Laryngitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Laryngeal Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Laryngitis Chronic Laryngitis
What is Laryngitis?
Laryngitis, a common condition characterized by inflammation of the larynx, leads to symptoms such as hoarseness, a weak or lost voice, throat pain, and sometimes fever and cough. This condition can manifest in acute forms, often triggered by viral infections or overuse of the voice, and chronic forms, which may result from extended exposure to irritants or misuse of the vocal cords. The distinction between acute and chronic laryngitis lies in the duration and underlying causes of the symptoms, with chronic cases presenting a more persistent challenge.
How Does TCM View Laryngitis?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), laryngitis is viewed as a symptom of imbalance within the body's Qi (vital energy) and Yin (the cooling, nourishing element). TCM identifies specific patterns of disharmony, such as Qi stagnation and Yin Deficiency, that contribute to the condition.
These imbalances can affect the Lung and Kidney Channels, leading to the symptoms associated with laryngitis. TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the underlying pattern of disharmony to effectively treat the condition.
Causes of Laryngitis According to TCM
TCM recognizes that laryngitis can stem from various patterns of disharmony, including Stomach Qi Stagnation, Heart Qi Stagnation, and Pericardium Qi Stagnation, which impede the smooth flow of Qi, exacerbating throat symptoms.
Additionally, Lung Yin Deficiency and Stomach Yin Deficiency indicate a depletion of the body's nourishing elements, leading to Dryness and irritation in the throat. Identifying these patterns is crucial for tailoring the treatment to the individual's specific condition, aiming to restore balance and alleviate symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Laryngitis
In treating laryngitis, TCM utilizes specific formulas to address the identified patterns of imbalance. Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, enriched with Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), is employed to clear Qi Stagnation, facilitating the smooth flow of energy throughout the body.
For combating Yin Deficiency, Mai Men Dong Tang, which contains Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), serves to enrich and moisten the body’s Yin, alleviating the dryness that often accompanies laryngitis. Through these targeted herbal strategies, TCM seeks not only to relieve the immediate symptoms of laryngitis but also to harmonize the body's overall Qi and Yin, promoting lasting health and well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address laryngitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that tonify qi
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Laryngitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Laryngitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Laryngitis 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 Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Acupoints for Laryngitis
See more details below about Futu LI-18, an acupoint used to address laryngitis.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
Futu LI-18
On the lateral side of the neck, level with the tip of Adam's apple, between the sternal head and clavicular head of sternocleidomastoid muscle.
TCM Herbs for Laryngitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address laryngitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Laryngitis 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 Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao), which is directly recommended for laryngitis.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for laryngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Catclaw Buttercup Roots (Mao Zhao Cao) | Not applicable |
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Not applicable |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Not applicable |
| Blackberry Lily Rhizomes (She Gan) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Laryngitis 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 Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for laryngitis.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Laryngitis 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 Woad Roots (Ban Lan Gen), which is directly recommended for laryngitis.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Laryngitis 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 Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for laryngitis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Laryngitis 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 laryngitis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Laryngitis 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 Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for laryngitis, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Laryngitis 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for laryngitis, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.