Hepatitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hepatitis patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the liver. This condition can result from various causes, including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, alcohol abuse, and certain medications. Hepatitis can be acute, with a sudden onset, or chronic, persisting for more than six months. Symptoms of hepatitis often include jaundice, fatigue, abdominal pain, and abnormal liver function tests. Early detection and appropriate treatment are crucial to managing hepatitis and preventing severe liver damage.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hepatitis is seen through the lens of patterns of disharmony rather than as a singular disease entity. TCM practitioners believe that symptoms of hepatitis arise from underlying imbalances in the body's Qi, Blood, and other vital substances. Identifying the correct pattern of disharmony is essential for effective treatment, as it allows for a personalized approach that addresses both the symptoms and their root causes.
TCM Patterns for Hepatitis
Qi Deficiency
Insufficient vital energy causing fatigue, weakness, poor digestion, and reduced function of organs and protective systems
Causes: Intermittent fever that worsens upon exertion, Spontaneous sweating, Aversion to cold, Thirst for warm drinks, Edema, General sensation of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary difficulty, Unremitting belching, Hiccuping, Regurgitation, Nausea or vomiting, Hard epigastric focal distention, Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurred vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale complexion, Poor appetite, Loose stools, Belching, Abdominal distension, Lower abdominal pain, Vomiting, Abdominal pain, Feeling of fullness, Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Gas, Bloating, Poor digestion, Swollen complexion, Obesity, Overweight, Spontaneous daytime sweating, Aversion to speak, General weakness, Fatigue, Pale face, Palpitations, Poor memory, Insomnia, Numbness in the limbs, Numbness in the skin
Qi Deficiency is a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's vital energy is insufficient to maintain normal physiological functions, leading to weakness, fatigue, and various organ dysfunctions.
Qi Deficiency Fever
Intermittent fever that worsens upon exertion, Spontaneous sweating, Aversion to cold, Thirst for warm drinks
Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
Edema, General sensation of heaviness, Diarrhea, Urinary difficulty
Stomach Qi Deficiency with Phelgm
Unremitting belching, Hiccuping, Regurgitation, Nausea or vomiting, Hard epigastric focal distention
Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency
Dizziness, Unsteadiness, Blurred vision, Deafness, Tinnitus, Shortness of breath, Weak voice, Pale complexion, Poor appetite, Loose stools, Belching, Abdominal distension, Lower abdominal pain, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Abdominal pain, Feeling of fullness
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Gas, Bloating, Poor digestion, Swollen complexion, Obesity, Overweight
Spleen Qi Deficiency
Slight abdominal distension after eating, Lassitude, Desire to lie down, Slight abdominal pain, Gas, Bloating, Poor digestion, Swollen complexion, Obesity, Overweight
Lung Qi Deficiency
Spontaneous daytime sweating, Aversion to speak
Qi and Blood Deficiency
General weakness, Fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Aversion to speak, Poor appetite, Numbness in the limbs, Numbness in the skin
Blood Deficiency
Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system
Causes: Chest fullness, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor appetite, Irregular menstruation, Leukorrhea, Breast distention, Vertigo, Alternating fever and chills
Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.
Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen
Chest fullness, Chest pain, Anemia, Dizziness, Headaches, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor appetite, Irregular menstruation, Leukorrhea, Breast distention, Vertigo, Alternating fever and chills
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Throbbing pulsations just below the umbilicus, Vomiting frothy saliva, Vertigo, Shortness of breath, Coughing, Epigastric focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaves or vomiting, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Poor appetite, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Muzziness of the head, Dizziness, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Phlegm in throat, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness of the head and body, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Phlegm in the Lower Burner
Throbbing pulsations just below the umbilicus, Vomiting frothy saliva, Vertigo, Shortness of breath, Coughing
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Epigastric focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaves or vomiting, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Poor appetite
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Epigastric focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Dry heaves or vomiting, Borborygmi with diarrhea, Poor appetite
Phlegm
Feeling of oppression of the chest, Muzziness of the head, Dizziness
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Phlegm in throat, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness of the head and body, Dizziness, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness or vertigo, Dream disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams, Palpitations, Anxiety, Indeterminate gnawing hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum, Coughing, Hypochondrium fullness, Dizziness, Headaches, Depression, Listlessness, Moving pain, Intermittent epigastric pain, Hernial pain, Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks, Irritability, Feeling of distension, Moving distending pain, Mood swings, Frequent sighing, HypochondriaI distension, Chest distension, Epigastrium distension, Abdomen distension, Sighing, Melancholy, Moodiness, Irregular menstruation, Feeling of lump in the throat, Premenstrual breast distension, Premenstrual tension, Anger, Melasma
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat
Nausea or vomiting, Dizziness or vertigo, Dream disturbed sleep with strange or unusual dreams, Palpitations, Anxiety, Indeterminate gnawing hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Slight thirst, Coughing of copious thick yellow sputum
Lung Qi Deficiency and Liver Qi Stagnation
Coughing, Hypochondrium fullness, Dizziness, Headaches, Depression, Listlessness, Moving pain
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Intermittent epigastric pain, Hernial pain, Painful periods that get worse with hot food or drinks, Irritability, Bitter taste in the mouth
Qi Stagnation
Feeling of distension, Moving distending pain, Depression, Irritability, Mood swings, Frequent sighing
Liver Qi Stagnation
HypochondriaI distension, Chest distension, Epigastrium distension, Abdomen distension, Sighing, Melancholy, Depression, Moodiness, Mood swings, Irregular menstruation, Feeling of lump in the throat, Premenstrual breast distension, Premenstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Heat in Gall Bladder
Causes: Mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Spitting up bitter or sour fluids, Thirst, Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Nausea, Epigastrium fullness
Heat in Gall Bladder
Mild chills alternating with pronounced fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Spitting up bitter or sour fluids, Thirst, Distention and pain in the chest and hypochondria, Nausea, Epigastrium fullness
Heat in Yang brightness Organs
Causes: Severe constipation, Flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain that increases upon pressure, Tense and firm abdomen
Heat in Yang brightness Organs
Severe constipation, Flatulence, Focal distention, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain that increases upon pressure, Tense and firm abdomen
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Can cause hepatitis
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Heat in the Blood
Causes: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding episodes, Bloody sputum, Bloody stools, Bloody urine, Vomiting of blood, Cough of blood, Bloody nose, Heavy periods
Heat in the Blood
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding episodes, Bloody sputum, Bloody stools, Bloody urine, Vomiting of blood, Cough of blood, Bloody nose, Heavy periods
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Diminished hearing, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches, Insomnia, Numbness in the limbs, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurred vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Dry skin, Withered and brittle nails, Dry vagina, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emissions, Scanty periods, Amenorrhea, Delayed period, Infertility, Melasma
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Diminished hearing, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headaches, Insomnia, Numbness in the limbs, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurred vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Dry skin, Withered and brittle nails, Dry vagina, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emissions, Scanty periods, Amenorrhea, Delayed period, Infertility, Melasma
Herbal Formulas for Hepatitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hepatitis
Ba Zhen Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Nourishes Blood
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Tonifies Heart Qi
- Tonifies the Liver
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Disperses clumping and eliminates focal distention
- Harmonizes Cold and Heat
- Opens with acrid and descends with bitter
- Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi
Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Warms Yang and Transforms Fluid Retention
- Disperses Cold
- Nourishes Yin and Generates Fluids
- Dissipates Nodules and Softens Hardness
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Dan Shen Yin
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Moves Qi
- Alleviates Pain
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi
- Relaxes Spasms and Relieves Urgency
- Tonifies Qi and Generates Blood
- Warms Yang and Disperses Cold
- Harmonizes the Nutritive and Defensive Qi
Jin Ling Zi San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Drains Heat
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
San Ren Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Promotes Qi Movement in the San Jiao
- Transforms Dampness
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Diffuses Lung Qi
Wan Dai Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Astringes to Stop Vaginal Discharge
- Raises Clear Yang
- Moves Qi
Wu Ling San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Nourishes Yin
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Supports the Upright and Dispels Pathogens
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Broadens the Chest and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi and Resolves Binding
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Xiao Yao San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Strengthens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Middle
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Transforms Turbidity
- Resolves Toxicity
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Benefits the Throat and Reduces Swelling
Da Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Interior Heat
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Mildly Purges Heat Accumulation
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Eliminates distention and disperses clumping
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Drains Dampness
- Clears Damp-Heat and Resolves Jaundice
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Benefits the Gallbladder
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Vigorously Purges Heat Accumulation
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Softens Hardness and Moistens Dryness
- Clears interior Heat from the Yangming
Di Dang Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Breaks Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Purges accumulated Blood from the Lower Burner
- Clears Heat from the Blood Level
- Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals
- Promotes Menstruation
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Resolves Phlegm
- Moves Qi
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Disperses Accumulations and Dissipates Nodules
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
Yi Guan Jian
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes Liver and Kidney Yin
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Generates Fluids
- Courses the Liver and Drains Heat
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi
- Raises sunken Yang
- Lifts Sunken Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat from deficiency (sweet-warm method)
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Harmonizes the Nutritive and Defensive Qi
- Releases the Exterior and Warms the Interior
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Spleen and Stomach
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Transforms and Expels Blood Stasis
- Invigorates Blood and Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals
- Clears Heat from Blood Stasis
- Nourishes Yin and Blood
- Removes Stasis and Generates New Blood
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach and Stops Vomiting
- Regulates Qi and resolves turbidity
- Calms the Spirit and Relieves Restlessness
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
- Supplements Liver and Spleen Yin
- Benefits Essence and Fills the Marrow
- Clears Deficiency Heat
- Drains Dampness and Resolves Turbidity
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops Diarrhea
- Tonifies Lung Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Si Jun Zi Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Promotes transportation and transformation
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood and Calms the Spirit
- Clears deficiency Heat and eliminates irritability
- Nourishes Liver Blood
- Calms the Heart and Quiets the Spirit
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Wei Ling Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Transforms Water-Dampness
Wen Dan Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Dries Dampness
- Stops vomiting and eliminates irritability
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner and tonifies deficiency
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Warms the Liver Channel and Dispels Cold
- Warms the Interior and Dispels Cold
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Relaxes Spasms and Relieves Urgency
- Harmonizes Yin and Yang
- Nourishes the Spleen and Stomach
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Tonifies Qi and Generates Blood
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Xuan Fu Hua Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Warms and Unblocks Yang
- Opens the Chest and Disperses Stagnation
- Descends Qi and Resolves Binding
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
Yue Ju Wan
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Resolves the Six Stagnations (Liu Yu)
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Dries Dampness and strengthens the Spleen
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Clears Heat from the Three Burners
- Cools the Blood
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Clears Heat from the Three Burners
- Cools the Blood
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Nodules
- Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Abscesses
Lian Po Yin
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Dries Dampness
- Stops Vomiting
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Drains excess Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
- Clears Heat from the Liver channel
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Nourishes Blood and Yin to prevent damage from bitter cold
Ping Wei San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Moves Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
- Transforms Dampness and Resolves Turbidity
Ren Shen Bai Du San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Drains Dampness
- Tonifies Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Alleviates Pain
- Resolves Phlegm
Liang Ge San
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Clears Upper Jiao Heat
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire from the Middle Burner
- Resolves Toxicity
- Clears Heat from the Chest and Diaphragm
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Traditional formula for hepatitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Resolves Toxicity
- Disperses Wind-Heat
- Disperses Swelling and Dissipates Nodules
- Benefits the Throat
- Vents pathogenic factors from the Upper Burner