Ulcerative Colitisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Gastrointestinal Ulcers, Inflammatory Bowel Disorders
Parent symptom: Colitis
What is Ulcerative Colitis?
Ulcerative Colitis is a chronic condition characterized by inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum. It is a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) that can cause persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.
The inflammation typically occurs in a continuous stretch of the colon, starting from the rectum. This condition varies in severity and can significantly impact an individual's quality of life. Accurate diagnosis and effective management are key to controlling symptoms and achieving long-term remission.
How does TCM view Ulcerative Colitis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ulcerative colitis is seen through a holistic lens, emphasizing the balance of the body's internal environment. TCM interprets this condition as a manifestation of disharmony within the body's organs, primarily the Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, and an imbalance of Qi (vital energy), Blood, and Body Fluids.
Factors such as emotional stress, dietary habits, and environmental conditions are considered contributory to the disruption of these systems. TCM treatments aim to restore harmony and balance, addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of the disease.
Causes of Ulcerative Colitis according to TCM
TCM attributes the causes of ulcerative colitis to several patterns of disharmony, including Yang Deficiency, where a lack of warming and activating energy leads to cold accumulating in the Stomach, or Damp-Heat, where excessive Heat and moisture in the body cause inflammation and ulcers.
Another common pattern involves Blood Stagnation, where the Blood flow in the body is impeded, causing pain and swelling. These TCM patterns underline the importance of diagnosing the specific imbalances within each individual to tailor the treatment effectively.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Ulcerative Colitis
To address the complex patterns of imbalance causing ulcerative colitis, TCM employs a variety of herbal formulas. For conditions marked by Yang Deficiency and cold, Li Zhong Wan and Wu Zhu Yu Tang are prescribed to warm the middle and dispel cold, enhancing the Yang energy in the body.
In cases where Damp-Heat prevails in the Large Intestine, Shao Yao Tang is used for its cooling and dampness-expelling properties.
For Blood Stagnation, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang is recommended to invigorate blood circulation and clear blockages. Additionally, Tao Hua Tang and Wen Pi Tang may be used to bind up the intestines and warm the body, respectively, targeting specific conditions such as Large Intestine Cold and Empty Cold due to Yang Deficiency. These formulas are selected based on a comprehensive diagnosis of the individual's pattern of disharmony, aiming to restore balance and alleviate the symptoms of ulcerative colitis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ulcerative colitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that bind up intestines and secure abandoned conditions
- Formulas that warm and purge
- Formulas that expel parasites
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Li Zhong Wan, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for ulcerative colitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Li Zhong Wan | Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) |
| Wu Zhu Yu Tang | Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Ulcerative colitis 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 Shao Yao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that bind up Intestines and secure abandoned conditions
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by severe weakness leading to symptoms related to the Intestines or the lower Abdomen.
One such formula is Tao Hua Tang, with red halloysite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from cold accumulation coupled with excess conditions, necessitating warming and purging actions.
One such formula is Wen Pi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that expel parasites
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by parasitic infections, requiring anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate the parasites.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Ulcerative colitis 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
TCM Herbs for Ulcerative Colitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address ulcerative colitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcerative colitis, like Li Zhong Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for ulcerative colitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Li Zhong Wan |
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Wen Pi Tang |
| Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) | Wu Zhu Yu Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Ulcerative colitis 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 ulcerative colitis, like Shao Yao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for ulcerative colitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Shao Yao Tang |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Shao Yao Tang |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Ulcerative colitis can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcerative colitis, like Tao Hua Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for ulcerative colitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) | Tao Hua Tang |
| Chinese Plums (Wu Mei) | Wu Mei Wan |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Ulcerative colitis 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 Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcerative colitis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Ulcerative colitis 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 ulcerative colitis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.