Myocarditisaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Cardiac Disorders

Sub-symptom(s): Viral Myocarditis Acute Myocarditis

What is Myocarditis?

Myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the heart muscle, typically caused by viral infections but can also result from bacterial infections, autoimmune diseases, or environmental toxins. The inflammation can impair the heart's ability to pump blood effectively, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, and in severe cases, heart failure. Acute myocarditis presents suddenly and can rapidly progress, whereas viral myocarditis might evolve more subtly but persistently impede cardiac function.

How does TCM View Myocarditis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches myocarditis not as a localized heart issue but as a systemic imbalance of the body's vital energies. According to TCM, heart health is intimately connected to the harmony of Qi (vital energy) and Blood, and disruptions in these energies can manifest as heart inflammation.

TCM practitioners focus on diagnosing the specific disharmony—be it Qi Deficiency, Phlegm, or an imbalance between Yin and Yang—believing that restoring balance is key to treating symptoms and underlying conditions effectively.

Causes of Myocarditis According to TCM

In the context of TCM, myocarditis can arise from several internal disharmonies, such as Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart or Phlegm Misting the Heart. These conditions reflect a state where excessive Phlegm and Heat accumulate, disturbing Heart function and leading to symptoms associated with myocarditis. Phlegm accumulation is often linked with lifestyle and dietary habits that disrupt the spleen's ability to transform and transport Body Fluids, thereby generating Phlegm that combines with fire to attack the heart. Identifying and correcting these imbalances through dietary changes, herbal medicine, and acupuncture is critical to TCM treatment strategies for myocarditis.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Myocarditis

To address the complex patterns associated with myocarditis, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas. For conditions characterized by phlegm and heat, such as Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, formulas like Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang and Wen Dan Tang, both containing Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), are used to dry dampness and transform phlegm. In cases of Heart Qi and Heart Blood Deficiency, Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang with Biota seeds (Bai Zi Ren) helps nourish the heart and calm the Mind.

Additionally, Gui Zhi Tang and Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang are prescribed to warm the Interior and clear Wind-Cold, addressing the external influences that can exacerbate myocarditis symptoms. Each formula is selected based on a precise TCM diagnosis aimed at rebalancing the body's internal environment and promoting heart health.

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

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for myocarditis

Formula Key herbs
Gui Zhi Tang Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi)
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo)

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for myocarditis

Formula Key herbs
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)

TCM Herbs for Myocarditis

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for myocarditis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ginseng (Ren Shen) Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Sheng Mai San
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan
Liquorice (Gan Cao) Zhi Gan Cao Tang

"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for myocarditis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang
Talc (Hua Shi) Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for myocarditis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Gui Zhi Tang
Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for myocarditis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for myocarditis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Gypsum (Shi Gao) Yu Nu Jian | Yu Nu Tang
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Zhi Zi Chi Tang