Sore Throat in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different sore throat patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
A sore throat is a common affliction characterized by pain, scratchiness, or irritation of the throat, often worsened by swallowing. This discomfort can be the result of viral infections, bacterial infections, allergens, or environmental irritants.
Synonyms such as pharyngitis or tonsillitis may be used depending on the specific area of the throat that is inflamed. Chronic sore throat might indicate recurring or persistent issues, signaling deeper health concerns or the need for a comprehensive medical evaluation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches sore throat as a symptom arising from imbalances within the body's energy system. Unlike Western medicine, which often isolates symptoms, TCM considers a sore throat as a sign of underlying disharmonies, such as Heat, Wind, or Dryness invading the body.
TCM emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the sore throat. Treatment strategies involve rebalancing the body's Qi (vital energy), nourishing Yin, and clearing away the pathogenic factors responsible for the symptom.
TCM Patterns for Sore Throat
Heat
Causes: Sore throat
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
Sore throat
Along with: Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat, Dry cough, Aversion to cold, Dry mouth
Toxic-Heat
Sore throat
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Sore throat
Along with: Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Wind-Heat
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling
Wind
Causes: Sore throat
Dry-Wind
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Dry cough, Dry tongue
Wind-Cold
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum
Wind-Heat
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Thirst, Tonsil swelling
Dryness
Causes: Sore throat
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
Sore throat
Along with: Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat, Dry cough, Aversion to cold, Dry mouth
Dry-Wind
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Dry cough, Dry tongue
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Chronic sore throat
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
Chronic sore throat
Along with: Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache, Insomnia, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Dry throat, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Withered and brittle nails, Vaginal dryness, Night sweats, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Late menstruation, Infertility, Melasma
Cold
Causes: Sore throat
Wind-Cold
Sore throat
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache, Occipital stiffness, Congested nose, White and watery sputum
Herbal Formulas for Sore Throat
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address sore throat
Sang Xing Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears and disperses Dryness
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Dry-Wind
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry mouth, Dry throat...
Cong Chi Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears dryness
- Moistens the Lungs
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Jing Fang Bai Du San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior by sweating
- Dispels Wind and Dampness
- Augments Qi
- Reduces pain
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Xing Su San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Thirst, Excessive sweating, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Ma Huang Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases exterior cold
- Treats wheezing
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum...
Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Induces sweating
- Dispels Dampness
- Expels Wind-Cold
- Clears Interior Heat
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Jia Wei Xiang Su San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Promote sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Shi Shen Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases pathogens from the Exterior
- Regulates Qi
- Descends the Lung Qi
- Relieves coughing
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Jin Fei Cao San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind-Cold
- Descends Lung Qi
- Transform Phlegm
- Stop cough and calms wheezing
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum...
Wu Ji San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Warms the Interior
- Smoothes the flow of Qi
- Transforms Phlegm
- Invigorates the Blood
- Reduces Stagnation
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital headache...
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Vents rashes
- Clears
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Blood
- Relieves skin itchness
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Releases the Exterior
- Drains Heat
- Unblocks the bowels
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Chronic sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Ming Mu Di Huang Wan
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Liver
- Enriches the Kidneys
- Improves the vision
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Chronic sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Vertical headaches, Occipital headache...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Throat pain, Eczema...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Throat pain, Eczema...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these sore throat patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Sore Throat Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Sore throat
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...