Purple Nailsaccording to TCM

Symptom family: Finger and Nail Issues

What is Purple Nails?

Purple nails, a condition where the nails take on a bluish or purple hue, can be a sign of various underlying health issues. This discoloration of the nails may range from light lavender shades to deep, dark purple or almost black. While often associated with aesthetic concerns, purple nails can indicate more serious health conditions, such as poor circulation, oxygen deprivation, or even certain heart and lung diseases. Understanding the cause of this symptom is essential for appropriate treatment, as the appearance of one's nails often reflects overall health.

How Does TCM View Purple Nails?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perceives purple nails not just as a cosmetic issue but as a symptom indicating deeper imbalances within the body. TCM emphasizes the interconnectedness of external symptoms with internal health, suggesting that purple nails may arise from disharmonies or disruptions in the body's natural flow of Qi (energy) and blood.

In TCM, it is crucial to identify the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as each pattern requires a unique approach to treatment. This perspective differs significantly from Western medicine, which often focuses on the symptom rather than the underlying systemic imbalance.

Root Causes of Purple Nails in TCM

In TCM, one common cause of purple nails is Blood Stasis, a condition where the circulation of Blood is hindered, leading to Stagnation. This can manifest in various ways, with purple nails being a notable external sign. For instance, Blood Stagnation often presents with symptoms like dark face, purple lips, stabbing fixed pain, abdominal masses, and menstrual cramps.

Heart Blood Stagnation, another pattern, might cause stabbing chest pain and a feeling of oppression in the chest alongside purple nails. It's important to understand that these are just examples, and there are numerous other patterns in TCM that could lead to purple nails, each requiring its unique approach for treatment.

Explore below more details about what might cause Purple nails according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heart
  • Liver
  • Pericardium
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails

Common Symptoms: Purple Lips Menstrual Cramps Dark Menstrual Clots Abdominal Masses Dark Menstrual Blood Abdominal Pain Irregular Periods Restlessness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Dark face, Purple lips, Stabbing fixed pain, Abdominal masses, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Lumps... see more Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Di Dang Tang | Dan Shen Yin | Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Hai Tong Pi Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
Heart Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Heart Vessel obstructed Purple nails, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple face... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Liver Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Qi And Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Dan Shen Yin | Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San | Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang | Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Qi Li San | Guo Qi Yin
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails

Common Symptoms: Stifling Sensation In The Chest Palpitations Purple Lips Purple Face Stabbing Chest Pain Chest Constriction Cold Hands Delusions

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Stabbing chest pain, Chest constriction, Stifling sensation in the chest Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang
Heart Vessel obstructed Purple nails, Palpitations, Shortness of breath, Depression, Restlessness, Stifling sensation in the chest, Heart pain, Chest pain, Sputum, Feeling of heaviness, Reluctance to speak, Cold extremities, Sighing, Purple lips, Purple face... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Di Tan Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Hypochondriac pain, Abdominal pain, Vomiting blood, Nosebleeds, Menstrual cramps, Irregular periods, Dark menstrual clots, Infertility, Abdominal masses, Purple lips, Purple face, Skin dryness, Petechiae... see more Chai Hu Shu Gan San | Xiao Yao San | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Shi Xiao San
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Purple Nails

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Pericardium Blood Stagnation Purple nails, Palpitations, Chest pain, Chest distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Shortness of breath, Purple lips, Menstrual cramps, Dark menstrual clots... see more Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Purple Nails

In addressing purple nails, TCM relies on specific formulas and herbs, tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For Blood Stagnation patterns, formulas like Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang, which invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, are often recommended. This formula includes key herbs like Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), known for their Blood-invigorating properties.

For Liver Blood Stagnation, which might present with symptoms like hypochondriac pain and irregular uterine bleeding, formulas like Xiao Yao San and Chai Hu Shu Gan San are used. These contain Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a herb known for its properties to harmonize the Liver-Spleen and promote Qi movement. It's essential to choose the formula and herbs based on the specific TCM pattern identified, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment approach.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address purple nails, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Blood Stasis
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that warm interior cold
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that tonify blood

All Formulas Recommended for Purple Nails Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Heart Vessel obstructed, Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Blood Stagnation
Hai Tong Pi Tang Blood Stagnation
Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang Blood Stagnation
Di Tan Tang Heart Vessel obstructed
Dang Gui Si Ni Tang Heart Vessel obstructed
Xiao Yao San Liver Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All Formulas Recommended for Purple Nails Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Chai Hu Shu Gan San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Dan Shen Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shen Tong Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation
Guo Qi Yin Qi And Blood Stagnation

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for purple nails

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Heart Blood Stagnation, Heart Vessel obstructed, Pericardium Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation... see more
Dan Shen Yin Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shi Xiao San Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Blood Stagnation
Di Dang Tang Blood Stagnation
Da Huang Zhe Chong Wan Blood Stagnation
Shao Fu Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Qi Li San Qi And Blood Stagnation

TCM Herbs for Purple Nails

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address purple nails, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that stop bleeding

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for purple nails

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Dang Gui Si Ni Tang
Angelica Roots (Bai Zhi) Hai Tong Pi Tang

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for purple nails

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dong Quai (Dang Gui) Dang Gui Si Ni Tang | Guo Qi Yin
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Guo Qi Yin