Purple Nailsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Finger and Nail Issues
What is Purple Nails?
Purple nails, a condition where the nails take on a bluish or purple hue, can be a sign of various underlying health issues. This discoloration of the nails may range from light lavender shades to deep, dark purple or almost black. While often associated with aesthetic concerns, purple nails can indicate more serious health conditions, such as poor circulation, oxygen deprivation, or even certain heart and lung diseases. Understanding the cause of this symptom is essential for appropriate treatment, as the appearance of one's nails often reflects overall health.
How Does TCM View Purple Nails?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives purple nails not just as a cosmetic issue but as a symptom indicating deeper imbalances within the body. TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of external symptoms with internal health, suggesting that purple nails may arise from disharmonies or disruptions in the body's natural flow of Qi (energy) and blood.
In TCM, it is crucial to identify the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as each pattern requires a unique approach to treatment. This perspective differs significantly from Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom rather than the underlying systemic imbalance.
Root Causes of Purple Nails in TCM
In TCM, one common cause of purple nails is Blood Stasis, a condition where the circulation of Blood is hindered, leading to Stagnation. This can manifest in various ways, with purple nails being a notable external sign. For instance, Blood Stagnation often presents with symptoms like dark face, purple lips, stabbing fixed pain, abdominal masses, and menstrual cramps.
Heart Blood Stagnation, another pattern, might cause stabbing chest pain and a feeling of oppression in the chest alongside purple nails. It's important to understand that these are just examples, and there are numerous other patterns in TCM that could lead to purple nails, each requiring its unique approach for treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Purple nails according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Blood Stasis
- Qi Stagnation
- Heart
- Liver
- Pericardium
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails
Common Symptoms: Purple Lips Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Abdominal Masses Dark Menstrual Blood Abdominal Pain Irregular Periods Restlessness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
| Heart Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Heart Vessel obstructed | Purple nails, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple face... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
| Pericardium Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails
Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Purple Lips Purple Face Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Cold Hands Delusions
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Heart Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Heart Vessel obstructed | Purple nails, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple face... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San |
Pericardium
In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more
Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Pericardium Blood Stagnation | Purple nails, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Purple Nails
In addressing purple nails, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs, tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Blood Stagnation patterns, formulas like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, are often recommended. This formula includes key herbs like Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), known for their Blood-invigorating properties.
For Liver Blood Stagnation, which might present with symptoms like hypochondriac pain and irregular uterine bleeding, formulas like Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San are used. These contain Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a herb known for its properties to harmonize the Liver-Spleen and promote Qi movement. It's essential to choose the formula and herbs based on the specific TCM pattern identified, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment approach.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address purple nails, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Blood Stasis
- Qi Stagnation
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that warm interior cold
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that tonify blood
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause purple nails, such as Heart Blood Stagnation or Heart Vessel obstructed
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Purple Nails Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Heart Vessel obstructed, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Hai Tong Pi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Tan Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Heart Vessel obstructed |
| Xiao Yao San | Liver Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause purple nails, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Purple Nails Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Dan Shen Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Guo Qi Yin | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Heart Blood Stagnation or Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel 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 purple nails
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more |
| Dan Shen Yin | Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shi Xiao San | Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Di Dang Tang | Blood Stagnation |
| Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | Blood Stagnation |
| Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Qi Li San | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed or Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is San Zhong Kui Jian Tang, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Hai Tong Pi Tang, with erythrinae bark as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Heart Vessel obstructed.
One such formula is Dang Gui Si Ni Tang, with dong quai as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Liver Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some purple nails-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Guo Qi Yin, with dong quai as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Purple Nails
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address purple nails, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that stop bleeding
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Purple nails 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for purple nails
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Purple nails 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 purple nails, 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 purple nails
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Purple nails 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 purple nails, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for purple nails
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang |
| Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) | Hai Tong Pi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Purple nails 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Dang Gui Si Ni Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for purple nails
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Guo Qi Yin |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Guo Qi Yin |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Purple nails 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 purple nails, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Purple nails 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Purple nails 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 purple nails, like San Zhong Kui Jian Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Purple nails 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 Erythrinae Barks (Hai Tong Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Hai Tong Pi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Purple nails 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Purple nails 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 purple nails, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Purple nails 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 Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Di Tan Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Purple nails 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 Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Di Tan Tang.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Purple nails can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Cattail Pollen (Pu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for purple nails, like Shi Xiao San.