What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is a respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the lung tissue, often due to an infection. It can be caused by a variety of organisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Pneumonia symptoms range from mild to severe and can include coughing, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

The condition encompasses various forms, such as viral pneumonia, severe pneumonia, and lobar pneumonia. It's critical for effective treatment that the type and severity of pneumonia are accurately diagnosed.

TCM Perspective on Pneumonia

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches pneumonia not just as a lung infection but as an imbalance of Qi (vital energy) and other fundamental substances in the body. TCM practitioners often view pneumonia as a result of external pathogenic factors like Wind or Cold invading the body and disrupting the normal functioning of the Lungs.

The diagnosis and treatment in TCM depend on identifying the specific pattern of disharmony, such as Lung Heat or Phlegm Dampness, and treating it with a combination of herbs, acupuncture, and other holistic methods.

Causes of Pneumonia According to TCM

In TCM, pneumonia's root causes are often linked to the invasion of external pathogens and internal imbalances. For example, the invasion of Wind-Cold can lead to Lung Qi Stagnation, manifesting as cough and Phlegm.

Another common TCM pattern seen in pneumonia cases is Phlegm Heat, where Heat in the Lungs produces thick Phlegm and leads to inflammation. TCM looks at the individual's overall constitution and symptoms to determine the underlying cause and tailor the treatment accordingly.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Pneumonia

TCM offers a variety of herbal formulas for treating pneumonia, each suited to different underlying patterns of disharmony. Formulas like Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with its key herb Kudzu Roots, are used for Damp-Heat conditions.

For cases with an underlying Deficiency, Yu Ping Feng San, which includes Milkvetch Roots, is often prescribed to tonify Qi. In situations where Heat and Phlegm are predominant, Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan, with ingredients like Arisaema With Bile, is selected to clear Heat and transform Phlegm. The choice of herbs is highly individualized, taking into account the patient’s unique presentation of symptoms.

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

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that warm the meridians and disperse cold
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that dispel summer-Heat and augment qi
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that drive out excess water
  • Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian)
Liang Ge San Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao)

All "formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang Kudzu Roots (Ge Gen)
Shi Gao Tang Gypsum (Shi Gao)

All "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao), Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin)
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu)

All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Ma Huang Tang Ephedra (Ma Huang)
Da Qing Long Tang Ephedra (Ma Huang)

All "formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing)
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Snake Gourds (Gua Lou)

All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Da Cheng Qi Tang Rhubarb (Da Huang)

All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Zhi Zi Chi Tang Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi)
Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang Gypsum (Shi Gao)

All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for pneumonia

Formula Key herbs
Zi Xue Dan Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), Musk (She Xiang)
Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang)

Acupoints for Pneumonia

Acupuncture, another key aspect of TCM, involves stimulating specific points to restore balance and health. For pneumonia, points like Feishu BL-13 are commonly used. Located near the spine, these points are believed to directly influence lung health, helping to tonify Lung Qi, nourish Lung Yin, clear Lung Heat, and expel pathogenic factors like Wind. The selection of acupoints is based on the patient's specific TCM diagnosis and is often used in conjunction with herbal treatment for a more holistic approach.

See more details below about Feishu BL-13, an acupoint used to address pneumonia.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
Feishu BL-13

Feishu BL-13

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 3rd thoracic vertebra (T3).

TCM Herbs for Pneumonia

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
  • Cathartic herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that expel parasites
  • Laxative herbs that drain downward
  • Herbs that open the orifices
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward

"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) Yin Qiao San | Liang Ge San
Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) Yin Qiao San
Dandelions (Pu Gong Ying) Not applicable
Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao) Not applicable
Perennial Buckwheat Roots (Jin Qiao Mai) Not applicable
Isatis Leaf (Da Qing Ye) Not applicable
Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai) Not applicable

"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Gypsum (Shi Gao) Shi Gao Tang | Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang
Common Reed Rhizomes (Lu Gen) Wei Jing Tang
Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Watermelons (Xi Gua) Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) Zhi Zi Chi Tang

"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Fritillary Bulbs (Chuan Bei Mu) Bei Mu Gua Lou San
Snake Gourds (Gua Lou) Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Arisaema With Bile (Dan Nan Xing) Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Snake Gourd Roots (Tian Hua Fen) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) Mai Men Dong Tang | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Lily Bulbs (Bai He) Not applicable
Monk Fruits (Luo Han Guo) Not applicable

"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang
American Ginseng (Xi Yang Shen) Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan) Not applicable

"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Mulberry Bark (Sang Bai Pi) Xie Bai San
Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) Zi Xue Dan
Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan

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

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Ma Huang Tang | Ma Huang Xi Xin Fu Zi Tang | Da Qing Long Tang
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang

"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang

"Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao) Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Gambir Stems And Thorns (Gou Teng) Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang

"Cathartic herbs that drain downward" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Kansui Roots (Gan Sui) Shi Zao Tang
Genkwa Flowers (Yuan Hua) Shi Zao Tang

"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for pneumonia

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Aster Roots (Zi Wan) Zhi Sou San
Stemona Roots (Bai Bu) Zhi Sou San