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.
Impaired consciousness 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 impaired consciousness 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 impaired consciousness is often associated with fever, irritability and general sensation of unease in the pattern “Heat invading the Pericardium”.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of impaired consciousness we’ve identified that a herbal formula called Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan can help treat the patterns behind the symptom.
Heat invading the Pericardium, a "pattern of disharmony" that can cause impaired consciousness
In Chinese Medicine impaired consciousness is a symptom for the pattern "Heat invading the Pericardium". Below is a small explanation for it with links for more details.
The Pericardium is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Pericardium in Chinese Medicine
Heat invading the Pericardium
Pulse type(s): Rapid (Shu), Wiry (Xian), Fine (Xi)
Tongue color: Reddish-Purple
In addition to impaired consciousness, other symptoms associated with Heat invading the Pericardium include fever, irritability and general sensation of unease.
Heat invading the Pericardium is often treated with Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, a herbal formula made of 6 herbs (including Ox Gallstones - Niu Huang - as a key herb). Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan belongs to the category of "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity".
A herbal formula that might help with impaired consciousness
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan
Source date: 1568 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity. Calms the Mind. Opens up the Orifices.
Why might Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan help with impaired consciousness?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Heat invading the Pericardium' of which impaired consciousness is a symptom.
Other symptoms characteristic of Heat Invading The Pericardium include fever, irritability and general sensation of unease.
Ox Gallstone might help with impaired consciousness
Why might Ox Gallstone (Niu Huang) help with impaired consciousness?
Because it is a key herb in Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan, a herbal formula indicated to treat the pattern 'Heat invading the Pericardium' (a pattern with impaired consciousness as a symptom)
Ox Gallstones is a Cold herb that tastes Bitter and Sweet. It targets the Heart and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Clears Heat and Detoxifies. Calms Liver-Wind. As an aromatic it opens the cavities to expel phlegm.
Other symptoms often associated with impaired consciousness
Fever Irritability General sensation of unease Delirious speech