What is 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.
How Does TCM View Hepatitis?
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.
Causes of Hepatitis According to TCM
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.
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
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.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
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.
All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
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.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that promote Qi movement
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.
All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
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.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
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.
All "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that tonify Qi
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 hepatitis
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
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.
All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for hepatitis
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
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 hepatitis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
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 hepatitis
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
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.
Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines
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
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 secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
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.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
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.
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
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.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
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.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
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.
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
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.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
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
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
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 clear external abscesses and sores
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.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
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.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
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.
External formulas for External disorders
Hepatitis 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 Ren Shen Bai Du San, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
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 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 hepatitis
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for hepatitis
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that drain Dampness
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.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
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 Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for hepatitis,
like Ren Shen Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for hepatitis
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
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.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that cool the Blood
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.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for hepatitis
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for hepatitis
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
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.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for hepatitis
Herbs that stabilize and bind
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.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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.
Herbs that regulate Qi
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.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
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.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
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.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
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.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
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.
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
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.
