceae). It is used as an antitussive and expectorant in the treatment of acute and chronic bronchitis. The herb is commonly known as Folium Rhododendri Daurici, Dahurian Rhododendron Leaf, Mǎn Shān Hónɡ.
Brief Introduction: Semen Oroxyli is the dried ripe seed of Oroxylum indicum (L.) Kurz., used to clear lung heat and soothe the throat for the treatment of cough, sore throat, and hoarseness in wind-heat syndromes. The herb is commonly known as Trumetflower Seed, Seed of Trumetflower or Mù Hú Dié.
Brief Introduction: Semen Sterculiae Lychnophorae is the dried ripe seed of Sterculia lychnophora Hance, used (1) to clear lung heat and relieve sore throat, hoarseness, and cough; and (2) to moisten the intestines and alleviate constipation. The herb is commonly known as Boat-fruited Scaphium Seed, Seed of Boat-fruited Sterculia, Pànɡ Dà Hǎi.
Brief Introduction: The herb Concha Arcae is the shell of Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca granosa Linnaeus, or Arca inflata Reeve, used to eliminate phlegm and soften hard masses for treating scrofula and goiter. It is commonly known as Concha Arcae, Arc Shell, or Wǎ Lénɡ Zǐ.
Brief Introduction: Concha Arcae Usta is the calcined shell of Arca subcrenata Lischke, Arca granosa Linnaeus, or Arca inflata Reeve (family Arcidae), used as an antacid for treating acid regurgitation. It is commonly known as Concha Arcae Usta, Calcined Arc Shell, or Duàn Wǎ Lénɡ Zǐ. 
Brief Introduction: Fructus Trichosanthis is the dried fruit of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms. It is used: (1) to clear heat and resolve phlegm, thereby relieving cough and dyspnea caused by heat-phlegm; (2) to soothe the chest and alleviate angina pectoris; (3) to reduce swelling in the treatment of lung abscess, appendicitis, and mastitis; and (4) to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movement. The herb is commonly known as Fructus Trichosanthis, Snakegourd Fruit, or Guā Lóu.
Brief Introduction: Radix Trichosanthis is the dried root of Trichosanthes kirilowii Maxim. or Trichosanthes rosthornii Harms. It is used to clear heat, promote fluid production, moisten the lungs, resolve toxins, and reduce swelling—indicated for thirst in febrile diseases and diabetes mellitus, as well as for boils, sores, and abscesses.
Brief Introduction: Concretio Silicea Bambusae is the dried secretory mass found in the stems of Bambusa textilis McClure or Schizostachyum chinense Rendle. It is used to clear heat, resolve phlegm, and calm the heart, especially for treating impaired consciousness due to high fever or stroke, and infantile convulsions. It is commonly known as Concretio Silicea Bambusae, Tabashir, or Tian Zhu Huang.
Brief Introduction: Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam is the dried shavings obtained from the stems of Bambusa tuldoides Munro, Sinocalamus beecheyanus (Munro) McClure var. pubescens P. F. Li, or Phyllostachys nigra var. henonis Stapf. It clears heat, resolves phlegm, calms the mind, and suppresses vomiting—used for cough or insomnia due to phlegm-heat, and vomiting caused by stomach heat. It is commonly known as Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam, Bamboo Shavings, or Zhu Ru.
Brief Introduction: Radix Adenophorae is the dried root of Adenophora tetraphylla (Thunb.) Fisch. or Adenophora stricta Miq. It nourishes Yin, clears Lung heat, resolves phlegm, and replenishes Qi—primarily used for cough due to Lung Yin deficiency and for Qi and fluid depletion in the convalescent stage of febrile diseases. Commonly known as Radix Adenophorae, Fourleaf Ladybell Root, or Nán Shā Shēn.
Brief Introduction: The herb Sargassum is the dried thallus of Sargassum pallidum (Turn.) C. Ag. or Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch., used (1) to eliminate phlegm and soften hard masses—treating goiter, scrofula, and testicular swelling—and (2) to induce diuresis for edema. The herb is commonly known as Sargassum, Seaweed, or Hái Zǎo.
Brief Introduction: Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae is the dried thallus of the brown algae Laminaria japonica Aresch. or Ecklonia kurome Okamura, used alone or in combination with seaweed (e.g., Sargassum fusiforme) to resolve phlegm, soften hard masses, and promote diuresis. It is commonly known as Thallus Laminariae seu Eckloniae, Kelp, Tangle, or Kūn Bù.
Brief Introduction: Radix Peucedani is the dried root of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn or Peucedanum decursivum (Miq.) Maxim., used to subdue rebellious Qi and resolve phlegm to relieve cough and dyspnea accompanied by copious or yellow, sticky sputum.
Brief Introduction: Pseudobulbus Cremastrae seu Pleiones is the dried, ripe pseudobulb of Cremastra appendiculata (D. Don) Makino, Pleione bulbocodioides (Franch.) Rolfe, or Pleione yunnanensis Rolfe, used to clear heat and treat boils, sores, scrofula, and snakebites. Also known as Appendiculate Cremastra Pseudobulb or Common Pleione Pseudobulb.
Brief Introduction: Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea bulbifera L., used for cooling the blood and arresting hemorrhage—indicated for various types of bleeding—and for detoxification in the treatment of boils, sores, and snakebites. 
Brief Introduction: Lapis Micae Aureus is a golden-colored mineral mica-schist, commonly processed into pills or powders to resolve phlegm and suppress convulsions. It is used clinically for cough and dyspnea with sticky sputum, epilepsy, and mania. It is also known as Lapis Micae Aureus, Mica-schist, or Jīn Méng Shí.