Pericardial Effusionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Cardiac Disorders
TCM Herbal Formulas for Pericardial Effusion
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pericardial effusion, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that drive out excess water
- Formulas that promote urination and leach out dampness
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
Formulas that drive out excess water
Pericardial effusion can be treated by these formulas when it is a consequence of accumulated excess water or fluid in the body, demanding diuretic actions to promote its expulsion.
One such formula is Shi Zao Tang, with kansui root as a key herb.
Formulas that promote urination and leach out Dampness
Pericardial effusion 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 and transform water and Dampness
Pericardial effusion 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 Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Pericardial effusion can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ma Huang Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Pericardial Effusion
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pericardial effusion, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Pericardial effusion can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pericardial effusion, like Shi Zao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for pericardial effusion
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) | Shi Zao Tang |
| Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) | Shi Zao Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Pericardial effusion 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 pericardial effusion, like Wu Ling San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for pericardial effusion
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Plantain (Ze Xie) | Wu Ling San |
| Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) | Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang |
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Pericardial effusion can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Peking Spurge Roots (Jing Da Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pericardial effusion, like Shi Zao Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pericardial effusion 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pericardial effusion, like Ma Huang Tang.