Icteric Hepatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hepatitis and Liver Conditions
Parent symptom: Hepatitis
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Icteric Hepatitis
What is Icteric Hepatitis?
Icteric hepatitis refers to a type of liver inflammation characterized by the yellowing of the skin and eyes, known as jaundice. This condition results from elevated levels of bilirubin, a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, which the liver usually processes and excretes.
When the liver is inflamed and not functioning properly, bilirubin builds up in the body, leading to the characteristic yellow tint. Icteric hepatitis can stem from various causes, including viral infections, alcohol use, and certain medications.
How does TCM view Icteric Hepatitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches icteric hepatitis by looking at the underlying patterns of disharmony within the body. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on the liver's structural and functional issues, TCM considers factors such as Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat accumulation, and Blood stasis.
Identifying the specific pattern is crucial, as TCM aims to treat the root cause rather than just alleviating the symptoms. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the individual's unique condition.
Causes of Icteric Hepatitis According to TCM
In TCM, one common cause of icteric hepatitis is the accumulation of Damp-Heat in the Liver and gallbladder. This pattern often presents with symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal fullness, nausea, and a bitter taste in the mouth. The presence of Damp-Heat obstructs the normal flow of Qi and Blood, leading to inflammation and yellowing of the skin and eyes. Another potential cause is Qi Stagnation and Blood stasis, where the liver's energy flow is impaired, causing pain, distention, and the characteristic jaundice. These patterns highlight the importance of understanding the underlying imbalances to provide effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Icteric Hepatitis
TCM utilizes specific herbal formulas to address the patterns associated with icteric hepatitis. For Damp-Heat accumulation, Da Cheng Qi Tang is often recommended. This formula includes Rhubarb (Da Huang), a bitter and cold herb, to purge Heat accumulation and clear the obstructed pathways. For patterns involving Blood stasis, Di Dang Tang is used, featuring Leeches (Shui Zhi), a bitter, salty, and neutral herb, to invigorate Blood and dispel stagnation.
Another effective formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, which harmonizes lesser Yang-warp disorders with Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), known for their bitter and cold properties, to clear Heat from the gallbladder. These formulas are tailored to the patient's specific pattern, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment approach.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address icteric hepatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Icteric 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 Liang Ge San, with forsythia fruit 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 icteric hepatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Liang Ge San | Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Icteric 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 Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Icteric 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 Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Icteric 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 Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Icteric Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address icteric hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Icteric 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 Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for icteric hepatitis, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for icteric hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Icteric 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 Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for icteric hepatitis, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for icteric hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Icteric 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 icteric hepatitis, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Icteric 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 icteric hepatitis, like Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Icteric 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 Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for icteric hepatitis, like Liang Ge San.