Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseaseaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms, Lung issues
Did you mean? Emphysema
What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, commonly known as COPD, encompasses a group of progressive lung disorders that obstruct airflow, making breathing difficult. The primary conditions under COPD are emphysema, where the alveoli are damaged, and chronic bronchitis, characterized by prolonged cough with mucus. Key symptoms include breathlessness, frequent coughing, wheezing, and tightness in the chest. COPD is typically triggered by long-term exposure to irritants that damage the lungs and airways, such as tobacco smoke, air pollution, chemical fumes, and dust.
Causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through the lens of systemic imbalances and energetic Deficiencies. Key among these is Lung Qi Deficiency, where the lung's ability to control respiration and energy circulation is weakened, often leading to shortness of breath and frequent fatigue.
Another contributing factor can be an invasion of Wind-Cold into the lungs, which typically manifests as acute episodes of breathlessness and wheezing, a response to the lung's impaired defensive Qi. Understanding these patterns allows for targeted interventions that address both the symptoms and the underlying disharmony within the body.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
To counteract the underlying causes of COPD, TCM relies on a repertoire of formulas. For Lung Qi Deficiency, a common recommendation is Bu Fei Tang, which uses Ginseng to strengthen the Lungs' Qi, thereby improving breathing and energy levels. In cases where there is an accumulation of Phlegm-Heat, resulting in thick mucus and inflamed airways, Gun Tan Wan can be effective. This formula uses ingredients like Chlorite Schist to clear Phlegm and cool down inflammation.
Additionally, for those suffering from the chills and congestion of Wind-Cold invading the Lungs, Ma Huang Tang is advised to expel cold and release the exterior, helping to reduce the severity of symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated by these formulas when it arises from cold causing phlegm accumulation, needing actions that warm and resolve phlegm.
One such formula is Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Fei Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.
One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 Wind-Cold
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Gun Tan Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi) | Gun Tan Wan |
| White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Di Tan Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Di Tan Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, like Ma Huang Tang.