Meningitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Neurological Disorders, Neuralgias and Neuropathies
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Meningitis
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a serious medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can be caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic infections, leading to symptoms such as severe headache, fever, neck stiffness, sensitivity to light, and confusion.
Acute meningitis denotes rapid onset and progression of these symptoms, requiring prompt medical intervention to prevent long-term complications or death.
How does TCM view Meningitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives meningitis not just as an infection but as an imbalance within the body's fundamental elements. According to TCM, symptoms arise from disharmonies between Yin and Yang, blockages in the flow of Qi (vital energy), and disturbances in the balance of the Five Elements.
TCM emphasizes the identification of specific patterns of disharmony underlying the condition, focusing on individualized treatment to restore balance and promote healing.
Causes of Meningitis according to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that may contribute to the development of meningitis, emphasizing the importance of diagnosing the specific disharmony within a patient. For instance, the accumulation of Toxic-Heat and the Stagnation of Qi and Blood can lead to inflammation and symptoms observed in meningitis.
Additionally, Phlegm-Heat obstructing the meridians or Wind-Heat invading the upper body might also be responsible. Understanding these patterns allows TCM practitioners to tailor treatments to the individual's specific needs, targeting the root cause of the illness rather than merely alleviating symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Meningitis
In combating meningitis, TCM relies on a diverse array of formulas designed to address the specific patterns identified in patients. For example, Huang Lian Jie Du Tang and Qing Wen Bai Du Yin are employed to clear Heat and resolve toxicity, targeting the underlying Toxic-Heat pattern commonly associated with meningitis.
Similarly, Bai Hu Tang and Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang are utilized to clear Qi-level Heat, addressing the intense fever and inflammation characteristic of the condition. Furthermore, E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang and Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang may be prescribed to pacify Internal Wind, crucial for patients exhibiting signs of Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency. By selecting the appropriate formula based on the diagnosed pattern, TCM offers a holistic approach to treating meningitis, aiming to restore harmony and balance within the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address meningitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Meningitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, with ox gallstone as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for meningitis
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Meningitis 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 meningitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) |
| Qing Wen Bai Du Yin | Gypsum (Shi Gao), Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) |
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for meningitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bai Hu Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
| Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.
One such formula is E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for meningitis
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from heat trapped at the nutritive level of the body, affecting deeper tissues.
One such formula is Qing Gong Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for meningitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Qing Gong Tang | Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen), Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) |
| Qing Ying Tang | Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) |
Formulas that vent membrane source
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from a combination of deficiency and excess conditions, needing both tonification and purging actions.
One such formula is Huang Long Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
External formulas for External disorders
Meningitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Meningitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address meningitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that open the orifices
Herbs that cool the Blood
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Qing Gong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for meningitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Qing Gong Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Zi Xue Dan |
| Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan | Hui Chun Dan |
| Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) | Qing Gong Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Bai Hu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for meningitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Bai Hu Tang | Qing Wen Bai Du Yin | Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang |
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | Qing Wen Bai Du Yin |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Huang Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Purgative herbs that drain downward" recommended for meningitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Rhubarb (Da Huang) | Huang Long Tang |
| Mirabilites (Mang Xiao) | Huang Long Tang |
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for meningitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
| Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Meningitis 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 meningitis, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for meningitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Chicken Egg Yolks (Ji Zi Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Meningitis 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 meningitis, like Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Meningitis can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for meningitis, like Hui Chun Dan.