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.
Aphasia 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 aphasia 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 aphasia is often associated with dizziness, headaches and rattling sound in the throat in the pattern “Wind-Phlegm”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of aphasia we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Wind-Phlegm, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause aphasia
In Chinese Medicine aphasia is a symptom for the pattern "Wind-Phlegm". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) is the king ingredient for Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a formula used for Wind-Phlegm
Wind-Phlegm
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
Tongue coating: Sticky coating
Tongue shape: Deviated, Swollen
Wind-Phlegm is when Phlegm invades the Channels and sensory orifices, leading to such symptoms as dizziness, vertigo, or headache.
In addition to aphasia, other symptoms associated with Wind-Phlegm include dizziness, headaches and rattling sound in the throat.
Wind-Phlegm is often treated with Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula made of 8 herbs (including Crow-Dipper Rhizomes - Ban Xia - as a key herb). Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang belongs to the category of "formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Dries and dissolves Phlegm".
A herbal formula that might help with aphasia
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang
Source date: 1732 AD
Number of ingredients: 8 herbs
Key actions: Dries and dissolves Phlegm. Strengthens the Spleen. Smoothes the Liver and calms Liver Wind (antispasmodic).
Why might Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang help with aphasia?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' of which aphasia is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Wind-Phlegm include dizziness, headaches and rattling sound in the throat.
The two Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat aphasia
Why might Crow-Dipper Rhizome (Ban Xia) help with aphasia?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' (a pattern with aphasia as a symptom)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent. It targets the Spleen, the Stomach and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Drains Dampness and reduces Phlegm. Reverses the flow of Rebellious Qi. Reduces hardenings and relieves distention.
Why might Gastrodia Rhizome (Tian Ma) help with aphasia?
Because it is a key herb in Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Wind-Phlegm' (a pattern with aphasia as a symptom)
Gastrodia Rhizomes is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Liver.
Its main actions are: Calms Liver Wind. Sedates Liver Yang and relieves convulsions. Relieves Wind and stops pain.
Other symptoms often associated with aphasia
Dizziness Headaches Vertigo Tinnitus Blurred vision Feeling of heat rushing to the head Insomnia Dream disturbed sleep Numbness in the extremities Twitching in the extremities