Goutaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Rheumatic and Arthritic Disorders
Sub-symptom(s): Gouty Inflammation
What is Gout?
Gout is a form of inflammatory arthritis characterized by sudden, severe attacks of pain, swelling, redness, and tenderness in the joints, often the joint at the base of the big toe. Caused by elevated levels of uric acid in the blood, which can form needle-like crystals in a joint, gout can lead to significant pain and discomfort. The condition can affect anyone, and its flares are unpredictable and may be triggered by diet, alcohol, or other factors.
How does TCM view Gout?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches gout as a condition rooted in the accumulation of excess Dampness and Heat within the body, which then crystalize as uric acid in the joints. Unlike Western medicine that focuses on uric acid levels and their management, TCM emphasizes restoring the body's balance by identifying and treating the underlying patterns of disharmony. Recognizing these patterns is critical, as TCM believes that each individual's constitution and imbalance require a unique, tailored approach to treatment.
Causes of Gout According to TCM
TCM recognizes several underlying patterns that may lead to the development of gout. One such pattern is the Stagnation of Blood and the accumulation of Dampness, which can hinder the flow of bodily fluids and result in the build-up of uric acid.
Another pattern involves the combination of Dampness with Heat, which can contribute to the inflammation and intense pain characteristic of a gout attack. These TCM patterns reflect deeper systemic issues, and understanding them is crucial for providing an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Gout
In the treatment of gout, TCM practitioners may use formulas such as Dang Gui Shao Yao San, which incorporates White Peony Roots to nourish Blood and harmonize the Liver, addressing Blood Deficiency and Qi Stagnation.
Another formula, Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang, with Dong Quai, works to invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation, particularly where Dampness obstructs the Channels. For gout patterns with marked Damp-Heat, Er Miao San, featuring Phellodendron bark, is chosen to clear Heat and dry Dampness. The selection of a formula is carefully determined based on the patient's specific TCM pattern, aiming to alleviate symptoms by correcting the internal imbalance.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address gout, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that dispel wind-Damp
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that expel dampness
Formulas that dispel Wind-Damp
Gout can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a pathogenic influence of wind combined with dampness, which often obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood.
One such formula is Da Fang Feng Tang, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dispel wind-Damp" recommended for gout
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Fang Feng Tang | Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) |
| Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang | Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) |
| Xuan Bi Tang | Stephania Roots (Fang Ji) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Gout can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dang Gui Shao Yao San, with white peony root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for gout
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Dang Gui Shao Yao San | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
| Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Dong Quai (Dang Gui), White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Formulas that expel Dampness
Gout 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 Er Miao San, with phellodendron bark as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Gout
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address gout, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Gout can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gout, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for gout
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Dang Gui Shao Yao San | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Gout 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 Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gout, like Er Miao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for gout
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) | Er Miao San |
| Stephania Roots (Fang Ji) | Xuan Bi Tang |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Gout 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 Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for gout, like Da Fang Feng Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for gout
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Da Fang Feng Tang |
| Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) | Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Gout 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 Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu), which is directly recommended for gout.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Gout can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Scarab Grubs (Qi Cao), which is directly recommended for gout.