Upper Respiratory Tract Infectionsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Sub-symptom(s): Frequent Upper Respiratory Infections Upper Respiratory Tract Infections In Children
Did you mean? Pneumonia
What is Upper Respiratory Tract Infections?
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) encompass a variety of infections affecting the upper respiratory system. These infections typically involve parts such as the nose, throat, and sinuses. URTIs are common, especially in children, and often present with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, nasal congestion, and a sore throat.
They can range from common colds to more severe infections like sinusitis or laryngitis. URTIs are often self-limiting but can cause considerable discomfort and disruption in daily activities.
TCM Perspective on Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches URTIs through a holistic lens, viewing them as disorders caused by an imbalance or disharmony in the body's natural energies.
TCM does not see these infections merely as a result of pathogen invasion but as a manifestation of underlying imbalances between elements like Yin and Yang, or Qi (vital energy) disruptions. Treatment in TCM, therefore, focuses on restoring balance and strengthening the body's immune defenses, rather than just alleviating symptoms.
Causes of Upper Respiratory Tract Infections According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to URTIs. One common cause is the invasion of external pathogens like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, which disrupt the body's Qi balance and weaken the immune defenses, leading to symptoms like fever, cough, and congestion.
Another TCM perspective considers URTIs as a result of Qi Deficiency, where the body's vital energy is weak, making it more susceptible to infections. Qi Deficiency can be due to factors like poor diet, stress, or chronic illness, and presents with symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, and frequent infections.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
In treating URTIs, TCM relies on a variety of herbal formulas, tailored to the specific patterns observed in a patient. For instance, Da Qing Long Tang and Xiao Qing Long Tang, both containing Ephedra, are often used for patterns involving Wind-Cold and Phlegm. Bu Fei Tang, with Ginseng as a key herb, is suitable for Lung Qi Deficiency.
Meanwhile, Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San and Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang are used for dispelling External Wind and treating Damp-Wind patterns, respectively. Formulas like Sang Xing Tang and Xing Su San are effective for Dryness patterns, while Xiao Xian Xiong Tang is employed for Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs.
TCM's approach to URTIs is integrative and personalized, focusing on the individual's unique pattern of symptoms and underlying imbalances. This holistic method aims not only to relieve symptoms but also to fortify the body's natural defenses against future infections.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address upper respiratory tract infections, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that clear dryness
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da 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 upper respiratory tract infections
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
| Jia Wei Xiang Su San | Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye), Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) |
| Xiao Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang), Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
Formulas that tonify Qi
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bu Fei Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
| Yu Ping Feng San | Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) |
Formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by formulas that clear early-stage Exterior disorders if it stems from an initial invasion of pathogenic factors like wind or cold.
One such formula is Cong Chi Tang, with scallions as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear early-stage exterior disorders" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Cong Chi Tang | Scallions (Cong Bai) |
| Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang | Scallions (Cong Bai) |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.
One such formula is Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Upper respiratory tract infections 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.
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang, with notopterygium root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Dryness
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
Upper respiratory tract infections 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.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Warm the Interior
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external cold invasion affecting the body, requiring treatments that expel cold and warm the interior.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address upper respiratory tract infections, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that drain dampness
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Da Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Sang Xing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) | Sang Xing Tang | Xing Su San |
| Aster Roots (Zi Wan) | Zhi Sou San |
| Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) | Zhi Sou San |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Bu Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Bu Fei Tang | Yu Ping Feng San |
| Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Bu Fei Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Sang Xing Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sang Xing Tang |
| Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) | Xiao Chai Hu Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for upper respiratory tract infections
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for upper respiratory tract infections.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Chuan Xiong Cha Tiao San.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Er Chen Tang.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Er Chen Tang.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Upper respiratory tract infections can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Qiang Huo Sheng Shi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Sang Xing Tang.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 Snake Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for upper respiratory tract infections, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Upper respiratory tract infections 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 upper respiratory tract infections, like Wu Ji San.