Alternating fever and chills 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.
Contents
Alternating fever and chills can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like alternating fever and chills here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here alternating fever and chills is often associated with irritability, dry throat and bitter taste in the mouth in the pattern “Lesser Yang stage”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause alternating fever and chills.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of alternating fever and chills we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the five medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat alternating fever and chills.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause alternating fever and chills
In Chinese Medicine alternating fever and chills is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) is the king ingredient for Xiao Chai Hu Tang, a formula used for Lesser Yang stage
Lesser Yang stage
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian), Fine (Xi)
In addition to alternating fever and chills, other symptoms associated with Lesser Yang stage include irritability, dry throat and bitter taste in the mouth.
Lesser Yang stage is often treated with Xiao Chai Hu Tang, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Chai Hu Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer)".
Ephedra (Ma Huang) is the king ingredient for Da Qing Long Tang, a formula used for Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Pulse type(s): Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating, Thick white coating
Tongue shape: Swollen
This is when Body Fluids stagnate in the four limbs instead of flowing in the body and getting released as sweat.
In addition to alternating fever and chills, other symptoms associated with Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs include irritability, generalized body pain and absence of sweating.
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs is often treated with Da Qing Long Tang, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Ephedra - Ma Huang - as a key herb). Da Qing Long Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that clear wind-cold", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Promotes sweating".
Two herbal formulas that might help with alternating fever and chills
Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Treats the Lesser Yang Channels (Gallbladder and Triple Warmer). Regulates the Liver and Spleen functions. Addresses combined Yin-Yang symptoms of External and Internal, Excess and Deficiency, and Hot and Cold.
Why might Xiao Chai Hu Tang help with alternating fever and chills?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Lesser Yang stage' of which alternating fever and chills is a symptom.
Xiao Qing Long Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Releases the Exterior. Transforms Phlegm-Fluids. Warms the Lungs. Directs Rebellious Qi downward.
Why might Xiao Qing Long Tang help with alternating fever and chills?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs' of which alternating fever and chills is a symptom.
Acupuncture points used for alternating fever and chills
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat alternating fever and chills
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with alternating fever and chills?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat alternating fever and chills as a symptom, like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang or Xiao Chai Hu Tang for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Why might White Peony Root (Bai Shao) help with alternating fever and chills?
Because White Peony Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat alternating fever and chills as a symptom, like Xiao Yao San or Jia Wei Xiao Yao San for instance.
White Peony Roots is a Neutral herb that tastes Bitter and Sour. It targets the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood and preserves the Yin. Nourishes the Liver and assists in the smooth flow of Qi. Regulates the meridians and eases the pain.
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with alternating fever and chills?
Because Bupleurum Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat alternating fever and chills as a symptom, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Bupleurum Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Harmonizes exterior and interior. Smoothes the Liver and upraises the Yang.
Why might Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) help with alternating fever and chills?
Because Fresh Ginger is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat alternating fever and chills as a symptom, like Xiao Chai Hu Tang or Da Qing Long Tang for instance.
Fresh Ginger is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Relieves the Exterior and disperses Cold. Warms and circulates Qi in the Middle Burner. Calms a restless fetus and treats morning sickness. Treats seafood poisoning.
Why might Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with alternating fever and chills?
Because Poria-Cocos Mushroom is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat alternating fever and chills as a symptom, like Ling Gan Wu Wei Jiang Xin Tang or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Other symptoms often associated with alternating fever and chills
Irritability Generalized body pain Absence of sweating Dry throat Flank pain Stifling sensation in the chest causing one to have deep sighs Suppressed emotions Feelings of frustration Belching Pain in the groin