Epilepsyaccording to TCM

Formulas that sedate and calm the Mind

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from an agitated or disturbed mental state, requiring calming and mind-stabilizing actions.

One such formula is Ci Zhu Wan, with magnetite as a key herb.

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

Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices

Epilepsy can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.

One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.

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

Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.

One such formula is Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

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

Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.

One such formula is Di Dang Tang, with leech as a key herb.

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

Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it is due to internal wind, which is often associated with spasms, tremors, or dizziness.

One such formula is Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, with gastrodia rhizome as a key herb.

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

Formulas that regulate Blood

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.

One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas if it stems from an excess heat condition in specific organs, leading to internal disharmony.

One such formula is Dang Gui Long Hui Wan, with dong quai as a key herb.

Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it results from external wind invasion disrupting the body's surface and normal function, requiring wind-dispersing actions.

One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.

One such formula is Gan Mai Da Zao Tang, with light wheat as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm

Epilepsy can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.

One such formula is Gun Tan Wan, with chlorite schist as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Epilepsy can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.

One such formula is Liang Ge San, with forsythia fruit as a key herb.

Formulas that warm and open sensory orifices

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold affecting the sensory orifices, requiring warming and opening actions.

One such formula is Su He Xiang Wan, with styrax resin as a key herb.

Formulas that purge Heat accumulation

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.

One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang

Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.

One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.

Formulas that promote Qi movement

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.

One such formula is Yue Ju Wan, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that dispel Phlegm

Epilepsy can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.

One such formula is Di Tan Tang, with arisaema as a key herb.

Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.

One such herb is Dragon Bones (Long Gu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Feng Yin Tang.

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

Herbs that invigorate the Blood

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.

One such herb is Leeches (Shui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Di Dang Tang.

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

Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.

One such herb is Gastrodia Rhizomes (Tian Ma), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin.

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

Herbs that open the Orifices

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.

One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Su He Xiang Wan.

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

Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Epilepsy 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 Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Di Tan Tang.

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

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Epilepsy 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 epilepsy, like Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang.

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

Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.

One such herb is Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

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

Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Epilepsy 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

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

Herbs that cool the Blood

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.

One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Zi Xue Dan.

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

Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold

Epilepsy 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 Black Pepper (Hu Jiao), which is directly recommended for epilepsy.

Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit

Epilepsy 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 Gold Leaves (Jin Bo), which is directly recommended for epilepsy.

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Epilepsy 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 epilepsy, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

Purgative herbs that drain downward

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.

One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Epilepsy 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 Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Dang Gui Long Hui Wan.

Herbs that stabilize and bind

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.

One such herb is Light Wheats (Fu Xiao Mai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Gan Mai Da Zao Tang.

Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.

One such herb is Chlorite Schist (Meng Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Gun Tan Wan.

Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.

One such herb is Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Liang Ge San.

Herbs that regulate Qi

Epilepsy can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.

One such herb is Red Tangerine Peel (Ju Hong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for epilepsy, like Di Tan Tang.