Chief herb in Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan?

• A. Xing Ren
• B. Dan Nan Xing
• C. Ban Xia
• D. Qing Pi

Answer: (B)

In this formula the main idea is to clear phlegm-heat from the lungs and transform phlegm that obstructs the airways, so the herb that best drives that action and targets the lungs is the chief herb. Dan Nan Xing, a processed form of Arisaema, specializes in rapidly transforming phlegm-heat and directing the effect to the lungs, making it the key component that leads the formula’s action. Ban Xia and the other ingredients support the effort—Ban Xia helps transform phlegm and dry dampness, Xing Ren assists with cough relief and guiding qi downward, and Qing Pi helps regulate qi and move stagnation—but neither matches Dan Nan Xing for the primary phlegm-heat-clearing role in this formula.