Acute Viral Hepatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Viral Infections, Hepatitis and Liver Conditions
Parent symptom: Viral Hepatitis
Did you mean? Acute Icteric Hepatitis
What is Acute Viral Hepatitis?
Acute Viral Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infection with one of several viruses. It is characterized by symptoms like jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal discomfort. Acute Viral Hepatitis can vary in severity from a mild illness lasting a few weeks to a severe, lifelong condition.
It can be caused by different hepatitis viruses (A, B, C, D, and E), with each type having distinct modes of transmission and effects on the liver. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent serious liver damage.
How Does TCM View Acute Viral Hepatitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives Acute Viral Hepatitis as a condition where pathogenic factors such as Dampness and Heat invade the Liver and Gallbladder, disrupting the normal flow of Qi and Blood. TCM focuses on restoring balance by clearing Heat, eliminating Dampness, and regulating Qi.
It emphasizes treating the underlying disharmony patterns in the body that contribute to the illness, viewing each case as unique based on the individual's constitution and symptoms.
Causes of Acute Viral Hepatitis According to TCM
TCM identifies several causes for Acute Viral Hepatitis, primarily involving imbalances in the liver's functions. One common pattern is Damp-Heat invading the Liver and Gallbladder, leading to symptoms like jaundice and abdominal pain.
Another pattern involves Toxic-Heat accumulating in the body, affecting the liver's ability to function properly. Treatment strategies in TCM aim to clear Heat, detoxify the body, dispel Dampness, and support the Liver to restore health and balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Viral Hepatitis
In TCM, specific herbal formulas are prescribed based on the diagnosed pattern of disharmony. For patterns involving Damp-Heat and Heat toxins, formulas like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, which include Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), are commonly used. Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), is another formula used to address Toxic-Heat.
Lian Po Yin can treat Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, while Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, featuring Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), is effective for Damp-Heat in the Liver. Ping Wei San, including Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), is used for Cold-Damp invading the Spleen. These formulas work synergistically to target the underlying patterns causing the disease, aiming for a holistic healing approach.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute viral hepatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for acute viral hepatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is Lian Po Yin, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Acute Viral Hepatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute viral hepatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute viral hepatitis, like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for acute viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Lian Po Yin |
| Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao) | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang |
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute viral hepatitis, like Lian Po Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for acute viral hepatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Lian Po Yin |
| Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Ping Wei San |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Acute viral hepatitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute viral hepatitis, like Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.