What Causes a Phlegmy Throat? 4 Ways TCM Can Help
Imagine waking up with a heavy, phlegmy throat that makes swallowing and speaking uncomfortable. It feels like there’s a persistent lump that you can’t clear, disrupting your day and causing frustration.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to managing and alleviating this discomfort. In this blog post, we will explore four TCM methods: herbal remedies that target the root causes of phlegm, acupuncture techniques that enhance throat health, dietary adjustments to reduce mucus production, and lifestyle practices that support overall respiratory wellness. Each method provides a natural and integrative way to find relief and improve your quality of life.
Common Causes of Phlegm According to TCM
Internal factors play a significant role in the accumulation of phlegm within the body, particularly through the functioning of the spleen and pancreas. According to TCM, the spleen is responsible for transforming and transporting fluids throughout the body. When the spleen is weak or compromised, it fails to effectively manage these fluids, leading to an accumulation of dampness.
Dampness, a condition characterized by excessive moisture in the body, often results from a combination of improper diet, poor digestion, and a sedentary lifestyle. This excess dampness can manifest as phlegm, which is the body’s way of trying to expel the unwanted moisture. Phlegm becomes a visible symptom when the body’s internal environment is unable to maintain a balance, highlighting the interconnectedness of organ health and systemic harmony in TCM.
External factors also significantly impact the respiratory system and the production of phlegm. External pathogens such as wind, cold, and heat can invade the body and disrupt its equilibrium. Wind, often associated with sudden changes in weather, can lead to dryness and irritation in the respiratory tract.
Cold can constrict the airways and lead to mucus buildup as the body attempts to protect itself. Heat, on the other hand, can cause inflammation and thickening of phlegm, making it more difficult to expel. Additionally, dietary habits greatly influence the body’s internal dampness and phlegm production. Consuming excessive amounts of dairy, greasy foods, and sweets can exacerbate dampness and contribute to the formation of phlegm.
Read More: What is Spleen Qi Deficiency?
Diagnosis of Phlegmy Throat in TCM
Practitioners of TCM employ pulse reading as a vital diagnostic tool to assess overall health and identify phlegm-related issues. By feeling the pulse at different points on the wrist, they can discern the flow and quality of qi and blood in the body, detecting imbalances that may indicate internal dampness and phlegm accumulation.
Additionally, the appearance of the tongue provides significant insights; a thick, greasy coating or a swollen, scalloped tongue often points to the presence of phlegm and dampness. For a comprehensive diagnosis, TCM practitioners also delve into the patient’s symptoms and lifestyle, examining factors such as diet, emotional state, and daily habits. This holistic approach ensures that the root causes of phlegm are addressed, rather than merely alleviating the symptoms.
Read More: Tongue Diagnosis Explained | The TCM Art of Pulse Diagnosis
4 TCM Methods to Alleviate a Phlegmy Throat
Herbal Medicine
TCM utilizes various herbs renowned for their efficacy in relieving phlegm and promoting respiratory health. Licorice root, for instance, is prized for its soothing properties, which help reduce inflammation and ease coughing.
A 2021 scientific review explores the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of licorice. Licorice contains phytochemicals like glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhizinic acid, isoliquiritin, and glycyrrhizic acid, which have various pharmacological benefits, including anti-cancer, anti-atherogenic, anti-diabetic, anti-asthmatic, anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and antispasmodic activities. Additionally, licorice has hepatoprotective, immunologic, memory-enhancing properties, stimulates hair growth, controls obesity, and has antidepressant, sedative, and anticoagulant effects. This review explores the phytochemical and pharmacological aspects of licorice, along with its potential side effects and toxicity.
Ginger, with its warming qualities, aids in dispersing cold and dampness, thus facilitating the expulsion of phlegm. Platycodon, or balloon flower root, is particularly effective in clearing the lungs and throat, making it easier to expel mucus.
A 2013 study explored ginger’s effects on airway smooth muscle (ASM) and found that ginger and its components, [6]-gingerol, [8]-gingerol, and [6]-shogaol, rapidly relaxed ASM in humans and guinea pigs, reducing calcium responses and airway resistance. These findings suggest ginger could be a potential adjunct therapy for asthma, offering bronchodilation and reducing airway hyperresponsiveness.
According to a 2022 review of scientific literature, platycodon has strong antitussive, expectorant, and antiasthmatic effects. Studies showed that its high-dose extract reduces asthma symptoms, inflammation, and oxidative stress, while promoting immune balance and anti-inflammatory effects. In animal models, platycodin reduced lung inflammation, prolonged antitussive effects, decreased cough and asthma symptoms, and increased mucin secretion. It also inhibits NF-κB activity and reduces mucin protein expression in lung cancer cells, highlighting its potential for treating chronic respiratory conditions.
These herbs are often combined in popular TCM formulations designed specifically for phlegm relief. Formulas such as Li Zhong Wan benefit the digestive system by warming the middle burner, tonifying the spleen and stomach, and effectively addressing issues like chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, and phlegm-damp accumulation.
From a biomedical point of view, Li Zhong Wan is very effective for upper GI problems like GERD, indigestion, or excessive sputum production by drying the mucus membranes. It’s often clinically used for chronically low appetite, excessive phlegm, coughing after meals, chronic runny noses (particularly after meals), bloating, and food allergies.
The four herb combination, Ginseng, Atractylodes, dried ginger, and honey-fried licorice work synergistically a lot like a digestive enzyme, anti-histamine medication, or medication for indigestion.
Read More: The Best Herbal Tea for Every Season
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a key component of TCM that effectively aids in clearing phlegm and promoting the smooth flow of qi throughout the body. By stimulating specific acupoints, acupuncture helps to regulate the internal environment, reduce inflammation, and enhance the function of the respiratory system.
Common acupoints used to treat respiratory issues include LU5 (Chize) and LU7 (Lieque) on the lung meridian, which help to clear lung heat and resolve phlegm, and ST40 (Fenglong) on the stomach meridian, known for its powerful effect in transforming phlegm and dampness.
Additionally, acupoints such as CV22 (Tiantu) on the midline of the neck and BL13 (Feishu) on the back are targeted to support lung health and alleviate symptoms like coughing and congestion.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 randomized controlled trials involving 1701 patients found that acupuncture was more effective than antibiotics in improving response rates, reducing VAS scores, shortening sore throat duration, and lowering white blood cell counts. However, it did not significantly affect neutrophil percentages or C-reactive protein levels. Acupuncture also had fewer adverse events than antibiotics.
Through the precise application of needles, acupuncture not only addresses the symptoms of phlegm buildup but also restores balance and promotes overall respiratory wellness.
Read More: Meridian Therapy: TCM Energy Channels
Dietary Therapy
Certain dietary habits can significantly influence the body’s internal balance, with some foods increasing dampness and phlegm production. Foods high in sugar, dairy products, and fried or greasy foods are known to exacerbate dampness, leading to an accumulation of phlegm and respiratory discomfort.
Conversely, incorporating beneficial foods into your diet can support respiratory health and help reduce phlegm. Fresh fruits and vegetables, particularly those with high water content like cucumbers and pears, help to moisten and cleanse the lungs. Foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries and leafy greens, enhance immune function and reduce inflammation. Additionally, warming spices like ginger and garlic can aid in dispersing dampness and improving digestion, thereby reducing phlegm production.
According to a 2015 scientific study, diet plays a crucial role in both the development and management of respiratory diseases, supported by epidemiological and mechanistic studies. Beneficial dietary patterns include high intake of fruits, vegetables, Mediterranean-style diets, and omega-3 rich foods, while Western diets and fast food show negative associations. Antioxidants from whole foods like fruits and vegetables are linked to reduced inflammation and better respiratory outcomes, unlike isolated antioxidant supplements.
By making mindful dietary choices, one can effectively support respiratory health and maintain a balanced internal environment.
Breathing Exercises
Qi Gong, an ancient Chinese practice that combines physical postures, breathing techniques, and mindfulness, offers profound benefits for respiratory health. Through gentle movements and controlled breathing, Qi Gong enhances the flow of qi throughout the body, particularly benefiting the lungs and respiratory system.
Specific techniques, such as the “Eight Brocades” or “Five Animal Frolics,” involve movements that open the chest and stimulate lung function, promoting better oxygenation and circulation. Mindfulness and focused breathing exercises in Qi Gong help to calm the mind and reduce stress, which in turn can minimize the production of phlegm.
A 2022 study on Lung-Strengthening Qigong (LSQ) involved 170 practitioners and 42 non-practitioners to assess its impact on physical and mental well-being. Data from questionnaires, diaries, and surveys showed that LSQ improved sleep quality, energy, positivity, stress levels, and connection to self and nature, unlike the control group. With 84% of practitioners reporting better well-being, the study identified four effectiveness levels and noted high engagement due to live-streamed sessions.
By regulating breath and maintaining a relaxed state, these practices support the body’s natural ability to clear excess mucus, improve respiratory efficiency, and maintain overall wellness. Incorporating Qi Gong into daily routines provides a holistic approach to strengthening the respiratory system and enhancing overall health.
Watch: A Simple Qigong Exercise to do Everyday
Conclusion
In summary, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to managing a phlegmy throat through four effective methods: herbal remedies that address the root causes of phlegm, acupuncture techniques that enhance respiratory health and promote Qi flow, dietary adjustments to reduce dampness and mucus production, and Qi Gong exercises that support lung function and stress reduction.
By integrating these holistic practices, individuals can find natural and sustained relief from phlegm-related discomfort. Exploring TCM can provide a deeper understanding of one’s health and a more balanced lifestyle. To ensure personalized and effective treatment, I encourage you to seek consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner who can tailor these methods to your specific needs and conditions.