Diphtheriaaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Upper Respiratory Tract Infections
What is Diphtheria?
Diphtheria is a serious bacterial infection primarily affecting the mucous membranes of the throat and nose. Caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium diphtheriae, it is characterized by symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and swollen glands in the neck.
A notable sign of diphtheria is the formation of a thick, grayish membrane in the throat or nose, which can lead to breathing difficulties and other serious complications. It is a highly contagious disease, typically spread through respiratory droplets, making vaccination crucial for prevention.
TCM Perspective on Diphtheria
From the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint, diphtheria is viewed as an imbalance caused by external pathogenic factors, particularly those involving Heat and Toxins. TCM emphasizes the role of Qi, the body’s vital energy, in maintaining health, and any imbalance can lead to diseases.
Diphtheria, in TCM, is seen as a result of pathogenic Heat and toxins invading the body, leading to symptoms such as sore throat and fever. The treatment focuses on expelling these pathogenic factors, nourishing the Yin to counteract the Heat, and supporting the body’s own healing mechanisms.
Causes of Diphtheria According to TCM
In TCM, diphtheria is typically associated with patterns of disharmony such as Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium and Wind-Cold invading the Lungs. These patterns represent an imbalance where pathogenic factors like Heat and Wind adversely affect the body's Qi.
The presence of Heat, for instance, might manifest as inflammation and fever, while Wind could lead to the rapid onset of symptoms. The treatment approach in TCM includes formulas that address these specific patterns by clearing Heat, dispelling Wind, transforming Phlegm, and nourishing Yin to restore balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Diphtheria
TCM recommends several formulas for treating diphtheria, focusing on the specific patterns of disharmony identified in a patient. For instance, Hui Chun Dan and Zi Xue Dan, both utilizing key herbs like Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) and Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), are effective in clearing Heat and opening sensory orifices, especially in cases involving Phlegm Fire.
Xin Yi San, with Biond’s Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), treats patterns like Wind-Cold invading the Lungs. For conditions involving Lung Yin Deficiency, Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), helps enrich Yin and moisten Dryness. The choice of these formulas is based on the individual's specific symptoms and underlying TCM patterns, tailored to provide the most effective treatment.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address diphtheria, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Diphtheria can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Hui Chun Dan, with ox gallstone as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for diphtheria
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Hui Chun Dan | Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), Musk (She Xiang) |
| Zi Xue Dan | Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), Musk (She Xiang) |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
Diphtheria 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 Xin Yi San, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Diphtheria can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Diphtheria
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address diphtheria, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Herbs that cool the Blood
Diphtheria can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diphtheria, like Hui Chun Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for diphtheria
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Hui Chun Dan |
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang |
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Zi Xue Dan |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Diphtheria can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong), which is directly recommended for diphtheria.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Diphtheria 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 Verbena Leaves (Ma Bian Cao), which is directly recommended for diphtheria.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Diphtheria can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diphtheria, like Hui Chun Dan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Diphtheria 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 Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diphtheria, like Xin Yi San.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Diphtheria 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 Bugbane Rhizomes (Sheng Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diphtheria, like Xin Yi San.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Diphtheria can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for diphtheria, like Zi Xue Dan.