Chronic Bronchitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Respiratory Disorders and Symptoms
Parent symptom: Bronchitis
Did you mean? Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
What is chronic bronchitis?
Chronic bronchitis is a persistent inflammation of the bronchial tubes, the airways that carry air to and from the lungs. It is characterized by long-term irritation and swelling of these airways, leading to excessive mucus production and frequent coughing. To be classified as chronic, the condition must persist for at least three months in two consecutive years. Chronic bronchitis is a type of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and is often associated with smoking or long-term exposure to irritants. Patients typically experience persistent cough with mucus, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. Over time, chronic bronchitis can lead to significant lung damage, reduced lung function, and increased susceptibility to respiratory infections, severely impacting quality of life.
How does TCM view chronic bronchitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches chronic bronchitis through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, chronic bronchitis is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems, particularly involving the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney.
This holistic view considers not just the respiratory symptoms, but how they relate to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For chronic bronchitis, patterns might involve Lung Qi Deficiency, Phlegm accumulation, or Kidney Yang Deficiency. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and improve respiratory function more comprehensively than treating the symptoms in isolation.
Causes of chronic bronchitis according to TCM
In the TCM paradigm, chronic bronchitis can arise from various patterns of disharmony within the body. One significant pattern associated with chronic bronchitis is Lung Qi Deficiency. This condition manifests not only in persistent cough and shortness of breath but also in symptoms such as fatigue, weak voice, and susceptibility to frequent colds. TCM practitioners view this pattern as a result of long-term depletion of the Lung's energy, leading to its inability to perform its functions of governing Qi and respiration effectively.
Another important pattern in TCM's understanding of chronic bronchitis is Phlegm accumulation in the Lungs. This pattern is characterized by symptoms such as coughing with copious, sticky sputum, chest tightness, and wheezing. TCM sees this as an accumulation of pathogenic fluids that obstruct the Lung's normal functions, further compromising respiratory capacity. These patterns reflect TCM's nuanced approach to understanding the root causes of chronic bronchitis, emphasizing the interconnectedness of symptoms and their underlying energetic imbalances.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Chronic Bronchitis
The treatment of chronic bronchitis in TCM involves carefully selected herbal formulas tailored to address the specific pattern of disharmony identified in each patient. For Lung Qi Deficiency, a commonly recommended formula is Bu Fei Tang, which includes Ginseng (Ren Shen) as a key herb to tonify Lung Qi.
In cases of Phlegm accumulation, practitioners might prescribe Er Chen Tang, featuring Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) to dry Dampness and transform Phlegm. For patients with concurrent Yin Deficiency, formulas like Bai He Gu Jin Tang, containing Lily Bulbs (Bai He), may be used to nourish Yin and moisten the Lungs. Other formulas such as Ding Chuan Tang or Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang might be employed to address specific aspects of the condition, such as wheezing or Rebellious Qi respectively. It's important to note that TCM treatment is highly individualized, and the choice of formula may vary based on the patient's specific presentation and overall constitution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic bronchitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that secure lungs and stop coughing
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that clear dryness
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Fei Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for chronic bronchitis
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for chronic bronchitis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Er Chen Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) |
| Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
| Wen Dan Tang | Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) |
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.
One such formula is Bei Mu Gua Lou San, with sichuan fritillary bulb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dispel phlegm" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bei Mu Gua Lou San | Sichuan Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) |
| Di Tan Tang | Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) |
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Ding Chuan Tang, with ginkgo nuts as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas for a rebellious qi" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ding Chuan Tang | Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo), Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
| Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang | Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) |
Formulas that warm and transform Phlegm-Cold
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from cold causing phlegm accumulation, needing actions that warm and resolve phlegm.
One such formula is Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform phlegm-Cold" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang | Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) |
| San Zi Yang Qin Tang | White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi), Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi) |
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that secure Lungs and stop coughing
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to lung deficiency, leading to chronic cough or breathing difficulties.
One such formula is Jiu Xian San, with poppy capsule as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Chronic bronchitis 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.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with arisaema with bile as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Dryness
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by dryness affecting the body.
One such formula is Sang Xing Tang, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Chronic bronchitis 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 Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Zhi Sou San, with aster root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Bronchitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic bronchitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Sang Xing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) | Sang Xing Tang |
| Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
| Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |
| Japanese Ardisia (Ai Di Cha) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang | Ren Shen Ge Jie San | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San | Sheng Mai San |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang | Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| White Mustard Seeds (Bai Jie Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang |
| Sichuan Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) | Bei Mu Gua Lou San |
| Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) | Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan |
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) | Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang | Er Chen Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Wen Dan Tang |
| Perilla Seeds (Zi Su Zi) | San Zi Yang Qin Tang | Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang |
| Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing) | Di Tan Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic bronchitis 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Ding Chuan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Ding Chuan Tang | Ma Huang Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan |
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Chronic bronchitis 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 Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Mai Men Dong Tang |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Di Tan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong) | Di Tan Tang |
| Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) | Er Chen Tang |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Chronic bronchitis 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 Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Ding Chuan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginkgo Nuts (Bai Guo) | Ding Chuan Tang |
| Poppy Capsules (Ying Su Ke) | Jiu Xian San |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic bronchitis 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 Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Fu Zi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for chronic bronchitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Fu Zi Tang | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan |
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Li Zhong Wan | Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang |
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua), which is directly recommended for chronic bronchitis.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Chronic bronchitis 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Chronic bronchitis 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 chronic bronchitis, like Ban Xia Hou Pu Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chronic bronchitis 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 chronic bronchitis, like Bu Fei E Jiao Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic bronchitis 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 Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Tokay Geckos (Ge Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Ren Shen Ge Jie San.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Radish Seeds (Lai Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like San Zi Yang Qin Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Chronic bronchitis 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 Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Sang Xing Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic bronchitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic bronchitis, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.