Tonsillitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different tonsillitis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils, two lymph nodes located at the back of the throat. It's a common condition that can present as swollen tonsils, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever.
The inflammation can be acute, appearing suddenly and lasting a short time, or chronic, persisting over a longer period. It often results from viral or bacterial infections, with streptococcal bacteria being a frequent cause. The severity and treatment of tonsillitis can vary, highlighting the importance of understanding its underlying causes.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches tonsillitis as a disorder arising from an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and an invasion of external pathogens such as Wind, Heat, Toxic, or Dampness.
TCM emphasizes the significance of identifying the specific disharmony within the body to tailor an effective treatment. It views tonsillitis as not just a localized throat issue but as a symptom of a broader systemic imbalance, necessitating a holistic approach to restore the body's harmony and immune function.
Herbal Formulas for Tonsillitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address tonsillitis
Shi Gao Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Releases the Exterior
Xie Xin Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Dries Dampness
Zhi Zi Chi Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Alleviates restlessness and irritability
Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Regulates the flow of Qi,
- Clears Phlegm
- Treats esophageal spasm
- Descends Rebellious Qi
- Dissipates clumps
- Relieves Stagnation
Da Huang Fu Zi Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Warms the Interior
- Disperses Cold
- Unblocks the bowels
- Alleviates pain
Ge Gen Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior and muscle layer
- Forms Body Fluids
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Liang Ge San
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner
- Draining the Middle Burner
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Unblocks the stool
- Benefits the throat
Sang Ju Yin
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)
- Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions
- Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold
Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Improves throat
- Resolves toxicity
- Clears the Lungs
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Yin Qiao San
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Tonifies and warms Kidney Yang
Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Clears Heat
- Induces Sweating
- Releases the Exterior
Xiang Ru San
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Scatters Cold
- Transforms Dampness
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Zi Xue Dan
Traditional formula for tonsillitis
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind