Today let's talk about matters of phlegm. Phlegm, though inconspicuous, is actually a "barometer" of our body's health. Different types of phlegm reflect different problems in the body, and treatment must be tailored to the condition.

First, the white phlegm. Some people, once they catch a chill, easily develop a cough and expectorate clear, whitish, watery phlegm, often accompanied by a runny clear nose and an itchy throat that coughing does not relieve. This is mostly wind-cold invading the Lung. Wind-cold likes to enter the Lung, disrupt Lung Qi, and increase phlegm production. At this time, we should use a product like Xuantong Liful Wan to help. This medicine can release the exterior and disperse cold, unblock and regulate the Lung, and stop cough — like putting a warm little jacket on the Lung, driving out the wind-cold, restoring smooth Lung Qi, and naturally reducing cough and white phlegm.

Now let's talk about yellow phlegm. Some people, when they stick out their tongue, ah, the tongue is red with a yellow coating, which just makes one feel inflamed. Accompanied by dry mouth and throat, chest tightness—these symptoms most likely mean heat in the lung. Heat in the lung is like when we cook at home and the fire is too high, the water in the pot boils dry, and the sputum becomes yellow and thick. At this time, we should use Huanglian Shangqing Pian to clear heat and drain fire. This medicine can dispel wind, clear heat, drain fire, and stop cough—like pouring a bucket of cool water into the lung to extinguish the fire, making the sputum clear and refreshed.

Finally, let's talk about viscous phlegm. Some people always have phlegm in the throat that is sticky and gooey, can't be coughed up or swallowed, and may even contain streaks of blood. The tongue in such cases is also red, but with little or no coating. This is most likely yin deficiency with lung dryness. Yin-deficient lung dryness is like the dry autumn air that makes one miserable, and the throat becomes parched. At this time, we should use Shashen Maidong Tang to moisten dryness and generate fluids. This decoction nourishes yin and generates fluids, moistens the lung and clears the heart—like sprinkling dew into the lungs to make them moist, so the sputum naturally becomes less sticky.

So remember: different types of sputum require different treatments. White sputum requires dispersing cold, yellow sputum requires clearing heat, and sticky sputum requires moisturizing dryness. Choosing the right medicine will help make the body healthier. Of course, you should also keep warm, drink plenty of water, and avoid foods that cause internal heat.