Viral Myocarditisaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Viral Infections, Cardiac Disorders
Parent symptom: Myocarditis
What is Viral Myocarditis?
Viral myocarditis, a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the heart muscle, typically results from a viral infection. This condition is a specific type of myocarditis that can affect heart function and overall cardiovascular health.
Symptoms range from mild discomfort to severe cardiac complications. Viral myocarditis is often referred to in medical literature as myocardial inflammation due to viral infection, viral heart disease, or viral heart muscle infection. As a form of myocarditis, it shares commonalities with other types of heart inflammation but is distinct in its viral origin.
How does TCM view Viral Myocarditis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches viral myocarditis not just as a heart condition but as a manifestation of systemic imbalance. TCM sees this as a result of external pathogenic factors invading the body and causing internal disharmony.
Unlike Western medicine, which focuses primarily on the virus as the cause, TCM considers the overall balance of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang in the body. The emphasis is on identifying specific imbalances or patterns unique to each patient to effectively address and treat the condition.
Causes of Viral Myocarditis According to TCM
TCM identifies several patterns that could lead to conditions like viral myocarditis. Commonly, Heat in the organs, specifically the Heart, and Damp-Heat in the system are seen as primary causes. In TCM, Heat can represent inflammation or infection, correlating with the symptoms of myocarditis.
Dampness in TCM relates to fluid accumulation or metabolic issues that can affect heart function. Understanding these patterns is crucial in TCM for developing a treatment strategy that addresses the root cause of the condition rather than just alleviating symptoms.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Viral Myocarditis
In TCM, several formulas are tailored to treat viral myocarditis based on the identified patterns. For Heat in the organs, Yu Nu Jian, which includes Gypsum (Shi Gao), is often used for conditions like Kidney Yin Deficiency with Stomach Heat. Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, which contains Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin), addresses Damp-Heat and Toxic-Heat patterns. In cases of Wind-Heat and Toxic-Heat, Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin is recommended.
For strengthening the body's vital energy and Blood, Zhi Gan Cao Tang with Liquorice (Gan Cao) is used, particularly for Qi and Blood Deficiency patterns. Finally, Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), is prescribed for Heat in the Chest pattern, aligning with symptoms of myocarditis. These formulas reflect TCM's holistic approach to treatment, emphasizing restoring balance and harmony within the body's systems.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address viral myocarditis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
Viral myocarditis 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 Yu Nu Jian, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for viral myocarditis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Yu Nu Jian | Gypsum (Shi Gao), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
| Yu Nu Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao), Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) |
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Viral myocarditis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Viral myocarditis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Viral myocarditis can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Zhi Gan Cao Tang, with liquorice as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Viral myocarditis can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Viral Myocarditis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address viral myocarditis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Viral myocarditis 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 viral myocarditis, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for viral myocarditis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Baikal Skullcap Roots (Huang Qin) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Viral myocarditis 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 Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral myocarditis, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for viral myocarditis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Viral myocarditis can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral myocarditis, like Yu Nu Jian.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for viral myocarditis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Yu Nu Jian | Yu Nu Tang |
| Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Zhi Zi Chi Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Viral myocarditis 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 viral myocarditis, like Yu Nu Jian.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Viral myocarditis 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 Liquorice (Gan Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for viral myocarditis, like Zhi Gan Cao Tang.