Nephrotic Syndromeaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Kidney and Nephritic Disorders, Urinary Tract Infections and Inflammations
Sub-symptom(s): Proteinuria
What is Nephrotic Syndrome?
Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterized by a set of symptoms including proteinuria (excessive protein in the urine), low blood protein levels, high cholesterol levels, and swelling (edema).
This condition results from damage to the blood-filtering units of the kidneys (glomeruli) and can arise from various causes, ranging from genetic disorders to immune system dysfunctions. Managing nephrotic syndrome often involves treating the underlying cause, if known, and addressing its symptoms to prevent complications such as kidney failure.
How does TCM view Nephrotic Syndrome?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), nephrotic syndrome is viewed as a complex result of internal disharmonies rather than simply a kidney ailment. TCM practitioners focus on identifying and correcting imbalances in the body's vital energy (Qi), along with Yin and Yang disruptions.
They believe that such imbalances, particularly in the kidney and spleen systems, contribute to the characteristic symptoms of nephrotic syndrome. This holistic approach emphasizes treating the underlying causes to restore overall bodily harmony and health.
Causes of Nephrotic Syndrome According to TCM
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views the causes of nephrotic syndrome through a complex lens of internal disharmonies. One significant cause identified by TCM is Yin Deficiency, which can lead to disturbances in the body’s nourishing and cooling functions, affecting Kidney health and resulting in symptoms like proteinuria.
Another contributing factor is the body’s impaired ability to transform and transport water, often due to weakened Yang energy in the Kidneys, leading to the accumulation of Dampness and resulting in edema.
Additionally, Yang Deficiency plays a crucial role in nephrotic syndrome according to TCM. This deficiency hampers the body’s metabolic processes and fluid management, directly impacting kidney function. TCM’s approach in understanding nephrotic syndrome involves identifying these specific imbalances within the body’s Yin, Yang, and fluid systems to effectively address the condition.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Nephrotic Syndrome
In addressing nephrotic syndrome, TCM utilizes a variety of herbal formulas and herbs based on the underlying disharmonies. To combat Yin Deficiency, treatments like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, which includes Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di huang), are used for their Yin-nourishing and Blood-tonifying properties.
For issues related to water and Dampness, Fu Zi Tang with Prepared aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) is recommended. This formula is effective in warming and transforming water and Dampness, helping to alleviate symptoms such as edema by improving the body’s fluid processing and excretion abilities.
In cases of Yang Deficiency, You Gui Wan, also containing Prepared aconite, is prescribed to warm and tonify Yang energy, supporting kidney function and overall body metabolism. These TCM treatments are carefully chosen to address the specific patterns of disharmony in each individual, embodying the holistic approach of TCM to restore balance and improve kidney function in nephrotic syndrome.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nephrotic syndrome, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Fu Zi Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an accumulation of dampness in the body, requiring diuretic actions to promote fluid balance.
One such formula is Wu Ling San, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these formulas if it stems from a depletion of Yang energy, requiring actions that warm and strengthen Yang.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Nephrotic Syndrome
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address nephrotic syndrome, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephrotic syndrome, like Wan Dai Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for nephrotic syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Wan Dai Tang |
| Yam (Shan Yao) | Wan Dai Tang |
| Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephrotic syndrome, like Fu Zi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for nephrotic syndrome
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Fu Zi Tang | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Water Plantain (Ze Xie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephrotic syndrome, like Wu Ling San.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Nephrotic syndrome can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephrotic syndrome, like You Gui Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Nephrotic syndrome 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 Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nephrotic syndrome, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.