Cor Pulmonaleaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Pulmonary Cardiac Conditions
What is Cor Pulmonale?
Cor pulmonale, or pulmonary heart disease, is a condition where the right side of the heart fails due to increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries, often stemming from chronic respiratory disorders. This right ventricular failure is primarily caused by high blood pressure in the lungs from long-standing lung disease. Common underlying conditions include chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and severe, chronic pulmonary arterial hypertension. These diseases lead to a stressed right ventricle, which must work harder to pump blood through narrowed or obstructed pulmonary arteries.
How does TCM view Cor Pulmonale?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views cor pulmonale through the lens of energetic imbalances and disturbances in organ functions. Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the heart and lungs' physical pathologies, TCM considers symptoms of cor pulmonale as a manifestation of underlying imbalances such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, and organ dysfunction.
TCM emphasizes that effective treatment hinges on identifying these disharmonies through a holistic assessment of the patient's health and lifestyle. Addressing these patterns through acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle adjustments is crucial to restoring balance and improving heart and lung function.
Causes of Cor Pulmonale According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, cor pulmonale is often understood as a result of specific energetic imbalances such as Qi and Blood Stagnation or Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs. Qi And Blood Stagnation within the chest can manifest as difficulty in breathing, chest pain, and palpitations, directly impacting cardiac and pulmonary functions. This Stagnation restricts the vital flow of energy and nutrients needed for healthy heart and lung activity.
Similarly, the presence of Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs can lead to increased resistance in the pulmonary arteries, a factor that contributes to the development of cor pulmonale. This pattern typically results in symptoms like persistent coughing, a feeling of cold, and watery Phlegm, further exacerbating the strain on the heart.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Cor Pulmonale
Addressing the intricate patterns of Qi and Blood Stagnation and Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs requires targeted TCM therapies. Formulas that invigorate Blood and transform Phlegm are critical in managing the complex symptoms of cor pulmonale. For example, Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang is particularly beneficial for alleviating Blood Stagnation. This formula uses peach kernels (Tao Ren) to enhance Blood circulation, reducing the vascular resistance that burdens the Heart.
For treating Cold-Phlegm in the Lungs, Xuan Fu Hua Tang, which includes Inula flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), works to warm the lungs and dissolve Phlegm, easing the pulmonary pressure and improving respiratory efficiency. These targeted herbal treatments are integral to TCM’s approach, aiming not only to alleviate the symptoms but also to address the root causes contributing to cor pulmonale.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address cor pulmonale, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for cor pulmonale
Formulas that tonify Qi
Cor pulmonale 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 Ren Shen Ge Jie San, with tokay geckos as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for cor pulmonale
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
| Sheng Mai San | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Formulas that regulate Blood
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Cor pulmonale 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 Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Cor Pulmonale
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address cor pulmonale, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Di Dang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for cor pulmonale
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Di Dang Tang |
| Tabanus Horseflies (Meng Chong) | Di Dang Tang |
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
| Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Cor pulmonale 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 cor pulmonale, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for cor pulmonale
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Sheng Mai San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Cor pulmonale 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 cor pulmonale, like Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for cor pulmonale
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Cor pulmonale 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Cor pulmonale 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 Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Xuan Fu Hua Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Cor pulmonale 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Cor pulmonale can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for cor pulmonale, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Cor pulmonale 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 cor pulmonale, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.