Hemorrhagic Feversaccording to TCM

What is hemorrhagic fever?

Hemorrhagic fevers are a group of illnesses characterized by fever and bleeding disorders. These diseases are typically caused by viral infections, and they can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions if not treated promptly. Symptoms of hemorrhagic fevers include high fever, fatigue, dizziness, muscle aches, and bleeding from various parts of the body such as the gums, nose, and even internal organs. Hemorrhagic fevers are a subset of fevers that involve significant bleeding, differentiating them from other types of febrile illnesses.

How does TCM view hemorrhagic fevers?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views hemorrhagic fevers through the lens of internal disharmony. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the pathogens causing the disease, TCM emphasizes the underlying imbalances within the body that allow these pathogens to take hold. In TCM, hemorrhagic fevers can result from various patterns of disharmony such as Heat in the Blood or Qi and Yin Deficiency. Identifying the specific pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment, as different patterns require different therapeutic approaches.

Causes of hemorrhagic fevers according to TCM

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hemorrhagic fevers are seen as a manifestation of internal disharmony that can be attributed to several patterns. One common pattern is Heat in the Blood, characterized by symptoms such as high fever, restlessness, thirst, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and a rapid pulse. This pattern indicates that the heat is causing the blood to move recklessly, leading to various forms of bleeding.

Another significant pattern is Lung and Stomach Heat Injuring the Qi and Fluids. This pattern often presents with high fever, dry mouth, thirst, irritability, and a sensation of heat. The excessive heat damages the Qi and Body Fluids, leading to dehydration and further complications. Recognizing these patterns is crucial for effective treatment in TCM, as each requires a specific therapeutic approach.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hemorrhagic Fevers

In TCM, the treatment of hemorrhagic fevers involves using herbal formulas that are tailored to address the underlying pattern of disharmony. For Heat in the Blood, Shi Hui San is a recommended formula. This formula includes Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) as a key herb, which helps to cool the blood and stop bleeding. Shi Hui San is particularly effective in treating patterns where Heat in the Blood leads to severe bleeding.

For patterns involving Lung and Stomach Heat Injuring the Qi and Fluids, Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang is commonly used. This formula features Gypsum (Shi Gao) as a key herb, which is known for its cooling properties. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang helps to clear Heat from the Lung and Stomach, replenish fluids, and support the body’s Qi. These formulas provide a comprehensive approach to managing hemorrhagic fevers by targeting the specific patterns of disharmony.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hemorrhagic fevers, organized by formula type.

TCM Herbs for Hemorrhagic Fevers

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hemorrhagic fevers, organized by herb category.