Enteritisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Gastrointestinal Infections
Parent symptom: Gastroenteritis
Sub-symptom(s): Acute Enteritis
What is Enteritis?
Enteritis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the small intestine. This inflammation can result from various causes, including infections, autoimmune reactions, and exposure to irritants. Enteritis can lead to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients, significantly impacting a person's overall health and well-being. Acute forms of enteritis can occur suddenly and are often linked to bacterial or viral infections. Understanding enteritis and its causes is crucial for effective management and treatment.
How Does TCM View Enteritis?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), enteritis is seen through the lens of imbalance and disharmony within the body's systems. TCM does not isolate the small intestine as a singular unit of disease but considers how its dysfunction reflects broader imbalances, particularly within the digestive system. Symptoms like inflammation and diarrhea are interpreted as manifestations of underlying disharmonies, such as Qi Deficiency, Damp-Heat, or Cold invasion.
Recognizing the specific pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM, as it directs the therapeutic approach, aiming not just to alleviate symptoms but to restore balance and health at a foundational level.
Causes of Enteritis According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to symptoms associated with enteritis. Key among these are Qi Deficiency, where the vital energy of the body is weakened, and Phlegm-Fluids leading to inflammation. These imbalances disrupt the smooth functioning of the digestive system, leading to symptoms like abdominal pain and diarrhea. By understanding these underlying patterns, TCM practitioners can tailor treatments to address the root causes of enteritis, offering a holistic approach to healing and recovery.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Enteritis
To address enteritis, TCM relies on a variety of formulas and herbs designed to correct the underlying imbalances causing symptoms. For conditions stemming from Qi deficiency, formulas like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, which includes Ginseng (Ren Shen), work to strengthen the digestive system by tonifying Qi. This approach helps in cases of Small Intestine Deficiency and Cold, as well as Stomach and Spleen Qi and Yin Deficiency.
For symptoms related to external factors like Wind-Cold, the formula Xiao Qing Long Tang, with Ephedra (Ma Huang), is used to expel the pathogenic influences and clear Phlegm-Fluids, restoring normal function to the lungs and the digestive system. Through these targeted treatments, TCM aims to bring the body back into harmony, alleviating the discomfort and distress caused by enteritis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address enteritis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Enteritis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for enteritis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
| Ge Gen Tang | Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen) |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Enteritis 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 Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Enteritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Enteritis 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 expel Dampness
Enteritis can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Enteritis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Enteritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address enteritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Herbs that drain Dampness
Enteritis 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 Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for enteritis, like Wei Ling Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for enteritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wei Ling Tang | Wu Ling San |
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Lingonberry (Yue Ju) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Enteritis 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 enteritis, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for enteritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
| Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Enteritis 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 Chinese Lobelia Herbs (Ban Bian Lian), which is directly recommended for enteritis.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for enteritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Lobelia Herbs (Ban Bian Lian) | Not applicable |
| Oldenlandia (Bai Hua She She Cao) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Enteritis 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 enteritis, like Xiao Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for enteritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Xiao Qing Long Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Enteritis 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 enteritis, like Shao Yao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for enteritis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Shao Yao Tang |
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Shao Yao Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Enteritis 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 Climbing Groundsel Herbs (Qian Li Guang), which is directly recommended for enteritis.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Enteritis 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 Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for enteritis, like Ge Gen Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Enteritis 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 Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for enteritis, like Wei Ling Tang.