Nephritisaccording to TCM

What is nephritis?

Nephritis, commonly referred to as inflammation of the kidneys, encompasses various forms such as acute or chronic nephritis, glomerulonephritis, and pyelonephritis.

This condition involves the inflammation of the kidneys, which can impede their ability to filter waste and regulate fluid balance. It often manifests as swelling, hypertension, and in severe cases, can lead to kidney failure. The causes can range from autoimmune diseases to infections, with symptoms varying based on the specific type of nephritis.

How does TCM view nephritis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches nephritis from a holistic perspective, viewing it as a symptom of imbalance or disharmony within the body's systems.

Unlike Western medicine, which typically focuses on the organ itself, TCM considers underlying patterns of disharmony that may contribute to nephritis. These patterns are identified through detailed patient assessments, and treatment is tailored to address the specific disharmonies, which could vary significantly from one patient to another.

Causes of nephritis according to TCM

In TCM, nephritis is often linked to specific disharmonies or imbalances. For instance, a common cause is Kidney Yang Deficiency, where the body's vital Yang energy is insufficient, leading to a reduced ability to process and eliminate Body Fluids effectively.

Another cause could be Damp-Phlegm accumulation, a condition where excess moisture and metabolic waste congest the body, particularly affecting kidney function. These examples underscore TCM's focus on underlying systemic issues rather than just the affected organ, highlighting a holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nephritis

TCM's approach to treating nephritis involves various formulas and herbs, each addressing different underlying patterns. For one of the pattern such as Blood Stagnation, a formula like Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang, with Milkvetch Roots, is used to warm the meridians and disperse Cold.

In cases of Kidney Yang Deficiency, "Shen Qi Wan," containing Prepared aconite, is prescribed to warm yang and tonify. These formulas are part of a larger pharmacopeia tailored to individual patterns observed in nephritis patients, illustrating TCM's personalized and holistic approach to healing.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nephritis, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that drive out excess water
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency

All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for nephritis

Formula Key herbs
Fu Zi Tang Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)
Zhen Wu Tang Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi)

All "formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness" recommended for nephritis

Formula Key herbs
Wu Ling San Water Plantain (Ze Xie)
Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang Stephania Roots (Fang Ji), Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi)

TCM Herbs for Nephritis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nephritis, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Cathartic herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
  • Herbs that stop bleeding
  • Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Laxative herbs that drain downward
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat

"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for nephritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) Shi Zao Tang
Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) Shi Zao Tang
Poke Roots (Shang Lu) Shu Zao Yin Zi
Morning Glory Seeds (Qian Niu Zi) Yu Gong San

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for nephritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang | Shen Qi Wan | Xiao Qing Long Tang
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Xiao Qing Long Tang

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for nephritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang
Motherwort Herbs (Yi Mu Cao) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency" recommended for nephritis

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Curculigo Rhizomes (Xian Mao) Er Xian Tang
Epimedium Herbs (Yin Yang Huo) Er Xian Tang