Chief herb in Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan?

• A. Ban Xia
• B. Dan Nan Xing
• C. Guan Zhong
• D. Huang Lian

Answer: (B)

Dan Nan Xing is the chief herb because Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan is designed to clear qi-level heat and transform phlegm in the lungs, with a strong downward action to discharge phlegm from the chest. Nan Xing has a powerful ability to transform phlegm-heat and clear the lungs, which is the primary driver of the formula’s effect. The processed form (Dan Nan Xing) is specifically used to reduce toxicity and allow safe, effective transformation of phlegm-heat at the qi level, making it the main ingredient that sets the formula’s direction.

Ban Xia also transforms phlegm and dries dampness, and it supports the tactic of resolving phlegm, but its role is more about damp-phlegm and harmonizing the middle burner than delivering the primary qi-level heat-clearing and phlegm-transforming punch. The other herbs target different aspects of heat, dampness, or specific organ patterns, so they do not carry the chief action the way Dan Nan Xing does.