Symptom family: Hepatitis and Liver Conditions
Sub-symptom(s): Viral Hepatitis Icteric Hepatitis Chronic Hepatitis Acute Viral Hepatitis Acute Icteric Hepatitis
Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. This condition can result from various causes, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Hepatitis can be acute, with a sudden onset, or chronic, persisting for more than six months. Symptoms of hepatitis often include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function tests. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to managing hepatitis and preventing severe liver damage.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hepatitis is seen through the lens of patterns of disharmony rather than as a singular disease entity. TCM practitioners believe that symptoms of 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.
TCM attributes hepatitis to several potential patterns of disharmony, such as Liver Qi Stagnation and Phlegm-Heat. Liver Qi Stagnation often results from emotional stress, leading to symptoms like hypochondriac pain, irritability, and digestive issues. This pattern disrupts the smooth flow of Qi, causing liver dysfunction and contributing to the inflammation seen in hepatitis.
Phlegm-Heat, on the other hand, occurs when excess Heat in the body combines with Phlegm, leading to symptoms such as jaundice, a greasy tongue coating, and a feeling of heaviness. This pattern can arise from poor dietary habits or an unhealthy lifestyle. 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 hepatitis involves using formulas and herbs that target the identified patterns of disharmony. For promoting Qi movement, formulas like Chai Hu Shu Gan San with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) are commonly prescribed. This formula helps to soothe the Liver and alleviate Liver Qi Stagnation. Jin Ling Zi San, which includes Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi), is another effective formula used to treat patterns of Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat.
For clearing Heat and transforming Phlegm, formulas such as Xiao Xian Xiong Tang with Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) are recommended. This formula helps to resolve Phlegm-Heat in the liver, reducing inflammation and promoting liver function. The choice of formulas and herbs will vary depending on the patient’s specific pattern, highlighting the personalized nature of TCM treatments. By addressing the root causes of hepatitis through a holistic approach, TCM aims to restore balance and harmony within the body, supporting long-term liver health and overall well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hepatitis, organized by formula type.
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 Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is San Ren Tang, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
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 Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Jin Ling Zi San | Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi) |
Yue Ju Wan | Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) |
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 Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), Maltose (Yi Tang) |
Wu Zhu Yu Tang | Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Maltose (Yi Tang) |
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.
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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Xiao Chai Hu Tang | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) |
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang | |
Da Cheng Qi Tang | Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
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.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Yi Guan Jian | |
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
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.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
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.
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.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from heat trapped at the nutritive level of the body, affecting deeper tissues.
One such formula is Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen systems, often manifesting as digestive disturbances and emotional fluctuations.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
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.
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.
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.
Hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hepatitis, organized by herb category.
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 Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin |
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Liang Ge San |
Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) | Not applicable |
Milk Thistle Seeds (Shui Fei Ji) | Not applicable |
Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) | Not applicable |
Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian) | Not applicable |
Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
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 Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Ground Beetles (Tu Bie Chong) | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan |
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Yue Ju Wan |
Chinese Sage Herb (Shi Jian Chuan) | Not applicable |
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 hepatitis, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wu Ling San | Wei Ling Tang |
Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren) | San Ren Tang |
Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
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 hepatitis, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang | Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Lian Po Yin | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang |
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 hepatitis, like Wei Ling Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Wei Ling Tang | Ping Wei San |
Cardamon Fruits (Bai Dou Kou) | San Ren Tang |
Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Lian Po Yin |
Hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian) | Not applicable |
Hepatitis 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 Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao), which is directly recommended for hepatitis.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao) | Not applicable |
Gentian Roots (Qin Jiao) | Not applicable |
Hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye) | Not applicable |
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 hepatitis, like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Wen Dan Tang |
Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) | Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang | Xuan Fu Hua Tang |
Hepatitis 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 Glutinous Rice Roots (Nuo Dao Gen), which is directly recommended for hepatitis.
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 hepatitis, like Ba Zhen Tang.
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 hepatitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
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 hepatitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Jin Ling Zi San.
Hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like San Ren Tang.
Hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.
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 hepatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
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 hepatitis, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.
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 hepatitis, like Wu Zhu Yu Tang.