Èr Chén Tāng
Èr Chén Tāng (二陈汤, “Two-Cured Decoction”) comes from Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE). Dries humidity, transforms phlegm, regulates Qi, harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach.
Main action
Dries humidity, transforms phlegm, regulates Qi, harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
The name 'two cured' (er chen) refers to aged Ban Xia and Chen Pi, which are more effective over time. The base formula for transforming phlegm into MTC.
Indications
- Cough with abundant white phlegm
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fullness in the chest
- Dizziness due to phlegm
- Palpitations due to phlegm
- Tongue
- Pale, white, wet or greasy coating
- Pulse
- slippery
Composition
| Herb | Role | Dose | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bàn Xià 半夏 | Emperor (君 jūn) | 12g | Dries dampness, transforms phlegm, stops vomiting |
| Chén Pí 陈皮 | Minister (臣 chén) | 9g | Moves Qi, dries dampness, transforms phlegm |
| Fú Líng 茯苓 | Assistant (佐 zuǒ) | 9g | Strengthens Spleen, drains moisture, transforms phlegm |
| Zhì Gān Cǎo 炙甘草 | Envoy (使 shǐ) | 6g | Harmonizes, tones spleen gently |
The emperor–minister–assistant–envoy hierarchy (君臣佐使) describes the role of each herb in the formula.
Preparation
Decoction with ginger 7 slices and black plum (Wu Mei) 1 piece. Boil 25 min
Classical modifications
Add: Huang Qin (黄芩) 9g, Zhu Ru (竹茹) 9g → Wen Dan Tang (温胆汤)
Add: Xing Ren (杏仁) 9g, Jie Geng (桔梗) 6g
Current uses being studied
- Chronic bronchitis
- COPD with phlegm
- nausea during pregnancy
- Vertigo due to phlegm
- Obesity with phlegm-dampness
Precautions
- Do not use in dry cough due to Yin deficiency
- Avoid in hemoptysis or dry heat
Formulas must be prescribed by qualified professionals; they can interact with medications.
Profile
- Chinese name
- 二陈汤
- English name
- Two-Cured Decoction
- Source
- Taiping Huimin Hejiju Fang (1107 CE)
- Dynasty
- Song
- Category
- Digestion and Dampness
Health notice. Educational and study content. It describes concepts of Traditional Chinese Medicine and does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. Needling, medicinal herbs and invasive techniques must be applied by trained professionals. Safety guide.
