Symptom checker

Allergic Colitisaccording to TCM

Herbal Formulas Icon 2 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 3 herbs

Symptom family: Gastrointestinal Infections

Parent symptom: Colitis

What is Allergic Colitis?

Allergic colitis is an inflammatory condition of the colon triggered by an allergic response to certain foods or ingredients. This condition is particularly observed in infants and young children, manifesting through symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloody stools, and diarrhea. Unlike other forms of colitis, allergic colitis specifically arises from an immune system reaction, making the identification and avoidance of allergens a critical part of managing the condition. Recognizing the various synonyms, including diverticular disease and diverticular infection, is crucial for a comprehensive understanding and treatment approach.

How Does TCM View Allergic Colitis?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), allergic colitis is seen through the prism of imbalance and disharmony within the body. Rather than isolating the condition as a direct reaction to allergens, TCM delves into the underlying imbalances that predispose the individual to such reactions.

This perspective is rooted in the belief that symptoms like those of allergic colitis surface when there is a disruption in the body's Qi (vital energy), or when the harmony between the Yin and Yang is disturbed. The digestive system, particularly the Spleen and Stomach in TCM, plays a pivotal role in this balance, emphasizing the importance of dietary habits and the body's internal environment in health and disease.

Causes of Allergic Colitis According to TCM

Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets allergic colitis as a manifestation of underlying patterns of disharmony. One such pattern involves an imbalance between Heat in the Upper Burner and Cold in the Lower Burner, indicative of a dissonance between the body's metabolic processes and its ability to absorb and assimilate nutrients.

This disharmony can lead to the manifestation of allergic reactions in the colon. TCM practitioners aim to diagnose these patterns through a holistic evaluation of the individual, considering factors beyond the immediate allergic response to identify the root cause of the condition.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Allergic Colitis

In treating allergic colitis, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas designed to restore balance and address the specific patterns of disharmony identified in the patient. For cases marked by Interior Cold, the formula Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), serves to warm the interior and disperse cold, targeting the root cause of the symptoms.

On the other hand, Huang Lian Tang, leveraging the properties of Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), is used for conditions characterized by Heat Above and Cold Below. This formula works by harmonizing the Stomach and Intestines, cooling the Heat in the Upper Burner while warming the Cold in the Lower Burner, thereby addressing the complex imbalances that can lead to allergic colitis. These examples illustrate the depth of TCM's approach, focusing on rebalancing the body's internal environment to alleviate the symptoms and prevent the recurrence of allergic colitis.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address allergic colitis, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines

Formulas that vent membrane source

Allergic colitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.

One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines

Allergic colitis can be treated by these formulas when the symptom arises from disharmony between the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive issues.

One such formula is Huang Lian Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Allergic Colitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address allergic colitis, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Allergic colitis 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 allergic colitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Allergic colitis 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 allergic colitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.

Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness

Allergic colitis 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 allergic colitis, like Huang Lian Tang.