Influenza in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different influenza patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory illness marked by symptoms like high fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches. It's a widespread condition known for its rapid spread and seasonal peaks. Variations in severity make influenza a public health concern, with potential complications in vulnerable groups.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives influenza beyond a viral infection. In TCM, it's seen as an imbalance of the body's Qi (vital energy) due to external pathogenic factors. The diagnosis and treatment in TCM revolve around identifying and correcting this imbalance.
Commonly, influenza is attributed to external invasions like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, which disrupt the body's Qi harmony, leading to flu symptoms. Treatment approaches, including herbal remedies, acupuncture, and lifestyle adjustments, are tailored to the specific pattern of disharmony in each individual.
Herbal Formulas for Influenza
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address influenza
Xin Yi San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Unblocks the nasal passages
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Bai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Bu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Stabilizes the Exterior
Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases pathogenic evils from the muscle layer
- Clears Interior Heat
- Dispels Wind-Cold
Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the Lessor Yang and Greater Yang Stage
- Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
- Harmonizes the Liver, Spleen and Intestines
- Dispels Water Accumulation
Cong Chi Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Da Qing Long Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Promotes sweating
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Interior Heat
Da Yuan Yin
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Opens the membrane source by thrusting out pathogens
- Clears away filth
- Transforms turbidity
Gui Zhi Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the muscle layer
- Regulates the Nutritive and Protective Qi
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Jia Wei Xiang Su San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Promote sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Jin Fei Cao San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Lung Qi
- Transform Phlegm
- Stop cough and calms wheezing
Jing Fang Bai Du San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior by sweating
- Dispels Wind and Dampness
- Augments Qi
- Reduces pain
Ma Huang Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Clears dryness
- Moistens the Lungs
Ren Shen Bai Du San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Dispels Wind and Dampness
- Augments Qi
Sang Ju Yin
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Shi Shen Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the Exterior
- Regulates Qi
- Descends the Lung Qi
- Relieves coughing
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Dispels Summerheat
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
Yin Qiao San
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Traditional formula for influenza
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Generates Body Fluids
- Strengthens and regulates Qi