Objective To summarize the experience and formula for treating Tan syndrome in Ming and Qing Dynasties by using data mining technology and statistical analysis. Methods On the basis of books collected in Classics of Traditional Chinese Medicine, we collected and curated Tan syndrome medical records of Ming and Qing Dynasties to analyze the efficacy, nature, and flavor of Chinese herbs by frequentist analysis. In addition, association rules and cluster analyses were conducted using SPSS 19.0 and 18.0 to explore the medication rules in these Tan syndrome medical records.Results Ultimately, 345 medical records of Ming and Qing Dynasties were involved in the final analysis, with 60 related diseases, 282 Chinese herbs, and 3 415 medication frequencies. Using frequentist analysis, we found that herbs for resolving phlegm, relieving cough and asthma, deficiency-nourishing, Qi Regulating were the most commonly used herbs by physicians in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Among these herbs, the majority of herbal properties were warm, neutral, and cold in nature, and the major flavors were bitter, sweet, and spicy. Furthermore, based on association rules and clustering analysis of frequent high herbs, we obtained 85 effective rules and several classical formulas for treating sputum, including Tianma Gouteng Decoction with Ditan Decoction, Sijunzi Decoction, Rhizoma Coptidis. Conclusion Physicians in Ming and Qing Dynasties paid more attention to discern the etiology and nature of Tan symptom, also focused on invigorating the spleen to eliminate dampness, ventilating the lung, regulating Qi, as well as resolving phlegm to treat Tan symptom. They tended to choose Erchen Decoction, Huanglianwendan Decoction, Sijunzi Decoction, Tianma Gouteng Decoction, Ditan Decoction to treat Tan symptom.