What is Pneumonia?
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.
Causes of Pneumonia According to TCM
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.
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and augment qi
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that drive out excess water
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
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.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
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.
All "formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
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.
All "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
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.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
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.
All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
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.
All "formulas that disperse dryness and moisten" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
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.
All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
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.
All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
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.
All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for pneumonia
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
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 sichuan fritillary bulb as a key herb.
Formulas that vent membrane source
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.
Formulas that warm the Meridians and disperse Cold
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.
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
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.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
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.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
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.
Formulas that dispel Summer-Heat and augment Qi
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.
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
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.
Formulas that drive out excess water
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.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
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.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
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.
External formulas for External disorders
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.
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
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.
Acupoints for Pneumonia
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).
TCM Herbs for Pneumonia
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pneumonia, organized by herb category.
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for pneumonia
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
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 Sichuan 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.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for pneumonia
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
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.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for pneumonia
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for pneumonia
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that cool the Blood
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.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pneumonia
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
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.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
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.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for pneumonia
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
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.
"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
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.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for pneumonia
Herbs that drain Dampness
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.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Pneumonia 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren),
which is directly recommended for pneumonia.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
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.
Herbs that expel parasites
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.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
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.
Herbs that open the Orifices
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.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
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.
