Acute Rhinitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Nasal Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Rhinitis
What is Acute Rhinitis?
Acute rhinitis, commonly known as a sudden onset of nasal inflammation, is a condition characterized by swelling and irritation of the mucous membranes in the nose. This typically results in symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sneezing, and itching. Often triggered by viruses, allergens, or environmental irritants, acute rhinitis is a widespread condition that affects millions globally. Its transient nature usually resolves without lasting effects, but managing symptoms effectively can significantly improve comfort and quality of life during episodes.
How Does TCM View Acute Rhinitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets acute rhinitis as a disruption of the body's harmonious balance, particularly involving the invasion of External Wind. TCM practitioners believe that symptoms of rhinitis manifest when pathogenic influences such as Wind, Cold, or Heat invade the body due to weakened Defensive Qi (vital energy).
Identifying the specific type of pathogenic influence and the underlying disharmony is crucial in TCM, as it guides the therapeutic approach and herbal treatment selection to not only alleviate symptoms but also to strengthen the body's resilience against future episodes.
Causes of Acute Rhinitis According to TCM
In TCM, acute rhinitis is often linked to two primary pathogenic factors: Wind-Cold and Wind-Heat. Wind-Cold invasion typically presents with symptoms like chills, clear nasal discharge, and a lack of sweating, as the body struggles to expel the cold influence.
On the other hand, a Wind-Heat scenario might include fever, thick yellow discharge, and sore throat, indicating Heat trying to burn through the body's surface. Effective treatment in TCM focuses on expelling the Wind and adjusting the body's response to Cold or Heat, aiming to restore the natural balance and flow of Qi.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Rhinitis
To combat acute rhinitis, TCM employs specific formulas aimed at addressing the underlying patterns of disharmony. Cang Er Zi San, featuring Cocklebur Fruits (Cang Er Zi) as a pivotal herb, is commonly prescribed to treat Damp-Wind patterns, helping to clear blockages and alleviate sinus pressure.
Another formula, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, uses Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) to dispel Exterior Wind and relieve symptoms like headaches and nasal congestion associated with rhinitis. For cases involving Wind-Heat, Bing Peng San, which includes Borneol (Bing Pian), cools and detoxifies, addressing the inflammation and heat symptoms effectively. These targeted treatments reflect TCM’s nuanced approach to healing, emphasizing personalized care based on detailed symptom patterns.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute rhinitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Cang Er Zi San, with cocklebur fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dredge and disperse external wind" recommended for acute rhinitis
External formulas for External disorders
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Bing Peng San, with borneol as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Acute Rhinitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute rhinitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute rhinitis, like Cang Er Zi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for acute rhinitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Cang Er Zi San |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San |
Herbs that open the Orifices
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Borneol (Bing Pian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute rhinitis, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs for external application
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Borax (Peng Sha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute rhinitis, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Cocklebur Fruits (Cang Er Zi ), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute rhinitis, like Cang Er Zi San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Acute rhinitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute rhinitis, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.