Lucid Channel
Er Chen Tang
Kan Herbals
Transforms Phlegm by drying internal Dampness, regulates the function of the Spleen and Stomach.
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- Herb: Poria, Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit, Licorice cured pinellia rhizome , Dry fried bitter orange immature fruit, Prepared Chinese arisaema rhizome, Altaica rhizome, Honey fried Chinese licorice root and rhizome
- Herb (Pinyin): Fu ling, Chen pi, Fa ban xia, Chao zhi shi, Zhi tian nan xing, Jiu jie chang pu, Zhi gan cao
- Pattern: Excess Phlegm, Spleen failing to transport fluids, Phlegm affecting the Middle Burner, Heart, Liver, and Lung meridians
- Actions: Transforms Phlegm by drying internal Dampness, regulates the function of the Spleen and Stomach
- Indications: Supports a healthy digestive system, Supports a healthy respiratory system, Occasional lack of appetite, Occasional palpitations and/or anxiety, Occasional nausea or vomiting, Difficulty arising after a full night’s sleep, Occasional joint and body discomfort that gets worse in damp weather, Occasional anxiety, Occasional fatigue, lethargy, Sensation of heaviness of the limbs or body
- Contraindications: Dryness or strong Yin or Blood deficiency
- Tongue: Puffy and pale with thick, greasy fur.
- Pulse: Slippery, sinking or weak.
According to the theories of Chinese Herbology, bodily fluids represent the aspect of being that allows for smooth and graceful movement, appropriate contact with people and things, and feelings of generosity and largesse. When fluids stagnate, Phlegm is created. It starts as Damp Phlegm from the Spleen failing to properly transport the fluids, then accumulates to become Phlegm. This accumulation encumbers the Spleen, further impeding the transportation of fluids. Lucid Channel is the classical combination for helping to transform Phlegm wherever it appears in the body, on psychological as well as physical levels. It can be combined with many different formulas to direct a Phlegm-clearing effect to that area.
PHYSICAL INDICATIONS
Phlegm may manifest in the Lungs as occasional coughing with sputum or occasional nasal discharge. In the Heart, Phlegm may exhibit itself through occasional palpitations or mental disturbances. In the Spleen and Stomach, Phlegm may be seen as an occasional lack of appetite, occasional vomiting, occasional drooling or lethargy. Phlegm in the meridians may be reflected as occasional numbness, occasional accumulation, as well as occasional discomfort in the joints.
PSYCHOLOGICAL AND TRANSFORMATIONAL INDICATIONS
Phlegm affecting the Spleen often manifests as an excessive nurturing of others while neglecting oneself, obsessive mental ruminations and an inability to confront or compete with others. Stagnant Phlegm in the Lung often accompanies a burdened sense of loss and lack of vision and inspiration. Often a person with Heart Phlegm will seem blatantly disconnected with reality and may exhibit occasional manic or depressive behavior.
ORIGIN AND DEVELOPMENT
Lucid Channel (Er Chen Tang) is a modified version of the classical formula “Two Cured Soup,” which first appeared in the Imperial Grace Formulary of the Tai Ping era. Prepared Chinese arisaema rhizome and Altaica rhizome have been added to strengthen its action of transforming Dampness and Phlegm. The addition of dry fried Bitter orange immature fruit increases the formula’s ability to regulate the Qi of the Middle Burner.
ABOUT THE HERBS
Poria strengthens the Spleen and transforms Phlegm. It is neutral and bland, and enters the Heart, Spleen and Lung meridians.
Tangerine dried rind of mature fruit dries Dampness and transforms Phlegm. It is widely used for moving stagnant Qi in the Middle Burner. It also strengthens the Spleen. It is warm, acrid and bitter, and enters the Spleen, Stomach and Lung meridians.
Licorice cured Pinellia rhizome is used to dry Dampness, transform Phlegm and dissipate Phlegm accumulation. It is warm and acrid, entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians.
Dry fried Bitter orange immature fruit is used to break up Qi and food stagnation. In combination with the other herbs in Lucid Channel, it disperses accumulations of Phlegm and Qi. Due to the cool nature of dry fried Bitter orange immature fruit, it may be used for Damp Heat patterns. It is cool and bitter, and enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians.
Prepared Chinese arisaema rhizome dries Dampness and expels Phlegm. It also disperses Wind Phlegm in the meridians. It is one of the most drying herbs. It is warm, acrid and bitter, and enters the Lung, Liver and Spleen meridians.
Altaica rhizome opens the orifices and vaporizes Phlegm, and is used when Phlegm affects the Heart. It also harmonizes the Middle Burner and transforms Dampness. It is warm and acrid, and enters the Heart, Liver and Spleen meridians.
Honey fried Chinese licorice root and rhizome is most commonly used to harmonize the herbs in a formula and to lead them into the meridians. Because of the quantity of Chinese licorice root and rhizome used in Lucid Channel, it tonifies the Spleen and Qi. It is sweet and warm (when toasted), entering all 12 meridians.