Understanding Phlegm in Chinese Medicine

💧 Introduction

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), phlegm forms when the body’s fluid metabolism is disrupted.
It’s often related to Lung, Spleen, or Kidney imbalance.



When fluid transformation and transportation are impaired,
due to improper diet, emotional stress, or overwork,
body fluids stagnate and condense into phlegm.


Having some phlegm is normal, 
but changes in its color and texture reflect internal disharmony.


COLOR

⚪ White / Clear → Cold Pathogen / Lung Qi or Spleen Yang Deficiency


🟡 Yellow → Heat or Wind-Heat


🟢 Green → Toxic Heat / Damp-Heat


🔴 Blood-Streaked → Lung Heat / Yin Deficiency


⚫ Grey or Cloudy White → Phlegm-Dampness / Spleen Deficiency


TEXTURE

💦 Thin, Watery → Cold / Qi or Yang Deficiency


🍯 Thick, Sticky → Phlegm-Heat


💦Foamy / Bubbly → Phlegm-Fluids / Lung & Spleen Deficiency


🌵 Dry Cough, No Phlegm → Lung Yin Deficiency / Dryness

⚠️ Disclaimer

The above content is for TCM health reference only and not a diagnosis or treatment guide.


If symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, shortness of breath, or chest pain,


👉 please consult a registered medical professional.