Pneumonia is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, often due to an infection. It can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia symptoms range from mild to severe and can include coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
The condition encompasses various forms, such as viral pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and lobar pneumonia. It's critical for effective treatment that the type and severity of pneumonia are accurately diagnosed.
TCM Perspective on Pneumonia
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pneumonia not just as a lung infection but as an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and other fundamental substances in the body. TCM practitioners often view pneumonia as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold invading the body and disrupting the normal functioning of the Lungs.
The diagnosis and treatment in TCM depend on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, such as Lung Heat or Phlegm Dampness, and treating it with a combination of herbs, acupuncture, and other holistic methods.
In TCM, pneumonia's root causes are often linked to the invasion of external pathogens and internal imbalances. For example, the invasion of Wind-Cold can lead to Lung Qi Stagnation, manifesting as cough and Phlegm.
Another common TCM pattern seen in pneumonia cases is Phlegm Heat, where Heat in the Lungs produces thick Phlegm and leads to inflammation. TCM looks at the individual's overall constitution and symptoms to determine the underlying cause and tailor the treatment accordingly.
TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas for treating pneumonia, each suited to different underlying patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with its key herb Kudzu Roots, are used for Damp-Heat conditions.
For cases with an underlying Deficiency, Yu Ping Feng San, which includes Milkvetch Roots, is often prescribed to tonify Qi. In situations where Heat and Phlegm are predominant, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with ingredients like Arisaema With Bile, is selected to clear Heat and transform Phlegm. The choice of herbs is highly individualized, taking into account the patient’s unique presentation of symptoms.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pneumonia, organized by formula type.
Pneumonia can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Liang Ge San | Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) |
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
Shi Gao Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang | Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) |
Xiao Chai Hu Tang | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Pneumonia 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.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Ma Huang Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Da Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
Pneumonia 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 Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with arisaema with bile as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan | Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) |
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang | Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) |
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) |
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang | Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen), Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) |
Pneumonia 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 Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang | |
Da Cheng Qi Tang | Rhubarb (Da Huang) |
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Zhi Zi Chi Tang | Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) |
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
Pneumonia can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Zi Xue Dan | Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), Musk (She Xiang) |
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan | Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) |
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.
One such formula is Bei Mu Gua Lou San, with fritillary bulb as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it results from cold obstructing the meridians, leading to pain or stiffness, requiring warming and dispersing actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang, with saiga antelope's horns as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Pneumonia 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.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when there's a combination of weakened vital energy and the effects of summer heat, requiring both cooling and energy boosting.
One such formula is Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang, with american ginseng as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it originates from a wind-heat invasion.
One such formula is Sang Ju Yin, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it is a consequence of accumulated excess water or fluid in the body, demanding diuretic actions to promote its expulsion.
One such formula is Shi Zao Tang, with kansui root as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Wei Jing Tang, with common reed rhizome as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Xie Bai San, with mulberry bark as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Pneumonia can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
Acupuncture, another key aspect of TCM, involves stimulating specific points to restore balance and health. For pneumonia, points like Feishu BL-13 are commonly used. Located near the spine, these points are believed to directly influence lung health, helping to tonify Lung Qi, nourish Lung Yin, clear Lung Heat, and expel pathogenic factors like Wind. The selection of acupoints is based on the patient's specific TCM diagnosis and is often used in conjunction with herbal treatment for a more holistic approach.
See more details below about Feishu BL-13, an acupoint used to address pneumonia.
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pneumonia, organized by herb category.
Pneumonia 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 Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San | Liang Ge San |
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) | Not applicable |
Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao) | Not applicable |
Perennial Buckwheat Roots (Jin Qiao Mai) | Not applicable |
Isatis Leaf (Da Qing Ye) | Not applicable |
Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) | Not applicable |
Pneumonia 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 Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Shi Gao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Shi Gao Tang | Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang |
Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen) | Wei Jing Tang |
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
Watermelons (Xi Gua) | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang |
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Zhi Zi Chi Tang |
Pneumonia 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 Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Bei Mu Gua Lou San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) | Bei Mu Gua Lou San |
Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) | Xiao Xian Xiong Tang |
Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
Snake Gourd Roots (Tian Hua Fen) | Not applicable |
Pneumonia 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 pneumonia, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Mai Men Dong Tang | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Not applicable |
Monk Fruits (Luo Han Guo) | Not applicable |
Pneumonia 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 pneumonia, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang | Sang Ju Yin | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Xiao Chai Hu Tang |
Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) | Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang |
Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) | Sang Ju Yin |
Pneumonia 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 pneumonia, like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) | Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang |
Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan) | Not applicable |
Pneumonia 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 Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Xie Bai San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) | Xie Bai San |
Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Zi Xue Dan |
Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan |
Pneumonia 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 pneumonia, like Ma Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Ma Huang Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Da Qing Long Tang |
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang |
Pneumonia 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 Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang |
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang |
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Shi Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) | Shi Zao Tang |
Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) | Shi Zao Tang |
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Aster Roots (Zi Wan), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Zhi Sou San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |
Pneumonia 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 Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), which is directly recommended for pneumonia.
Pneumonia 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 Platycodon Roots (Jie Geng), which is directly recommended for pneumonia.
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs if it arises from parasitic infections, utilizing their properties to eliminate parasites from the body.
One such herb is Male Fern Rhizomes (Guan Zhong), which is directly recommended for pneumonia.
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Shi Zao Tang.
Pneumonia can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pneumonia, like Zi Xue Dan.
Pneumonia 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 pneumonia, like Da Cheng Qi Tang.