Basic classification and functional characteristics of the removing phlegm drugs in TCM.

The ‘removing phlegm drugs' discussed in this article referred to the single drug recorded in the material medica literatures which had the function ofremoving phlegm, resolving phlegm, clearing away phlegm, purging phlegm, sweeping away phlegm, eliminating phlegm, opening phlegm, plundering phlegm, clearing-up phlegm, draining offphlegm, lowering phlegm, purging phlegm, dispersing phlegm.The understanding and application ofthe removing phlegm drugs in TCM had long history.Lots ofrelated contents were recorded in the material medica literatures and ancient medical books.Systematical summary and theoretical research were needed.The author classified the common removing phlegm drugs into clearing the heat phlegm drugs, warm removing the cold phlegm drugs, drying dampness to resolve phlegm drugs, moisturizing dryness to resolve phlegm drugs, stopping wind to resolve phlegm drugs, regulating Qi to resolve drugs, relieving food retention to resolving phlegm drugs, resolving phlegm and relieving depression drugs, resolving phlegm and opening orifice drugs.The summary and discussion ofthe drugs would provide reference to the removing phlegm drugs application ofthe clinical doctors on the prevention and treatment ofthe phlegm diseases.