Phlegm not only refers to sputum expectorated from the throat, but also includes scrofula, nodules and the thick liquid retained or stagnated in the viscera and meridians.

• 痰不仅指从喉咙吐出来的痰,也包括瘰疬、痰核和停滞在脏腑经络等组织中而未排出来的痰液