Er Chen Tang (Two Aged Herbs Decoction)

Er Chen Tang (二陳湯) dries dampness and transforms phlegm, regulates the qi and harmonises the middle; the foundational formula for damp-phlegm and the base of many phlegm formulas.

Èr Chén Tāng  ·  二陳湯  ·  Two Aged Herbs Decoction

English Name

Two Aged Herbs Decoction

Classical Source

Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Ju Fang, 1107

Ingredients

Actions & Functions

  • Dries dampness and transforms phlegm
  • Regulates the qi and harmonises the middle

Indications

Damp-phlegm: cough with copious white sputum, a stifling chest and epigastrium, nausea, dizziness and palpitations.

Tongue & Pulse

Tongue: swollen with a white, greasy coat. Pulse: slippery.

Modifications

Add Dan Nan Xing and Zhi Shi (Dao Tan Tang) for stubborn phlegm; the base of Wen Dan Tang and others.

Cautions & Contraindications

Drying; use with caution in cough from yin deficiency or with bleeding.

About Attilio

Doctor of Chinese medicine, acupuncture expert and author of My Fertility Guide and My Pregnancy Guide.

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Network Meta-Analysis Finds Chinese Herbal Decoctions Improve Outcomes and Reduce Side Effects in Breast Cancer Treatment

Research summary (Traditional Chinese Medicine): Efficacy and safety of traditional Chinese medicine decoctions in breast cancer treatment: a network meta-analysis. - Frontiers in oncology, 2026.