Melena Black Tarry Stool in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different melena black tarry stool patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Melena refers to the passage of black, sticky stools, which often indicates the presence of digested blood in the gastrointestinal tract. This condition is a significant symptom in both conventional medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pointing towards potential internal bleeding or other serious digestive system issues. The black and tarry appearance of the stool is a result of blood that has been digested as it passes through the intestines, transforming its color and consistency.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, melena is seen through a holistic lens, indicating an underlying disharmony within the body's energy pathways or organs. TCM posits that this symptom can arise from various patterns of imbalance, such as Qi Stagnation or Heat in the Blood.
Recognizing the specific pattern behind melena is critical for TCM practitioners, as it guides the selection of treatments aimed at restoring balance and addressing the root cause of the symptom.
TCM Patterns for Melena Black Tarry Stool
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Black and tarry stools
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Black and tarry stools
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Blood Stasis
Causes: Black and tarry stools
Qi And Blood Stagnation
Black and tarry stools
Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods, Melasma
Heat
Causes: Black and tarry stools
Heat in the Blood
Black and tarry stools
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Herbal Formulas for Melena Black Tarry Stool
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address melena black tarry stool
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Spreads the Liver Qi
- Unblocks the channels
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Unblocks painful obstruction
- Relieves pain
- Invigorate Qi
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Unblock Channels
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Cold and warm the menstruation Blood
- Stops pain
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood stagnation
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation below the diaphragm
- Stops pain
- Promotes Qi movement
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood
- Alleviates pain
- Harmonizes Blood
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Shi Xiao San
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood
- Dispels Blood Stagnation
- Eases pain
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Qi Li San
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Invigorates Qi
- Reduces swelling and pain
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Dan Shen Yin
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates the Blood and removes Blood Stagnation
- Promote Qi movement
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Guo Qi Yin
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the menses
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Tao Hong Si Wu Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Blood and regulates the Liver
- Moves Qi and Blood in the lower abdomen
- Stops pain
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these melena black tarry stool patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Melena Black Tarry Stool Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Black and tarry stools
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia...