Pharyngitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Throat & Pharyngeal Inflammations and Pains
Sub-symptom(s): Chronic Pharyngitis
What is Pharyngitis?
Pharyngitis, commonly referred to as throat inflammation, is a condition characterized by discomfort, irritation, and soreness in the pharyngeal area. It is a manifestation of the body's reaction to infection or irritation, leading to a scratchy or painful sensation that can disrupt swallowing and overall well-being.
Chronic pharyngitis denotes a prolonged state of this condition, often requiring a deeper exploration of underlying causes for effective management and relief.
How does TCM View Pharyngitis?
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine, pharyngitis is considered a symptom of an imbalance within the body's harmonious state. TCM does not view it as an isolated throat issue but as an indication of systemic disharmony.
Whether it is the invasion of external pathogenic factors or the flare-up of internal Heat, TCM seeks to identify the specific disharmony, such as a Deficiency or an Excess, to restore the body's balance through tailored treatment strategies.
Causes of Pharyngitis According to TCM
In TCM, pharyngitis may arise from several distinct imbalances. Wind-Heat can cause the throat to become inflamed, while a Deficiency in Yin can lead to Dryness and soreness that exacerbates at night.
For example, Liver Fire Blazing can also manifest as throat discomfort, often coupled with emotional stress and systemic Heat signs. Identifying the unique TCM pattern in each individual case is essential, as it informs the selection of appropriate therapeutic interventions, such as acupuncture or herbal remedies.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Pharyngitis
Addressing pharyngitis, TCM turns to a range of herbal formulas to treat the identified patterns of disharmony. For instance, if Liver Fire is deemed the culprit, formulas that cool the Liver and direct Fire downward, such as those containing cooling herbs like Dong quai, may be employed.
When a Deficiency pattern is diagnosed, particularly one involving Lung Yin, herbs that nourish Yin and moisten Dryness, such as Unprepared Rehmannia, become the focal point of treatment. These strategies exemplify TCM's intricate approach to healing that goes beyond symptomatic relief, aiming instead to correct the fundamental imbalances within the body.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pharyngitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear exterior disorders with interior deficiency
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Pharyngitis 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 Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for pharyngitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Lily Bulbs (Bai He), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) |
| Bu Fei E Jiao Tang | Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Pharyngitis 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 clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency
Pharyngitis can be treated by formulas that clear Exterior disorders with Interior deficiency if it arises from an external pathogen attacking a body with underlying weakness.
One such formula is Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang, with angular solomon's seal root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Pharyngitis 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 clear Wind-Cold
Pharyngitis 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.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Pharyngitis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Acupoints for Pharyngitis
In the realm of acupuncture, specific points are known to effectively target pharyngitis symptoms. Points within the Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN) category, such as Jiali EX-HN, situated within the mouth, are leveraged for their direct influence on throat health.
By stimulating these points, practitioners of TCM can help alleviate the Heat and discomfort associated with pharyngitis, showcasing the depth and nuance of TCM's methodology for addressing what may seem, on the surface, to be straightforward ailments.
See more details below about Jiali EX-HN, an acupoint used to address pharyngitis.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Jiali EX-HN
Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
TCM Herbs for Pharyngitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pharyngitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Pharyngitis 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 pharyngitis, like Liang Ge San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pharyngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Liang Ge San |
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Not applicable |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Pharyngitis 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pharyngitis, like Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pharyngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye) | Not applicable |
| Woad Roots (Ban Lan Gen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Pharyngitis 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 Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pharyngitis, like Bu Fei E Jiao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for pharyngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) | Bu Fei E Jiao Tang |
| Scarab Grubs (Qi Cao) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Pharyngitis 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 pharyngitis, like Dang Gui Long Hui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for pharyngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan |
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Pharyngitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pharyngitis, like Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for pharyngitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Angular Solomon's Seal Roots (Yu Zhu) | Jia Jian Wei Rui Tang |
| Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Pharyngitis 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 Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan), which is directly recommended for pharyngitis.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Pharyngitis 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 Chinese Honeylocust Abnormal Fruits (Zhu Ya Zao), which is directly recommended for pharyngitis.
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Pharyngitis can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Star Jasmine Stems (Luo Shi Teng), which is directly recommended for pharyngitis.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Pharyngitis 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 Chinese Gentian (Long Dan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pharyngitis, like Dang Gui Long Hui Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pharyngitis 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 pharyngitis, like Ma Huang Tang.