Many children continue to cough and have phlegm after a cold, or even if they haven't fully developed a cold, there's always a gurgling sound of phlegm in their throat.
When I encounter such children, I usually prescribe a simple formula—"Er Tang Tang." This formula dates back to the Song Dynasty. The original formula includes five liang each of Pinellia and Tangerine Peel, three liang of Poria, one and a half liang of Licorice, three slices of fresh ginger, and seven plums. For children, I simplify it to just four ingredients: Pinellia, Dried Tangerine Peel, Plum, and Licorice. This formula can eliminate phlegm, resolve phlegm, prevent colds caused by phlegm retention, and also resolve the lingering cough and phlegm issues after a cold.
◆How to make a simple "Er Tang Tang" at home:
6 grams of Dried Tangerine Peel, 6 grams of Plum, 6 grams of Platycodon, and 6 grams of Licorice. Steep them in boiling water for about half an hour and it's ready to drink. Add a little sugar for a sweet and sour taste that children love. Drink it as soon as phlegm starts to appear to alleviate post-cold coughing.