Viral Hepatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Viral Infections, Hepatitis and Liver Conditions
Parent symptom: Hepatitis
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Viral Hepatitis
What is Viral Hepatitis?
Viral Hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver, is a collective term for several infectious diseases known for affecting liver function. These include Acute Viral Hepatitis and other forms, characterized by symptoms ranging from mild flu-like manifestations to severe liver damage.
This condition, often caused by a viral infection, leads to various sub-symptoms, significantly impacting liver functionality. These range from common forms like infectious hepatitis to more specific types such as Acute Viral Hepatitis, all falling under the broader category of Hepatitis.
How does TCM view Viral Hepatitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives Viral Hepatitis through the lens of disharmony and imbalance within the body. TCM theory emphasizes that symptoms like those seen in Viral Hepatitis arise from specific imbalances and patterns of disharmony.
These patterns are often unique to the individual, highlighting the importance of identifying the specific TCM pattern affecting each patient. This personalized approach contrasts with Western medicine, which tends to categorize diseases based on common pathological features.
Causes of Viral Hepatitis according to TCM
In TCM, the causes of Viral Hepatitis are understood through a dynamic interplay of imbalances. For instance, patterns like Damp-Heat and Liver Qi Stagnation are commonly associated with the disease. Damp-Heat often accumulates in the Liver and Gallbladder, leading to symptoms typical of Hepatitis.
On the other hand, emotional stress or dietary indiscretion might cause Liver Qi Stagnation, further exacerbating the condition. These patterns underscore the importance of understanding each patient’s unique TCM profile for effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Viral Hepatitis
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas tailored to specific patterns seen in Viral Hepatitis. Key among these is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, which includes Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), effective against Damp-Heat and Toxic-Heat patterns. Yin Chen Hao Tang, utilizing Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen), targets Damp-Heat in the Liver and Gallbladder.
Additionally, Da Chai Hu Tang, with Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), is used for patterns like Liver Yang Rising. For conditions like Bright Yang Fire in the Stomach and Intestines, Xiao Cheng Qi Tang is often prescribed. These formulas are indicative of TCM's holistic approach, aiming to restore balance and harmony within the body's systems.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address viral hepatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Viral hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for viral hepatitis
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Viral 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 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 hepatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Viral hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Viral 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 Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Viral hepatitis 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 Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Viral hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Viral hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Viral Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address viral hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Viral 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 Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral hepatitis, like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Lian Po Yin |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Viral 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 Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral hepatitis, like Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin |
| Andrographis Herbs (Chuan Xin Lian) | Not applicable |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Viral hepatitis 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 Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral hepatitis, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Viral hepatitis 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 Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral hepatitis, like Lian Po Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Lian Po Yin |
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Ping Wei San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Viral hepatitis 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 viral hepatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Viral 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 viral hepatitis, like Da Chai Hu Tang.