Cheongpye-tang for Chronic Cough & Phlegm | Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic, Daerim-dong

Cheongpye-tang for Chronic Phlegm and Cough

At Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic (Daerim-dong, Seoul), Cheongpye-tang is used as a traditional herbal prescription for chronic phlegm and chronic cough. It is commonly applied as a natural expectorant and cough-soothing formula.

Why Chronic Cough and Phlegm Persist

Endless coughing and a throat clogged with phlegm can significantly reduce quality of life. Many people experience persistent respiratory symptoms due to fine dust exposure, recent viral infections (e.g., COVID-19), or reduced immunity. In Korean medicine, these symptoms are not seen as a simple airway problem only; rather, they are often related to lung heat and phlegm-dampness accumulating in the respiratory system. Cheongpye-tang is a classic formula used to address this pattern.

How Cheongpye-tang Works

The word “Cheongpye” literally means “to clear the lungs.” In this context, lung “heat” corresponds to an inflammatory-like state that can lead to yellow, sticky sputum, dry or irritating cough, and chest discomfort. Cheongpye-tang aims to cool excess heat, relieve airway irritation, moisturize dry bronchi, and support phlegm clearance.

Key Herbs & Expected Roles

• Scutellaria (Huangqin) & Gardenia (Zhizi): help clear heat and ease inflammatory responses.
• Platycodon (Jiegeng): helps open the airways and promotes phlegm expectoration.
• Fritillaria (Beimu): soothes dry cough and helps thin sticky mucus.
• Ophiopogon (Mai Men Dong) & Asparagus Root (Tian Men Dong): moisturize the lungs and support the bronchial lining.
• Apricot Seed (Xingren): traditionally used to calm cough and support comfortable breathing.
• Mulberry Root Bark (Sangbaipi): helps reduce lung heat and ease respiratory discomfort.
• Poria (Fuling) & Tangerine Peel (Chenpi): support digestion and help reduce phlegm-damp production.
• Additional herbs such as Angelica (Danggui), Schisandra (Wuweizi), and Ginger (Ganjiang) are sometimes combined to assist circulation and overall recovery.

Modern View (Informational)

From a modern perspective, components reported in the above herbs (e.g., baicalin from Scutellaria, geniposide from Gardenia) have been studied for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucus-regulating properties. These findings suggest Cheongpye-tang may help with post-viral cough, phlegm retention, and chronic bronchial irritation. (This section is for general information only.)

Who May Consider Cheongpye-tang

• Cough or phlegm that persists for over two weeks after a cold.
• Sticky, yellow sputum that is hard to expectorate or a constant throat-clearing sensation.
• Discomfort after fine dust exposure or smoking.
• Chronic respiratory concerns such as chronic bronchitis or bronchiectasis.

Related Herbal Options

We also use Cheongpye-Gilgyeong-tang (a modified version) in convenient granule form. Other expectorant/cough-soothing formulas include Jinhae-go, Tianpei-Pipagao, and Sasam-Cheongpye-eum (based on Adenophora/Glehnia) depending on individual patterns.

Notice & Consultation

This article is provided for information only. Actual results and suitability may vary by individual constitution and condition. Cheongpye-tang is available after in-person or telemedicine consultation at our clinic.

Hansarang Korean Medicine Clinic (Daerim-dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul)
Near Line 7 Daerim Station Exit 11 and Line 2 Guro Digital Complex Station Exit 4. Convenient from Sindorim, Sillim, Doksan, Sindaebang, Geumcheon, Guro, Singil, Mapo, Yongsan, Gwanak-gu, Mok-dong, Yangcheon-gu, Dongjak-gu, and Gangseo-gu.

For inquiries about Cheongpye-tang, please contact the clinic.