What is Chronic Hepatitis?
Chronic hepatitis, also known as chronic active hepatitis or persistent hepatitis, is a long-term inflammation of the liver that lasts for six months or longer. This condition can lead to progressive liver damage, including fibrosis and cirrhosis, if not properly managed. Chronic hepatitis can be caused by various factors, such as viral infections (like hepatitis B and C), autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious complications and maintain liver function over time.
How Does TCM View Chronic Hepatitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic hepatitis is viewed through the lens of patterns of disharmony rather than a singular disease entity. TCM practitioners believe that symptoms of chronic hepatitis arise from underlying imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, and other vital substances. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment, as it allows for a personalized approach that addresses both the symptoms and their root causes.
Causes of Chronic Hepatitis According to TCM
TCM attributes chronic hepatitis to several potential patterns of disharmony, such as Qi Deficiency and Blood Stagnation. Qi Deficiency, often resulting from prolonged illness or poor diet, leads to a weakened immune system and impaired liver function. This pattern may present with symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and a pale complexion.
Blood Stagnation, on the other hand, occurs when the circulation of blood is impeded, leading to congestion and inflammation within the liver. This pattern can manifest as hypochondriac pain, darkened complexion, and varicose veins. Recognizing these patterns allows practitioners to tailor treatments to the specific needs of the patient, addressing both the symptoms and their underlying causes.
In TCM, the treatment of chronic hepatitis involves using formulas and herbs that target the identified patterns of disharmony. For Qi Deficiency, formulas that tonify Qi, such as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang with Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), are commonly prescribed. This formula helps to strengthen the body's vital energy and support liver function.
For Blood Stagnation, formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan with Rhubarb (Da Huang), are used to promote blood circulation and reduce liver congestion. The choice of formulas and herbs will vary depending on the patient’s specific pattern, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic hepatitis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that promote qi movement
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Wu Zhu Yu Tang, with evodia fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when the symptom arises from disharmony between the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive issues.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that vent membrane source
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Suan Zao Ren Tang, with jujube seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang, with inula flower as a key herb.
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Yue Ju Wan, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chronic hepatitis 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 chronic hepatitis,
like Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for chronic hepatitis
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai),
which is directly recommended for chronic hepatitis.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic hepatitis 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic hepatitis 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 hepatitis,
like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Wei Ling Tang.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic hepatitis,
like Wu Zhu Yu Tang.
