Acute Glomerulonephritisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders
Parent symptom: Glomerulonephritis
What is Acute Glomerulonephritis?
Acute glomerulonephritis is a rapid onset kidney disorder characterized by the inflammation of glomeruli, the small filtering units within the kidneys. This condition often follows infections, such as strep throat, and can manifest in symptoms like blood in the urine, high blood pressure, and edema.
Acute glomerulonephritis can affect individuals of all ages and, if not treated promptly, can lead to serious kidney damage. Early diagnosis and management are crucial to prevent long-term complications, including chronic kidney disease.
How does TCM view Acute Glomerulonephritis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a distinct perspective on acute glomerulonephritis. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the physical inflammation of the glomeruli, TCM considers this condition as a manifestation of underlying imbalances in the body's Qi (energy), Blood, Yin and Yang, and the harmony of internal organs.
TCM stresses that symptoms like those seen in acute glomerulonephritis can arise from various patterns of disharmony, underscoring the importance of identifying the specific pattern before initiating treatment. This approach reflects TCM’s holistic view of health and disease.
Causes of Acute Glomerulonephritis According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute glomerulonephritis is attributed to specific imbalances within the body's natural systems. Central to TCM's understanding is the concept of Dampness accumulation, which disrupts the normal functioning of the kidneys. This Dampness, often coupled with internal Heat, can lead to inflammation and symptoms characteristic of kidney disorders.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Acute Glomerulonephritis
TCM employs a variety of formulas and herbs to treat acute glomerulonephritis, tailored to the specific disharmony patterns identified in each patient. For conditions involving Dampness, formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness, such as Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang with Stephania Roots, are used.
Additionally, Wei Ling Tang, which includes Water plantain, is prescribed to expel Dampness and support Kidney and Bladder health. These TCM treatments focus on not just alleviating the symptoms but also addressing the root cause of the disharmony, thereby restoring the body's natural balance and promoting overall well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address acute glomerulonephritis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Acute glomerulonephritis 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 Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang, with stephania root as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Acute glomerulonephritis 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.
TCM Herbs for Acute Glomerulonephritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address acute glomerulonephritis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Acute glomerulonephritis 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 Stephania Roots (Fang Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for acute glomerulonephritis, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Acute glomerulonephritis 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 acute glomerulonephritis, like Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Acute glomerulonephritis 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 acute glomerulonephritis, like Wei Ling Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Acute glomerulonephritis 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 acute glomerulonephritis, like Wei Ling Tang.