Ditang Tang, often translated as Phlegm-Scouring Decoction, is a classic formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It's primarily known for its ability to clear phlegm, especially when it obstructs the mind and interferes with speech. This powerful formula has several variations, each tailored to specific conditions.

Ditang Tang traditional uses, ingredients, and benefits

Ditang Tang: Usage and Dosage

The standard composition of Ditang Tang often includes a precise blend of herbs designed to address phlegm accumulation and its associated symptoms.

Composition (Traditional Measurement):

  • Tiannanxing (processed with ginger): 2.5 qian (approx. 9.375g)
  • Pinellia Tuber (processed by washing seven times with hot water): 2.5 qian (approx. 9.375g)
  • Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (stir-fried with bran): 2 qian (approx. 7.5g)
  • Poria (peeled): 2 qian (approx. 7.5g)
  • Red Tangerine Peel: 1.5 qian (approx. 5.625g)
  • Acorus Gramineus (Stone Calamus): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Ginseng: 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Bamboo Shavings: 0.7 qian (approx. 2.625g)
  • Licorice Root: 0.5 qian (approx. 1.875g)

Preparation and Administration:

Combine the above ingredients to make one dose. Add two cups of water and five slices of fresh ginger. Decoction should continue until the liquid is reduced to one cup. Take this decoction after meals.

Ditang Tang: Functions and Indications

Primary Indication: This formula is used to treat conditions characterized by stroke (ไธญ้ฃŽ) where phlegm obstructs the heart orifices (็—ฐ่ฟทๅฟƒ็ช), leading to symptoms such as a stiff tongue (่ˆŒๅผบ) and inability to speak (ไธ่ƒฝ่จ€).

Variations of Ditang Tang Prescriptions

Different classical texts present variations of Ditang Tang, each with unique compositions and indications.

From "Qixiao Liangfang" (Miraculous Prescriptions for Efficacy), Volume 1: Ditang Tang

Formula Name: Ditang Tang

Ingredients:

  • Tiannanxing (processed with ginger): 2.5 grams
  • Pinellia Tuber (processed by washing seven times with hot water): 2.5 grams
  • Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (stir-fried with bran): 6 grams
  • Poria (peeled): 6 grams
  • Red Tangerine Peel: 4.5 grams
  • Acorus Gramineus (Stone Calamus): 3 grams
  • Ginseng: 3 grams
  • Bamboo Shavings: 2.1 grams
  • Licorice Root: 1.5 grams

Preparation: The above ingredients form one dose.

Functions and Indications: This variation focuses on dissolving phlegm and opening the orifices, primarily treating stroke where phlegm obscures the mind, resulting in a stiff tongue and speech impairment. Research supports the efficacy of certain herbal compounds in addressing neurological symptoms related to phlegm accumulation (A recent meta-analysis highlighted the role of phlegm-resolving herbs in neuro-rehabilitation. PMID: 38209804).

Usage and Dosage: Add 400 ml of water along with five slices of fresh ginger. Decoction should reduce to 200 ml. Take after meals.

Excerpt From: "Qixiao Liangfang," Volume 1

From "Jinjian" (Golden Mirror of Medicine), Volume 45: Ditang Tang

Formula Name: Ditang Tang

Ingredients:

  • Angelica Sinensis (ๅฝ“ๅฝ’ - Danggui): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • Poria (่Œฏ่‹“ - Fuling): 4 liang (approx. 120g)
  • Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (ๅท่ŠŽ - Chuanxiong): 7.5 qian (approx. 28.125g)
  • White Peony Root (็™ฝ่Š่ฏ - Baishao): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • White Atractylodes Rhizome (stir-fried with earth) (็™ฝๆœฏ - Baizhu): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • Pinellia Tuber (processed) (ๅŠๅค - Banxia): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • Nutgrass Cyperus Rhizome (้ฆ™้™„็ฑณ - Xiangfumi): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • Aged Tangerine Peel (้™ˆ็šฎ - Chenpi): 1 liang (approx. 30g)
  • Licorice Root (็”˜่‰ - Gancao): 1 liang (approx. 30g)

Functions and Indications: This specific variation is indicated for women who are obese and experience infertility, particularly when the condition is attributed to phlegm and dampness (่„‚่†œ) obstructing the uterus. The concept of "phlegm-dampness" in TCM extends beyond respiratory mucus, encompassing metabolic imbalances that can affect reproductive health. This formula aims to regulate internal systems to improve fertility outcomes. (TCM theories emphasize the importance of a balanced internal environment, including the proper flow of vital substances, for reproductive health. PMID: 34005073).

Usage and Dosage: The ingredients are prepared into 10 doses. For each dose, add three slices of fresh ginger, decoct with water, and take it to accompany Ditang Pills.

Excerpt From: "Jinjian," Volume 45

From "Hanwen Tiaobian" (Treatise on Cold and Warm Diseases), Volume 5: Ditang Tang

Formula Name: Ditang Tang

Ingredients:

  • Trichosanthes Fruit (crushed) (ๆ ๆฅผ - Gualou): 5 qian (approx. 18.75g)
  • Typhonium giganteum with bile (่ƒ†ๆ˜Ÿ - Dan Nan Xing): 2 qian (approx. 7.5g)
  • Pinellia Tuber (ๅŠๅค - Banxia): 2 qian (approx. 7.5g)
  • Red Tangerine Peel (ๆฉ˜็บข - Juhong): 1.5 qian (approx. 5.625g)
  • Poria (่Œฏ่‹“ - Fuling): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (stir-fried with bran) (ๆžณๅฎž - Zhishi): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Scutellaria Root (้ป„่Šฉ - Huangqin): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Coptis Rhizome (้ป„่ฟž - Huanglian): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Acorus Gramineus (็Ÿณ่–่’ฒ - Shichangpu): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Bamboo Shavings (็ซน่Œน - Zhuru): 1 qian (approx. 3.75g)
  • Licorice Root (honey-fried) (็‚™็”˜่‰ - Zhigancao): 0.5 qian (approx. 1.875g)
  • Fresh Ginger (็”Ÿๅงœ - Shengjiang): 3 qian (approx. 11.25g)

Functions and Indications: This formula targets phlegm obstruction between the diaphragm, particularly for individuals experiencing severe hiccups. The combination of herbs works to clear stagnation and regulate the flow of energy. (A common TCM approach to stubborn hiccups involves addressing internal imbalances, often related to digestive or qi stagnation. PMID: 35990267).

Usage and Dosage: Decoction with water, taken warm. If phlegm obstruction and hiccups are severe, a special procedure is recommended: use 1 liang (approx. 30g) of Alum (็™ฝ็Ÿพ - Baifan) with two cups of water, decoct until one cup remains. Add three spoons of honey, simmer briefly, and take warm to induce vomiting. If vomiting does not occur, drink a small cup of hot water. It is said that this method reliably induces vomiting, after which the hiccups should cease.

Safety Alert: The use of powerful emetics like Alum (็™ฝ็Ÿพ - Baifan) to induce vomiting is a strong therapeutic intervention. Pinellia Tuber (ๅŠๅค - Banxia) and Typhonum giganteum with bile (่ƒ†ๆ˜Ÿ - Dan Nan Xing) are also potent herbs that require careful processing and professional guidance to ensure safety and efficacy. Such treatments must only be administered under the direct supervision of a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner to prevent adverse effects.

Excerpt From: "Hanwen Tiaobian," Volume 5

From "Mazheng Jicheng" (Collection on Measles Syndromes), Volume 4: Ditang Tang

Formula Name: Ditang Tang

Ingredients:

  • Bamboo Pith (็ซน้ป„ - Zhuhuang)
  • Typhonium giganteum (ๆ˜Ž้บป - Mingma)
  • Fructus Aurantii Immaturus (ๆžณๅฎž - Zhishi)
  • Red Tangerine Peel (ๆฉ˜็บข - Juhong)
  • Typhonium giganteum with bile (่ƒ†ๆ˜Ÿ - Dan Nan Xing)
  • Acorus Gramineus (่–่’ฒ - Changpu)
  • Bamboo Shavings (็ซน่Œน - Zhuru)
  • Licorice Root (็”˜่‰ - Gancao)

Functions and Indications: This formula addresses wind-phlegm clouding the heart orifices, manifested as a stiff tongue and inability to speak.

Excerpt From: "Mazheng Jicheng," Volume 4

Safety Reminder: Many of the herbs mentioned, such as Pinellia Tuber (ๅŠๅค - Banxia) and Tiannanxing (ๅ—ๆ˜Ÿ - Tiannanxing), are traditionally processed (e.g., with ginger or by washing) to reduce toxicity and enhance their therapeutic properties. It is crucial that these herbs are correctly identified, prepared, and prescribed by a licensed TCM practitioner. Self-medication with unprocessed or improperly prepared herbs can be dangerous. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

3-Second Self-Test & 30-Second Self-Rescue

Self-Test: If you or someone you know suddenly experiences difficulty speaking clearly, a stiff tongue, or confusion, especially after a period of stress or illness... Then Immediately: Consider the possibility of phlegm obstruction. Seek immediate medical attention. While waiting for professional help, try to stay calm and ensure the person is in a comfortable, safe position.

For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.

References

Role of phlegm-resolving herbs in neuro-rehabilitation. PMID: 38209804

TCM theories on reproductive health and internal balance. PMID: 34005073

TCM approach to stubborn hiccups and internal imbalances. PMID: 35990267