Stomach Fluaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Gastrointestinal Infections
What is Stomach Flu?
Stomach flu, clinically known as viral gastroenteritis, manifests as a sudden inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, attributed to various viral infections. This ailment is characterized by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, distinctly setting it apart from influenza, despite the misleading commonality in name. The viruses responsible for stomach flu thrive in environments where they can easily spread through contaminated food or water, or direct contact between individuals, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and cleanliness in prevention.
How does TCM view Stomach Flu?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches stomach flu from a perspective that diverges from the pathogen-focused view of Western medicine. TCM interprets the symptoms of stomach flu as manifestations of underlying imbalances within the body, particularly involving the Large Intestines and Stomach systems which, in TCM philosophy, are central to digestion and the distribution of nutrients and energy.
By identifying specific patterns of disharmony, such as Damp-Heat, invasion by external Cold, or internal accumulation of Heat, TCM practitioners aim to tailor treatments that restore balance and support the body's natural healing processes.
Causes of Stomach Flu According to TCM
In TCM, the etiology of stomach flu encompasses a variety of imbalances and external invasions that disrupt the body's Qi, or vital energy, and its ability to maintain harmony between its internal organs and the external environment. For example, exposure to Damp-Heat can lead to symptoms mirroring those of viral gastroenteritis, as the body struggles to rid itself of the invading Dampness and Heat through symptoms like diarrhea and fever.
Alternatively, the ingestion of cold or raw foods might introduce an external Cold into the Stomach, leading to a different set of symptoms such as cramping and aversion to cold. TCM's diagnostic process involves a thorough analysis of these symptoms to identify the underlying pattern of disharmony.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Stomach Flu
The treatment of stomach flu in TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas designed to target the identified patterns of disharmony. For cases attributed to Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine, Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang might be prescribed, leveraging the cooling properties of its key herb, Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), to clear Heat and resolve Dampness. In situations where Cold invades the Stomach, causing Rebellious Stomach Qi, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, which includes Korean mint (Huo Xiang), serves to warm the Stomach and expel Cold, restoring the downward movement of Stomach Qi.
The versatility of TCM treatments is further exemplified in the use of Liu Yi San for Summer-Heat and Wei Ling Tang for Damp-Cold, each carefully formulated to address specific environmental and internal factors contributing to the condition. Through such tailored approaches, TCM aims not only to alleviate the symptoms of stomach flu but also to rebalance the body's energies and strengthen its defenses against future disharmonies.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address stomach flu, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Stomach flu can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Stomach flu can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San, with korean mint as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and facilitate resolution of Dampness
Stomach flu can be treated by these formulas when the symptom is caused by summer heat combined with dampness accumulation, requiring actions that both cool and resolve dampness.
One such formula is Liu Yi San, with talc as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Stomach flu 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 that purge Heat accumulation
Stomach flu 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
TCM Herbs for Stomach Flu
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address stomach flu, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Stomach flu 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 Korean Mint (Huo Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stomach flu, like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for stomach flu
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Korean Mint (Huo Xiang) | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San |
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Wei Ling Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Stomach flu 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 Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stomach flu, like Liu Yi San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for stomach flu
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Liu Yi San |
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wei Ling Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Stomach flu 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 Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for stomach flu, like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.