A traditional formula for chest congestion and cough with yellow phlegm

Clear Lung Heat (Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that supports the body when heat and thick phlegm settle in the lungs. First recorded in Yi Fang Kao (Investigation of Medical Formulas) by Wu Kun in 1584, it has been used for centuries when cough, chest congestion, wheezing, and sticky yellow or green phlegm become hard to clear. It remains a trusted formula for hot, phlegmy lung patterns that affect breathing and comfort.

When to use it

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, practitioners choose Clear Lung Heat when heat thickens body fluids into sticky phlegm and blocks the lungs. Cough may then become more frequent. Phlegm may turn yellow or green. The chest may feel full or tight. Breathing may also feel heavier or less comfortable.

Many choose this formula for coughs with thick phlegm, chest congestion, wheezing, and heat-related lung irritation. It suits those who want support when symptoms feel hot, heavy, and sticky rather than dry or cold.

Why it stands out

What makes Clear Lung Heat so useful is its focused approach. It does not act as a general cough formula. Instead, it targets patterns where heat and phlegm obstruct the lungs together. This makes it a strong choice for natural support when coughing comes with chest fullness, sticky sputum, and heat signs in the respiratory system.

Research

Research on Clear Lung Heat has drawn attention to its effects on cough relief, phlegm clearance, inflammation balance, and respiratory support. Studies have also explored its relevance in bronchitis, asthma, pneumonia, COPD, and other lung patterns marked by thick phlegm and heat. This helps explain why it remains a trusted formula when cough, chest congestion, and sticky sputum become hard to clear.

Important to know

Avoid Clear Lung Heat during pregnancy.