What is Pulmonary Tuberculosis?
Pulmonary tuberculosis, commonly referred to as lung TB, is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can spread to other organs of the body. Characterized by symptoms such as a persistent cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats, pulmonary TB is a condition with significant global health implications. Despite advancements in treatment, it remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, particularly in areas with limited healthcare resources.
How does TCM view Pulmonary Tuberculosis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pulmonary tuberculosis through a lens vastly different from Western medicine, focusing on the balance of Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin, and Yang within the body. TCM identifies pulmonary TB as a symptom of underlying imbalances and disharmony, often categorizing it under traditional syndromes such as Lung Dryness, Yin Deficiency, and Qi Deficiency. By assessing the specific patterns of disharmony in each individual, TCM aims to restore balance and health through a holistic treatment approach, emphasizing the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes of the condition.
Causes of Pulmonary Tuberculosis According to TCM
In TCM, pulmonary tuberculosis is attributed to several core imbalances, such as Lung Yin Deficiency and Qi Deficiency, which can lead to the body's decreased resistance to external pathogenic factors. Yin Deficiency, for instance, manifests through symptoms like dry cough and low-grade fever, indicating a lack of nourishing and cooling fluids in the body.
Qi Deficiency results in a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. TCM treatments focus on nourishing Yin and bolstering Qi to combat these deficiencies, aiming to enhance the body's natural healing capabilities and resistance to disease.
To address the complex patterns associated with pulmonary tuberculosis, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas. For Lung Yin Deficiency, formulas such as Bai He Gu Jin Tang and Bu Fei E Jiao Tang are utilized to nourish Lung Yin and moisten the lungs.
To strengthen the body's vital energy and combat Qi Deficiency, formulas like Bu Fei Tang and Ren Shen Ge Jie San are prescribed, focusing on enhancing lung function and boosting the immune system. Additionally, to address symptoms like coughing up blood, Ke Xie Fang and Shi Hui San are used to stop bleeding and clear Heat from the Blood. These formulas, carefully selected based on the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, demonstrate TCM's nuanced and personalized approach to treating pulmonary tuberculosis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pulmonary tuberculosis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that stop bleeding
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that stabilize exterior and stop sweating
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Formulas that tonify Qi
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 Fei Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Formulas that stop bleeding
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Ke Xie Fang, with natural indigo as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that stop bleeding" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 middle and dispel Cold
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that stabilize Exterior and stop sweating
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from a weakness in the body's exterior defense, leading to spontaneous sweating.
One such formula is Mu Li San, with oyster shells as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to an imbalance where yin deficiency leads to a false heat syndrome.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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.
TCM Herbs for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pulmonary tuberculosis, organized by herb category.
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear yin deficiency heat
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 Natural Indigo (Qing Dai),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Ke Xie Fang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 Ginseng (Ren Shen),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Herbs that stop bleeding
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Japanese Thistle (Da Ji),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Shi Hui San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Herbs that cool the Blood
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
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 pulmonary tuberculosis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Ke Xie Fang.
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 pulmonary tuberculosis
Herbs that clear Yin Deficiency Heat
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these herbs if it results from a deficiency of Yin, which manifests as false heat symptoms, working to nourish Yin and lower heat.
One such herb is Chinese Holly Leaves (Gong Lao Ye),
which is directly recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bei Mu Gua Lou San.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Bu Fei E Jiao Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Pulmonary tuberculosis 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 pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Mu Li San.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Pulmonary tuberculosis can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for pulmonary tuberculosis,
like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
