Lymphatic Tuberculosisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Lymphatic Disorders, Tuberculosis, Neck Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Tuberculosis
Did you mean? Scrofula
What is Lymphatic Tuberculosis?
Lymphatic tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis that specifically affects the lymphatic system, often causing swollen lymph nodes. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can infect various parts of the body, including the lymphatic system, leading to localized symptoms or systemic illness. The condition may result in firm, enlarged lymph nodes, commonly in the neck, which can become tender and may suppurate over time.
How Does TCM View Lymphatic Tuberculosis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), lymphatic tuberculosis is viewed through a holistic lens as an imbalance in the body's life force, or Qi, often related to the accumulation of Toxic Heat and Dampness.
TCM practitioners believe in treating the root cause of the symptoms by identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, whether it is Qi Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, or an invasion of external pathogenic factors.
Causes of Lymphatic Tuberculosis According to TCM
According to TCM, lymphatic tuberculosis may arise from an underlying weakness in the body's Qi, particularly the Defensive Qi that protects against external pathogens. When Qi is Deficient, it can lead to a vulnerability to "Toxic Heat," which can accumulate and manifest as swollen lymph nodes.
Additionally, a Qi And Blood Stagnation can result in the formation of masses. TCM treatments aim to strengthen Qi, resolve Stagnation, and clear Heat to restore balance and health.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Lymphatic Tuberculosis
TCM recommends herbal formulas such as San Zhong Kui Jian Tang to treat lymphatic tuberculosis. This formula includes Phellodendron bark, known for its Heat-clearing and Damp-drying properties, and is used to target the Bladder, Kidney, and Large Intestine Channels.
The treatment approach is tailored to each patient's unique condition, with the goal of eliminating the pathogenic factors and reinforcing the body's natural defenses.
See more details below about San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, a herbal formula used to address lymphatic tuberculosis.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Lymphatic tuberculosis 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 San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Lymphatic Tuberculosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address lymphatic tuberculosis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Lymphatic tuberculosis 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphatic tuberculosis, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for lymphatic tuberculosis
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Lymphatic tuberculosis 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 Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao), which is directly recommended for lymphatic tuberculosis.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Lymphatic tuberculosis 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for lymphatic tuberculosis, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.