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Nervousnessaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 2 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 8 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 6 herbs

Symptom family: Fear and Anxiety

Root Causes of Nervousness in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Nervousness according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Liver
  • Gallbladder
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Nervousness

Common Symptoms: Timidity Easily Startled Lack Of Bravery Indecision Sighing Dizziness Blurry Vision Eye Floaters

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Gallbladder Deficiency Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of bravery, Indecision, Sighing, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Early awakening, Vivid dreaming... see more Wen Dan Tang
Liver Qi Deficiency Nervousness, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of bravery, Indecision, Sighing, Vivid dreaming, Depression, Irritability, Hypochondriac distention, Irregular periods, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Abdominal distention... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Nervousness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Yin Deficiency Nervousness, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping... see more Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Yi Guan Jian
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Nervousness

Common Symptoms: Dizziness Blurry Vision Eye Floaters Vivid Dreaming Depression Timidity Easily Startled Lack Of Bravery

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Qi Deficiency Nervousness, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of bravery, Indecision, Sighing, Vivid dreaming, Depression, Irritability, Hypochondriac distention, Irregular periods, Lack of appetite, Generalized fatigue, Abdominal distention... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang | Si Wu Tang | Xiao Yao San
Liver Yin Deficiency Nervousness, Dizziness, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Insomnia, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Dry eyes, Night blindness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull pale complexion, Flushed cheekbones, Muscle weakness, Muscle cramps, Withered and brittle nails, Dry hair, Skin dryness, Depression, Lack of direction, Night sweats, Vivid dreaming, Afternoon fever, Hot palms and soles, Preference for sipping... see more Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang | Yi Guan Jian
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Nervousness

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Gallbladder Deficiency Nervousness, Timidity, Easily startled, Lack of bravery, Indecision, Sighing, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Eye floaters, Early awakening, Vivid dreaming... see more Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Nervousness

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address nervousness, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
View More Types

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Wen Dan Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause nervousness, such as Gallbladder Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Nervousness Caused by Qi Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Wen Dan Tang Gallbladder Deficiency
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Liver Qi Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Liver Qi Deficiency
Xiao Yao San Liver Qi Deficiency

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause nervousness, such as Liver Yin Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Nervousness Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Yin Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang Liver Yin Deficiency
Suan Zao Ren Tang Liver Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Liver Yin Deficiency

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Liver Qi Deficiency.

One such formula is Si Wu Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for nervousness

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Si Wu Tang Liver Qi Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang Liver Yin Deficiency

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Liver Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for nervousness

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Yin Deficiency
Yi Guan Jian Liver Yin Deficiency

Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Gallbladder Deficiency.

One such formula is Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify Qi

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Liver Qi Deficiency.

One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Liver Qi Deficiency.

One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

These formulas are suitable for some nervousness-causing patterns like Liver Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Suan Zao Ren Tang, with jujube seeds as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Nervousness

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Nervousness 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 nervousness, like Si Wu Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for nervousness

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Si Wu Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Bu Gan Tang
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Si Wu Tang | Bu Gan Tang

Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Nervousness can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.

One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nervousness, like Wen Dan Tang.

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Nervousness 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 Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nervousness, like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang.

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Nervousness 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 Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nervousness, like Xiao Yao San.

Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit

Nervousness can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.

One such herb is Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for nervousness, like Suan Zao Ren Tang.