Swellingaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses
Sub-symptom(s): Early Stage Swelling
Did you mean? Lumps
What is Swelling?
Swelling is the enlargement or bulging of a part of the body, typically resulting from fluid accumulation or inflammation. It can occur in response to an injury, infection, or due to underlying conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. Swelling can affect any part of the body, though it's most commonly observed in the extremities, face, and abdomen. Recognizing the cause of swelling is crucial for effective treatment, as it can range from benign and temporary to indicative of more serious health issues.
How does TCM view Swelling?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, identifying the pattern behind symptoms like swelling is crucial because it reflects the underlying imbalances within the body's Qi, Body Fluids, and organ systems. A pattern is more than a diagnosis; it's a holistic understanding of disharmony that guides personalized treatment strategies.
Recognizing the specific pattern, whether it involves Heat, Dampness, or Qi Stagnation, allows for targeted interventions that aim to restore balance and health, illustrating the depth of TCM's approach to healing.
Root Causes of Swelling in TCM
In the realm of Traditional Chinese Medicine, swelling is often a manifestation of Toxic-Heat, a condition where excessive Heat and toxins accumulate in the body, leading to inflammation and fluid buildup. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as fever, redness, and pus, indicating a significant imbalance that requires cooling and detoxifying remedies.
Explore below more details about what might cause Swelling according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Heat
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 Swelling
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Toxic-Heat | Swellings, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Bai Hu Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Shi Wei Bai Du San | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Zi Dang Gao | Er Qing Gao | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Swelling
To address the challenges posed by Toxic-Heat, TCM turns to time-tested formulas and herbs known for their cooling and purifying properties. Yin Qiao San, featuring Honeysuckle flowers (Jin Yin Hua), is highly esteemed for its ability to clear Heat and eliminate toxins, effectively reducing swelling and associated discomfort.
Similarly, Sang Ju Yin, with Mulberry leaves (Sang Ye) as a primary ingredient, is adept at expelling Wind-Heat, providing relief from symptoms while targeting the root cause of the condition. Through these targeted herbal strategies, TCM aims to restore the body's natural harmony, highlighting its holistic approach to health and healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address swelling, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
Top Formula for Heat:
Yin Qiao San
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause swelling, such as Toxic-Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Swelling Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
| Sang Ju Yin | Toxic-Heat |
| Bai Hu Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat |
| Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Toxic-Heat |
| Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
| Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for swelling
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
| Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear external abscesses and sores" recommended for swelling
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for swelling
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Ying Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for swelling
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jie 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 swelling
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Sang Ju Yin, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some swelling-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Swelling
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address swelling, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that open the orifices
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Swelling 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 Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
| Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao) | Zi Dang Gao |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Er Qing Gao |
| Bistort Rhizomes (Quan Shen) | Not applicable |
| Exsiccated Sodium Sulfate (Xuan Ming Fen) | Not applicable |
| Japanese Cherry Barks (Ying Pi) | Not applicable |
| Semiaquilegia Root Tubers (Tian Kui Zi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Swelling 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 swelling, like Huang Lian Jie Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for swelling
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Swelling 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 swelling, like Sang Ju Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sang Ju Yin |
| Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) | Sang Ju Yin |
| Greater Burdock Roots (Niu Bang Gen) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Swelling 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 Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Shi Wei Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Swelling 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 Chinese Sage Herb (Shi Jian Chuan), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Sage Herb (Shi Jian Chuan) | Not applicable |
| Leeches (Shui Zhi) | Not applicable |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Swelling 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 Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao) | Not applicable |
| Gleditsia Thorns (Zao Jiao Ci) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Swelling 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 Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Qing Ying Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
| Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye) | Er Qing Gao |
Herbs for external application
Swelling can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Borax (Peng Sha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Bing Peng San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs for external application" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Borax (Peng Sha) | Bing Peng San |
| Minium (Qian Dan) | Not applicable |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Swelling 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 Scorpions (Quan Xie), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Scorpions (Quan Xie) | Not applicable |
| Silkworms (Jiang Can) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Swelling 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 swelling, like Bai Hu 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 swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Bai Hu Tang |
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Swelling 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 Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for swelling
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Swelling can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Garden Balsam Stems (Tou Gu Cao), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Swelling 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 Mirabilites (Mang Xiao), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Swelling 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 Silktree Albizia Barks (He Huan Pi), which is directly recommended for swelling.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Swelling 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Zi Dang Gao.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Swelling 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 Borneol (Bing Pian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for swelling, like Bing Peng San.