Low Grade Fever In The Afternoonaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Fever and Temperature-Related Conditions
Parent symptom: Low Grade Fever
What is low grade fever in the afternoon?
Low grade fever in the afternoon refers to a mild elevation in body temperature that occurs consistently during the later part of the day. This symptom can be associated with various underlying conditions and is often accompanied by other signs such as fatigue, sweating, and general discomfort. It is a specific manifestation of low grade fever, where the temperature elevation is typically less intense than that seen in high fevers but can still cause significant discomfort and indicate underlying health issues.
How does TCM view low grade fever in the afternoon?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches low grade fever in the afternoon by examining the balance and flow of vital energy (Qi), Blood, and bodily fluids. TCM practitioners believe that this symptom arises from different patterns of disharmony within the body. These patterns must be accurately identified to provide effective treatment. Unlike Western medicine, which might focus on symptomatic relief, TCM seeks to address the root causes of the imbalance, promoting holistic health and well-being.
Root Causes of Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon in TCM
One significant cause of low grade fever in the afternoon in TCM is Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as flushed cheekbones, restlessness, insomnia, night sweats, heat sensation in the palms and soles, and an afternoon or evening heat sensation. The Deficiency of Kidney Yin leads to an inability to anchor the body's heat, causing it to rise and manifest as a fever in the afternoon.
Another cause is Lung Yin Deficiency. This pattern involves symptoms such as a low grade fever in the afternoon, hoarse voice, itchy throat, reluctance to speak, and a thin chest. The Deficiency of Lung Yin results in a lack of nourishment and cooling for the lungs, which can lead to heat symptoms that peak in the afternoon.
Explore below more details about what might cause Low grade fever in the afternoon according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Kidney
- Lung
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
Common Symptoms: Flushed Cheekbones Night Sweats Insomnia Scanty And Dark Urine Heat Sensation In Palms Preference For Sipping Dizziness Nocturnal Emission
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Lung Yin Deficiency | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Yin Deficiency | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry mouth and throat at night, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Mu Li San | Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
Common Symptoms: Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Scanty And Dark Urine Heat Sensation In Palms Evening Heat Sensation Flushed Cheekbones Preference For Sipping Tinnitus
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Lung
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Lung Yin Deficiency | Low-grade fever in the afternoon, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Jiu Xian San | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
For Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, the formula Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan is commonly used. This formula includes Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), which helps to clear heat and purge fire, addressing the underlying Yin Deficiency and reducing the afternoon fever.
To treat Lung Yin Deficiency, the formula Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang is recommended. This formula contains Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), which enriches Yin and moistens dryness, helping to alleviate the low grade fever and other associated symptoms by nourishing the Lung Yin and reducing heat.
By targeting these specific patterns of disharmony with the appropriate herbal formulas, TCM provides a tailored approach to managing low grade fever in the afternoon, promoting balance and overall health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address low grade fever in the afternoon, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
- Formulas that stabilize exterior and stop sweating
- Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause low grade fever in the afternoon, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Yin Deficiency... see more |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Jiu Xian San | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Mu Li San | Yin Deficiency |
| Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang | Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause low grade fever in the afternoon, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Yin Deficiency... see more |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing |
| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
| Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Lung Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
Formulas that stabilize Exterior and stop sweating
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Mu Li San, with oyster shells as a key herb.
Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some low grade fever in the afternoon-causing patterns like Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Low Grade Fever In The Afternoon
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address low grade fever in the afternoon, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 low grade fever in the afternoon, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 low grade fever in the afternoon, like Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) | Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Low grade fever in the afternoon can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Bu Fei E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Low grade fever in the afternoon can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Jiu Xian San.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Low grade fever in the afternoon 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 low grade fever in the afternoon, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Low grade fever in the afternoon can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for low grade fever in the afternoon, like Mu Li San.