Nausea in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different nausea patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Nausea, the unsettling sensation of needing to vomit, is a common discomfort that can precede actual vomiting but doesn't always lead to it. It's an experience that varies in intensity and duration, often described as an uneasy feeling in the stomach. Nausea can be triggered by a multitude of factors, including gastrointestinal issues, pregnancy, motion sickness, and adverse reactions to certain smells or foods. Understanding its origins is crucial for managing this distressing symptom effectively.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives nausea as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's internal landscape. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony responsible for nausea, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the underlying cause to tailor treatment effectively.
According to TCM, nausea often arises from imbalances in the stomach's Qi, indicating either a disturbance in the direction of its flow or an effect of external pathological factors like Dampness or Heat affecting the digestive system.
TCM Patterns for Nausea
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Nausea
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Nausea
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Damp-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension
Damp-Wind
Nausea
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Nausea
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Bloated abdomen
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Nausea
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."
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
Nausea
Along with: Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Generalized fatigue, Diarrhea, Dull pale complexion, Obesity, Infertility, Ovarian cysts, Ovarian fibroids, Polycystic ovary syndrome, Pseudocyesis, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness
Cold-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Damp-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down, Wheezing, Feeling of heaviness, Dizziness, Profuse white sputum, Asthma, Chest distension
Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Phlegm-Heat
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Acid reflux, Abdominal pain, Bloated abdomen
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Nausea
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Liver
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion, Sticky taste in the mouth
Gallbladder Heat
Nausea
Along with: Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Upper abdominal fullness
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Phlegm-Heat
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Stomach Heat or Fire
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Heat in Gall Bladder
Nausea
Along with: Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis, Kidney infection
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Nausea
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Cold invading the Stomach
Nausea
Along with: Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness
Cold-Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
Nausea
Along with: Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit, Diarrhea, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Fatigued extremities
Damp-Cold Phlegm
Nausea
Along with: Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Upper respiratory tract infections, Chronic bronchitis, Emphysema, Goitre
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Nausea
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.
Heart Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Irregular periods, Globus sensation, Pre menstrual breast distension, Pre menstrual tension, Anxiety, Anger, Melasma
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face, Irritability, Upper abdominal distension, Hypochondriac distention, Hypochondriac pain
Stomach Qi Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Qi Rebellion
Qi flowing against its natural direction, typically surging upward when it should descend
Causes: Nausea
Qi Rebellion represents a fundamental disruption in the body's energy flow, where qi moves against its proper direction - like water flowing uphill or smoke sinking downward. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each organ has a natural directional flow for its qi, and when this flow reverses, it creates a cascade of symptoms that shoot upward through the body.
Rebellious Lung Qi
Nausea
Along with: Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
Nausea
Along with: Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Rebellious Stomach Qi
Nausea
Along with: Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Nausea
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Damp-Wind
Nausea
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain, Muscle pain, Feeling of heaviness, Swollen joints
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
Nausea
Along with: Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness, Shortness of breath, Rheumatoid arthritis, Connective tissue disorders, Gouty inflammation
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Nausea
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.
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Nausea
Along with: Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Nausea
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Stomach Blood Stagnation
Nausea
Along with: Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yin Excess
Pathological accumulation of cold, heavy substances causing stagnation, obstruction, and suppression of yang energy with internal cold manifestations
Causes: Nausea
Yin Excess represents patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine where yin-natured pathological substances - cold, phlegm, dampness, and fluids - accumulate excessively in the body, overwhelming yang energy and causing obstruction, stagnation, and cold manifestations throughout the system.
Yin Excess
Nausea
Along with: Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge, Loss of appetite, Pain relieved by heat, Chills, Cold extremities, Pale urine
Herbal Formulas for Nausea
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address nausea
Ban Xia Hou Po Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Moves Qi and Dissipates Nodules
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Dries Dampness
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Heart Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Depression
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Disperses stagnation in the chest and diaphragm
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity...
Damp-Phlegm in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Pale face, Sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Discomfort when lying down...
Damp-Cold Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Palpitations, Dizziness, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Gallbladder Heat
- Harmonizes the Shaoyang
- Clears Damp-Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Resolves Phlegm
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Gallbladder Heat
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Upper abdominal fullness
Heat in Gall Bladder
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Separates and reduces alcohol-Dampness
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Relieves Alcohol Toxicity
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Aromatically Transforms Dampness
- Disperses Wind-Cold from the Exterior
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Strengthens the Spleen and Stops Diarrhea
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Regulates Qi and Harmonizes the Middle Burner
- Dries Dampness
- Stops Vomiting
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Damp-Heat in the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge...
Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Dries Dampness
- Resolves Phlegm
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Vomit, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Focal distention, Profuse white sputum, Anorexia, Peptic ulcer...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Ping Wei San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Moves Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention and Fullness
- Transforms Dampness and Resolves Turbidity
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea...
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face...
Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Descends Qi and calms wheezing
- Resolves Phlegm and Stops Cough
- Disperses Cold and Transforms Phlegm
- Aids the Kidneys in Grasping Qi
- Guides Fire Back to Its Source
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Warms the Middle Burner
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Damp-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Obesity...
Yue Ju Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
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
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Transforms Wind-Phlegm and Stops Spasms
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Calms the Liver and stops dizziness
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Middle and Augments Qi
- Raises sunken Yang
- Lifts Sunken Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat from deficiency (sweet-warm method)
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Cang Er Zi San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Unblocks the Nasal Passages
- Alleviates Pain
- Drains Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Moves Qi and Resolves Stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Phlegm in the Uterus
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Late menstruation, Amenorrhea, Scanty menstruation, Lower abdominal pain, Abdominal heaviness, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Dang Gui Shao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Blood and Softens the Liver
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Promotes Urination
- Relieves Abdominal Pain
- Calms the Fetus
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Obstruction Of the Spleen By Dampness with Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Loss of appetite, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dull shallow face...
Ding Xiang Shi Di Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Middle Burner
- Descends Qi
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Hiccup
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Stomach Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Dysphagia, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Parasites
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Moves Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks Chest Yang and Disperses Bound Knots
- Dispels Wind-Dampness
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Nourishes Yin and clears Heat
- Harmonizes the Nutritive and Defensive Qi
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Swollen and painful joints worsening at night, Joint stiffness, Chills without sweating, Weight loss, Headaches, Dizziness...
Hai Tong Pi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind-Dampness
- Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Reduces Swelling and Alleviates Pain
- Warms the Channels and Disperses Cold
- Softens and Relaxes the Sinews
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from the Qi level
- Cools the Blood
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood and Resolves Macules
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Clears Heat from the Liver and Blood
- Nourishes Blood
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Regulates menstruation
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Jin Fei Cao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Stops Cough
- Warms the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Lung Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Asthma, Vomit, Dizziness, Headaches, Loss of consciousness
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Induces Sweating and Releases the Exterior
- Dispels Wind-Dampness
- Clears Interior Heat
- Relieves Painful Obstruction
- Relieves Headaches
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Hiccup
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Tonifies Qi
- Stops Vomiting
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Ku Shen Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and dries Dampness
- Kills Parasites and Stops Itching
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Liang Fu Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior and Dispels Cold
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Alleviates Pain
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs and Stops Cough
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
- Disperses Cold
- Strengthens the Spleen and Resolves Dampness
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
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
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite...
Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Drains Dampness
- Alleviates Pain
- Releases the Exterior
- Unblocks the Channels and Collaterals
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Transforms Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and stops cough
- Descends Lung Qi and Calms Wheezing
- Dries Dampness and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Lung Heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal oppression, Mucous in feces, Depression
Qing Wei San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stomach Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes Yin
- Resolves Toxicity
- Disperses Depressed Heat
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
San Zi Yang Qin Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the Lungs and Transforms Phlegm-Fluids
- Descends Qi
- Stops Cough and Calms Wheezing
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Loosens the chest and resolves distension
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold-Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Stifling sensation in the chest, Cold extremities, Loss of appetite
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops Diarrhea
- Tonifies Lung Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Dry lips, Generalized fatigue...
Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Qi and Strengthens the Spleen
- Raises sunken Yang
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Dispels Wind-Dampness
- Regulates the Qi Dynamic
- Protects the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Head and body heaviness, Upper abdominal oppression, Diarrhea, Fever not reduced by sweating
Si Ni San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Soothes the Liver and Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Liver and Spleen
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Transmits Yang and unblocks counterflow
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Mildly Purges Heat Accumulation
- Softens Hardness and Moistens Dryness
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Clears Interior Heat
- Promotes Bowel Movement
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates Qi and Transforms Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder and Stomach Heat
- Dries Dampness
- Stops vomiting and eliminates irritability
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Wu Ling San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Drains Dampness
- Warms Yang and Transforms Qi
- Releases the Exterior
- Supplements Earth to Control Water
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Pi Yin
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes Urination and Reduces Edema
- Transforms Dampness and Moves Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Descends Lung Qi to open the water pathways
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Yin Excess
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Absence of thirst, Slow and forceful movement, Epigastric pain worsen by pressure, Polyuria, Feeling of chest oppression, Excessive vaginal discharge...
Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
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
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Cold invading the Stomach
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Severe upper abdominal pain, Chills, Cold extremities, Desire for hot beverages and foods, Vomiting clear liquid, Feeling worse after drinking cold drinks
Xiang Ru San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and Resolves Summerheat
- Disperses Cold
- Transforms Dampness
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold with Interior Dampness in Summer
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Chills with warm skin, Lack of sweating, Heavy sensation in the head, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Vomit...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and Stops Itching
- Clears Heat
- Drains Dampness
- Nourishes Blood
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Wind
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Excessive sweating, Occipital stiffness, Body pain...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
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
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat from the Spleen and Stomach
- Clears Heat and Drains Fire from the Middle Burner
- Disperses Depressed Heat
- Awakens the Spleen and Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xing Su San
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Gently disperses Cool Dryness
- Diffuses Lung Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Stops Cough
- Releases the Exterior
- Resolves Phlegm-Fluid Retention
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Descends Qi
- Resolves Phlegm
- Tonifies Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Eliminates Focal Distention
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Rebellious Qi
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hiccups, Belching, Vomit, Coughing, Asthma
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Blood and Dispels Stasis
- Moves Qi and Alleviates Pain
- Opens the Chest and Disperses Stagnation
- Courses the Liver and Resolves Constraint
- Guides Herbs and Blood Downward
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Blood Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Nocturnal epigastric pain, Abdominal pain worsened by pressure, Nausea or vomiting, Potential vomiting of blood, Hematochezia
Yi Guan Jian
Addresses these nausea patterns:
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
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Liver Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Chest distension, Upper abdominal distension, Abdominal distention, Sighing, Melancholia...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Drains Dampness
- Clears Damp-Heat and Resolves Jaundice
- Promotes Bowel Movement
- Benefits the Gallbladder
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite...
Zuo Jin Wan
Addresses these nausea patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire
- Directs Rebellious Qi Downward and Stops Vomiting
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Drains Dampness
- Disperses Accumulations and Dissipates Nodules
Addresses These Nausea Pattern Variations
Stomach Qi Stagnation
How it manifests:
Nausea
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal distension, Belching, Vomit, Hiccups, Irritability
Bao He Wan
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Harmonizes the Stomach
- Moves Qi
- Transforms Dampness
- Clears Heat from food stagnation
Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Promotes Digestion and Resolves Food Stagnation
- Clears Heat and Drains Dampness
- Moves Qi and Relieves Distension
- Purges Heat and Unblocks the Bowels
- Dries Dampness in the Intestines
Gua Di San
Traditional formula for nausea
Main Actions
- Induces Vomiting to Expel Phlegm
- Expels pathogenic factors from the chest
- Unblocks Qi Stagnation in the Upper Jiao