Colitis according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Colitis factsheet
Possible causes and remedies:
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Symptoms: Poor appetite Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting and two other symptoms
Recommended formula: Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Symptoms: Fatigue Anxiety Insomnia and six other symptoms
Recommended formula: Gui Pi Tang
In Chinese Medicine, colitis can be associated with two so-called "patterns of disharmony". Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted. It is not equivalent to the Western concept of "disease", as a matter of fact here colitis can be caused by two different patterns.
To understand whether someone's colitis might be caused by a given pattern, one needs to look for signs and symptoms associated with the pattern beyond what one might typically experience from colitis alone. For instance when colitis is caused by the pattern Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, patients also experience symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
We've listed below a description of the two patterns associated with colitis so that you can start to get an understanding of the various possibilities according to Chinese Medicine.
Once identified, patterns are often treated using herbal formulas. Drinking herbal infusions is the most common remedy in Chinese Medicine, together with acupuncture. Here we detail below ten formulas that can help treat the various patterns associated with colitis, depending on which pattern fits your profile.
The two "patterns of disharmony" associated with colitis
The Triple Burner is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Triple Burner in Chinese Medicine
Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Yellow coating
Tongue color: Red tip
Recommended herbal formula: Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Symptoms: Poor appetite Abdominal fullness Dry heaves or vomiting Borborygmi with diarrhea Epigastric focal distention
Colitis might be due to Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as epigastric focal distention, abdominal fullness, dry heaves or vomiting and borborygmi with diarrhea. Similarly, patients with Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner typically exhibit rapid (Shu) or wiry (Xian) pulses as well as a red tip tongue with yellow coating.
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Heart and Spleen Deficiency
Pulse type(s): Fine (Xi)
Tongue coating: Thin white coating
Tongue color: Pale
Recommended herbal formula: Gui Pi Tang
Symptoms: Fatigue Anxiety Insomnia Menorrhagia Palpitations Forgetfulness Poor appetite Pale complexion Abnormal uterine bleeding
Colitis might be due to Heart and Spleen Deficiency if the condition is paired with typical pattern symptoms such as forgetfulness, palpitations, insomnia and fatigue. Similarly, patients with Heart and Spleen Deficiency typically exhibit fine (Xi) pulses as well as a pale tongue with thin white coating.
The ten herbal formulas that might help with colitis
Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Reverses the flow of Rebellious Stomach Qi. Relieves both Heat and Cold Stagnation in the gastrointestinal tract.
Why might Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang help with colitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, a pattern sometimes associated with colitis. If it looks like you might suffer from Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Gui Pi Tang
Source date: 1529 AD
Number of ingredients: 12 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood. Tonifies Heart and Spleen.
Why might Gui Pi Tang help with colitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat Heart and Spleen Deficiency, a pattern sometimes associated with colitis. If it looks like you might suffer from Heart and Spleen Deficiency, this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Wan Dai Tang
Source date: 1826 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Tonifies the Middle Burner. Removes Dampness. Stops vaginal discharge. Strengthens the Spleen.
Why might Wan Dai Tang help with colitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with colitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Ping Wei San
Source date: 1051 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Dries Dampness. Improves the Spleen's transportive function. Promotes the movement of Qi. Harmonizes the Stomach.
Why might Ping Wei San help with colitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with colitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
Si Ni San
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 4 herbs
Key actions: Regulates Liver and Spleen. Eliminates Internal Heat.
Why might Si Ni San help with colitis?
Because it is a formula often recommended to help treat , a pattern sometimes associated with colitis. If it looks like you might suffer from , this formula might help (although please seek confirmation with a professional practitioner beforehand).
