What is Viral Encephalitis?
Viral Encephalitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the brain, caused by viral infections. It can be triggered by various viruses, including those causing common illnesses such as measles and mumps, or more specific types like Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
Symptoms range from mild flu-like signs to severe neurological issues like seizures, paralysis, or impaired consciousness. Viral Encephalitis is a critical condition requiring immediate medical attention, as it can lead to serious complications or even be life-threatening.
How Does TCM View Viral Encephalitis?
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Viral Encephalitis is viewed as a disturbance caused by external pathogenic factors, leading to an imbalance in the body's Qi and Blood.
TCM interprets the inflammation of the brain as a result of these external factors, often classified as 'Heat', infiltrating deeper into the body and disturbing the mind (Shen). TCM treatments aim to clear the pathogenic Heat, restore the balance of Yin and Yang, and nourish the body's essential Qi to combat the disease.
Causes of Viral Encephalitis According to TCM
In TCM, Viral Encephalitis is primarily associated with the invasion of pathogenic Heat, leading to the disturbance in the balance of Qi and Blood. The Heat tends to stagnate and create Toxins, further affecting the mind and body's essential functions.
Another common TCM pattern observed in Viral Encephalitis is the disturbance in the Nutritive Qi and Blood level, causing neurological symptoms. The treatment focuses on clearing this Heat, resolving Toxins, and nourishing the Qi and Blood to restore health.
TCM offers several formulas for treating Viral Encephalitis, each tailored to specific patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, with key herbs like Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), are used for patterns of Toxic-Heat Stagnation.
Qing Wen Bai Du Yin, with Gypsum (Shi Gao), addresses Heat in Nutritive Qi level and Heat in the Blood. Bai Hu Tang and Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang are also recommended for patterns like Bright Yang Stomach Heat. The selection of the formula depends on the individual's specific TCM pattern diagnosis, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic approach to treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address viral encephalitis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and resolve exterior
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Viral encephalitis 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 viral encephalitis
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Viral encephalitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for viral encephalitis
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
Viral encephalitis 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 Qing Gong Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for viral encephalitis
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Viral encephalitis 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 dispel Summer-Heat and resolve Exterior
Viral encephalitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an interaction of external summer heat with the body's surface, requiring remedies that clear heat and release the exterior.
One such formula is Xiang Ru San, with vietnamese balm as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
Viral encephalitis 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 Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Viral encephalitis 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 Gun Tan Wan, with chlorite schist as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Viral encephalitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, with ox gallstone as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Viral Encephalitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address viral encephalitis, organized by herb category.
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Viral encephalitis 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 viral encephalitis,
like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for viral encephalitis
Herbs that cool the Blood
Viral encephalitis 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 viral encephalitis,
like Qing Gong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for viral encephalitis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Viral encephalitis 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 Gypsum (Shi Gao),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral encephalitis,
like Bai Hu 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 viral encephalitis
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Viral encephalitis 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 viral encephalitis,
like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Viral encephalitis 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 viral encephalitis,
like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Viral encephalitis 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 Vietnamese Balm (Xiang Ru),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral encephalitis,
like Xiang Ru San.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Viral encephalitis 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 Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral encephalitis,
like Gun Tan Wan.
