Symptom family: Throat & Pharyngeal Inflammations and Pains
Parent symptom: Sore Throat
A chronic sore throat is a persisting pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat that often doesn't respond to initial medical treatment and lasts for an extended period, typically more than a few weeks. It can lead to difficulty swallowing, a constant need to clear the throat, and can be accompanied by other symptoms like hoarseness or a dry cough. Chronic sore throat may be a symptom on its own or a manifestation of an underlying condition.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches chronic sore throat not as an isolated symptom but as a signal of deeper imbalances within the body. According to TCM, the health of the throat is closely tied to the state of the internal organs, particularly the Lungs, Kidneys, and Liver.
Chronicity in sore throat suggests a prolonged disharmony that TCM would categorize under patterns of deficiency or lingering pathogenic factors. The goal of TCM is to identify and treat the root cause, thereby alleviating the throat discomfort and restoring the patient's overall well-being.
In TCM, chronic sore throat is often seen as a manifestation of an underlying imbalance. Two common patterns include a Deficiency of Yin, where there isn't enough cooling and moistening Body Fluids in the body, leading to a dry, irritated throat, or a Deficiency of Blood, where the vital substance of the body is short or not flowing smoothly, causing pain and discomfort. It's crucial to diagnose the specific pattern behind the chronic sore throat to guide effective treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Chronic sore throat according to TCM.
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Chronic sore throat, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Ming Mu Di Huang Wan |
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Chronic sore throat, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Ming Mu Di Huang Wan |
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency | Chronic sore throat, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Ming Mu Di Huang Wan |
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic sore throat is often treated with targeted herbal formulas. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan is a commonly prescribed formula that nourishes the Yin of the Kidneys and Liver, featuring Prepared Rehmannia, known for its blood-nourishing properties. When symptoms suggest a Deficiency in Liver and Kidney Yin that affects vision, Ming Mu Di Huang Wan may be utilized, enhancing the nourishing actions of its base formula.
Another potential prescription is Ming Mu Di Huang Wan, which extends the benefits of Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with additional herbs to specifically support eye health, indicative of its role in treating Yin Deficiency affecting vision. These formulas exemplify TCM's intricate strategy of holistic healing, tailored to the individual's unique pattern of disharmony.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic sore throat, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause chronic sore throat, such as Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some chronic sore throat-causing patterns like Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan | Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency |
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic sore throat, organized by herb category.
Chronic sore throat can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic sore throat, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Chronic sore throat can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic sore throat, like Ming Mu Di Huang Wan.