Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Nephritis

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune-mediated inflammatory connective tissue disease that can affect systems, organs, and tissues throughout the body.
Some sources indicate that approximately 80% of patients may develop signs of kidney involvement. Kidney biopsies have confirmed that almost all patients have some degree of kidney pathology, known as lupus nephritis (LN). Lupus nephritis is the most common and most significant visceral complication of SLE. It is also the most common secondary glomerular disease and a leading cause of death among people with SLE. Clinical manifestations of lupus nephritis include varying degrees of proteinuria, hematuria, or nephrotic syndrome; a small number of patients may experience rapid deterioration in kidney function. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) does not have a disease name corresponding to “lupus nephritis.” Based on its clinical manifestations, it may be classified under categories such as “edema,” “yin-yang toxin,” “consumptive disease,” and “low back pain.”

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

Lung and spleen qi deficiency with insecure exterior pattern
Lung and kidney deficiency pattern
Liver and kidney yin deficiency pattern
Spleen and kidney yang deficiency pattern
Kidney yang deficiency pattern
Yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity pattern
Qi and yin deficiency with damp-heat and blood stasis obstruction pattern
Spleen and kidney deficiency with exuberant internal damp-heat pattern
Exuberant internal damp-heat with damage to the vessels pattern
Exuberant internal damp-heat with impaired lower-jiao function pattern
Wind-damp-heat impediment pattern
Lung and kidney deficiency with blood stasis obstruction pattern
Qi stagnation and blood stasis pattern
Clear and turbid substances undifferentiated pattern
Internal damp-turbidity obstruction with external invasion by wind toxin pattern
Spleen and kidney deficiency with exuberant internal damp-turbidity pattern
Pathogenic factors obstructing the orifices of the mind pattern
Warm toxin invasion with exuberant heat toxin pattern
External invasion by wind toxin pattern

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Shortness of breath and fatigue, spontaneous sweating and aversion to wind, poor appetite and loose stools, facial edema, spontaneous sweating and aversion to wind, pale tongue with a thin white coating, floating and deficient pulse

In plain language:

Breathing may feel short and weak. Even light activity may cause fatigue, with low energy overall.
You may sweat easily without exertion and feel more sensitive to wind afterward; a breeze may feel uncomfortable.
Appetite may be poor, with reduced food intake and loose, unformed stools.
The face may appear puffy and swollen; swelling may be noticeable when pressed.
There may again be sweating followed by sensitivity to wind and discomfort in a breeze.
The tongue may look pale with a thin, white coating.
The pulse may be palpable near the surface but feel weak or hollow when pressed.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Boost qi and strengthen the spleen; tonify the lung and secure the exterior

In plain language:

Support spleen function so food can be better absorbed and used, potentially helping energy gradually improve.
Tonify lung qi to support easier, stronger breathing and ease feelings of breathlessness and fatigue.
Support the body’s exterior and help regulate sweating and sensitivity to wind.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Jade Windscreen Powder (Yu Ping Feng San)

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Mental and physical fatigue, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, edema of the limbs, irregular menstruation, pale enlarged tongue, white coating

In plain language:

You may feel mentally and physically tired, have little energy for activities, and not feel fully refreshed after resting.
The lower back and knees may feel sore and weak, especially when walking or sitting for a long time.
The limbs may become swollen, with visible puffiness and swelling when pressed.
Menstruation may be irregular, with the cycle or amount of bleeding varying.
The tongue may look pale and enlarged.
A white coating may be visible on the tongue.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Tonify the lung and kidney; support essence and qi

In plain language:

Tonify lung qi to support easier, stronger breathing and ease breathlessness and fatigue.
Nourish the kidneys and support essence, which in TCM may be used to address soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees or fatigue.
Help regulate and secure essence, with the aim of easing issues such as seminal emission or leakage.
Support qi and vitality, potentially helping improve energy and overall well-being.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Dry, irritated eyes, dry throat and mouth, hair loss and loose teeth, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, tender-red tongue, scant or peeled coating, thin and rapid pulse

In plain language:

Your eyes may feel dry and irritated, with discomfort or aching that becomes more noticeable after prolonged use.
Your throat and mouth may feel dry, including when speaking or swallowing.
Hair may fall out more easily, and teeth may feel loose or unstable when chewing.
The lower back and knees may feel sore and weak, especially when walking or sitting for a long time.
The tongue may appear tender and reddish.
The tongue coating may be scant or almost absent, leaving a shiny, peeled appearance.
The pulse may feel thin and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Nourish the liver and kidneys; nourish yin and clear heat

In plain language:

Nourish the liver and kidneys and support essence and blood, with the aim of easing blurred vision, tinnitus, or soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees.
Nourish yin fluids and support balance in TCM, with the aim of easing signs attributed to deficiency heat, such as restlessness or night sweats.
Clear deficiency heat, with the aim of easing symptoms such as thirst, hot flushes, or insomnia.

| Related Products

Zhibai Dihuang Wan

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Generalized edema, fatigue and reluctance to speak, aversion to cold and cold limbs, pale enlarged tongue with tooth marks, white greasy coating, deep, slow, thin pulse

In plain language:

Swelling may occur throughout the body, making the skin look puffy and tight; it may remain noticeable after pressure.
You may feel tired and have little energy or inclination to speak.
You may feel very cold, with cold hands and feet that are slow to warm.
The tongue may be pale and enlarged, with tooth marks along its edges.
The tongue may have a whitish, sticky-looking coating.
The pulse may be felt more clearly with deeper pressure and may feel slow and thin.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Warm and tonify the spleen and kidneys; promote yang and water metabolism

In plain language:

Warm and support spleen yang, with the aim of supporting digestion and absorption and gradually restoring energy.
Tonify kidney qi to support strength and ease soreness or weakness in the lower back and knees and sensitivity to cold.
Support the movement of yang qi and the body’s fluid metabolism.
Promote urination and help dispel dampness, with the aim of easing swelling and supporting urine flow.

| Related Products

Jisheng Shenqi Wan

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Facial and generalized swelling, especially below the waist; cold, painful, sore, and heavy lower back; pale enlarged tongue; white coating; deep, thin pulse or deep, slow, weak pulse

In plain language:

The face and body may appear swollen and puffy.
Swelling may be more pronounced below the waist, especially in the legs, and may be more noticeable when pressed.
The lower back may feel cold, painful, sore, or heavy, with discomfort during movement or prolonged sitting.
The tongue may be pale and enlarged.
A white coating may be visible on the tongue.
The pulse may be felt more clearly with firm pressure and may feel thin or slow and weak.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Warm and tonify kidney yang; support water metabolism

In plain language:

Warm and support kidney yang, with the aim of easing sensitivity to cold, soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, and fatigue.
Support the kidneys’ TCM role in transforming qi and promoting the movement of fluids.
Support fluid metabolism and urination, with the aim of easing swelling.
Address discomfort such as heaviness or tiredness that TCM attributes to retained dampness.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Dizziness, tinnitus, lower back soreness, dry mouth, red tongue, scant coating, thin and rapid pulse

In plain language:

You may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing or walking, with a sense of unsteadiness.
You may hear ringing or buzzing in your ears, even in quiet surroundings, which may affect concentration or rest.
The lower back may feel sore, especially during activity or prolonged sitting.
Your mouth may feel dry, including when speaking or swallowing.
The tongue may appear red.
The tongue coating may be scant, with little or no thick coating visible.
The pulse may feel thin and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Pacify liver yang and extinguish wind; clear heat and calm the mind

In plain language:

Pacify excessive liver yang, with the aim of easing dizziness, headaches, or irritability.
Address wind in TCM, with the aim of easing tremors, numbness, or dizziness.
Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing thirst, restlessness, or insomnia.
Calm the mind, with the aim of supporting emotional calm and sleep.

| Related Products

Tianma Gouteng Yin

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Thirst, shortness of breath, fatigue, soreness and weakness of the lower back and knees, red or pale tongue, thin and weak pulse

In plain language:

You may often feel thirsty and want to drink, although drinking may only temporarily ease the dryness.
Breathing may feel short, with a sense of not getting enough air or having little strength after light activity.
You may feel tired and weak, with little energy for activities and limited improvement after rest.
The lower back and knees may feel sore and weak, with a sense of poor support when walking or sitting for a long time.
The tongue may appear red or pale.
The pulse may feel thin and weak.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Boost qi and nourish yin; tonify the kidneys and strengthen the spleen; clear residual pathogenic factors

In plain language:

Support qi and nourish yin, with the aim of easing fatigue and weakness.
Support the kidneys and spleen in TCM, with the aim of supporting digestion and easing soreness in the lower back and knees or fatigue.
Address residual pathogenic factors in TCM, with the aim of easing symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, or sores.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Soreness in the lower back and cold knees, undigested food in the stool, pale tongue, thin yellow coating, thin and rapid pulse

In plain language:

The lower back may feel sore and weak, and the knees may feel cold.
Undigested food may sometimes be visible in the stool.
The tongue may appear pale.
A thin yellow coating may be visible on the tongue.
The pulse may feel thin and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Strengthen the spleen and benefit the kidneys; clear heat and drain dampness

In plain language:

Support spleen function so food can be better absorbed and used, with the aim of gradually improving energy.
Nourish the kidneys and support essence, with the aim of easing soreness in the lower back and knees or fatigue.
Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing thirst, restlessness, or throat discomfort.
Dispel excess dampness and support urination, with the aim of easing swelling or a heavy feeling in the body.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Hot, painful urination, dark-red urine, possibly with blood clots, yellow tongue coating, slippery and rapid pulse

In plain language:

Urination may be accompanied by a burning sensation, difficulty passing urine, and pain.
The urine may look dark red, or blood clots may be visible in it.
A yellow coating may be visible on the tongue.
The pulse may feel smooth and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Clear heat and drain dampness; cool the blood and stop bleeding

In plain language:

Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing symptoms such as fever, thirst, or restlessness.
Dispel excess dampness, with the aim of easing heaviness, swelling, or difficulty urinating.
In TCM, “cooling the blood” is intended to address bleeding attributed to heat in the blood.
Support the TCM approach of stopping bleeding, which may be used for symptoms such as coughing up blood, nosebleeds, or blood in the stool.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, red tongue, thin yellow or greasy coating, floating and rapid or slippery and rapid pulse

In plain language:

Urination may be difficult or feel incomplete.
You may need to urinate more often than usual.
You may feel a sudden, strong need to urinate.
Urination may be painful, with discomfort in the urethra.
The tongue may appear red.
The tongue coating may be thin and yellow or appear sticky and greasy.
The pulse may be palpable near the surface and feel fast, or feel smooth and fast when pressed.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Clear heat and dry dampness; promote urination and relieve urinary dribbling

In plain language:

Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing thirst, restlessness, or burning during urination.
Address excess dampness in TCM, with the aim of easing heaviness, fatigue, or a sticky sensation.
Support urination, with the aim of easing difficulty, frequency, or urgency.
Promote urination in TCM, with the aim of easing scant, dark urine or discomfort when urinating.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Migratory joint pain, limited flexion and extension, red tongue, yellow greasy coating, usually slippery and rapid pulse

In plain language:

Joint pain may move from one area to another and may become more noticeable with movement or pressure.
It may be difficult to bend or straighten the joints smoothly.
The tongue may appear red.
The tongue may have a yellow, sticky-looking coating.
The pulse may feel smooth and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Dispel wind and unblock the channels; clear heat and harmonize the nutritive aspect

In plain language:

Address wind in TCM, with the aim of easing numbness, itching, or restricted joint movement.
Support the flow of qi and blood through the channels, with the aim of easing pain or limited movement.
Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing thirst, restlessness, or a sore throat.
Harmonize nutritive qi and blood in TCM to support their balanced flow.

| Related Products

Duhuo Jisheng Tang

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Mental and physical fatigue, weight loss, prominent superficial veins, bruising, soreness and weakness in the lower back and legs, hematuria, red tongue with scant coating, thin and rapid or choppy pulse

In plain language:

You may feel tired and weak, have little energy for activities, and appear thinner.
Superficial veins may appear prominent and clearly visible.
Dark purple bruises may appear on the skin, like areas of bleeding under the skin.
The lower back may feel sore, and the legs may feel weak, especially when walking or sitting for a long time.
Blood may be visible in the urine, making it look red or blood-tinged.
The tongue may appear red with little or no thick coating.
The pulse may feel thin and fast or uneven and choppy.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Tonify the lung and benefit the kidneys; invigorate blood and resolve stasis

In plain language:

Tonify lung qi to support easier, stronger breathing and ease breathlessness and fatigue.
Nourish the kidneys and support essence, with the aim of easing soreness in the lower back and knees or fatigue.
In TCM, invigorating blood is intended to support blood circulation and address discomfort attributed to stasis.
Resolve blood stasis according to TCM, with the aim of addressing discoloration, lumps, or impaired blood flow.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Pain in the flanks, abdominal distension, poor appetite, possible jaundice, dizziness and insomnia, irregular menstruation, dark red skin lesions, red tongue with scant coating, dark purple tongue or petechiae, thin and wiry pulse

In plain language:

Pain may occur along both sides of the torso and become more noticeable with movement or pressure.
Your abdomen may feel distended, and your appetite may be poor.
Sometimes the skin or eyes may appear yellow.
You may feel dizzy or lightheaded and have difficulty sleeping, with restless sleep or vivid dreams.
Menstruation may be irregular, with changes in cycle or amount of bleeding.
Dark red patches may appear on the skin.
The tongue may appear red with little or no thick coating.
The tongue may look dark purple, or have small purple spots.
The pulse may feel thin and taut, like a tightened string.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; soften the liver and regulate qi

In plain language:

Support blood circulation and address stasis in TCM, with the aim of easing pain, numbness, or purple discoloration.
Address blood stasis in TCM, with the aim of easing local lumps or areas of firmness.
Regulate liver qi in TCM, with the aim of easing chest or flank discomfort, or irritability.
Support the flow of qi and coordination with blood in TCM.

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Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Cloudy urine resembling rice water, flocculent sediment after standing, an oily film on the surface, red tongue, yellow greasy coating, soggy and rapid pulse

In plain language:

The urine may look cloudy, like rice-rinsing water. After standing, it may develop flocculent sediment and an oily film on the surface.
The tongue may appear red.
The tongue may have a yellow, sticky-looking coating.
The pulse may feel soft and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Separate clear from turbid substances; warm the kidneys and drain dampness

In plain language:

Support the TCM concept of separating clear from turbid substances to promote normal elimination.
Address damp-turbidity in TCM, with the aim of easing a sticky feeling in the mouth, heaviness in the head, or fatigue.
Warm and support kidney qi in TCM, with the aim of easing sensitivity to cold and soreness or weakness in the lower back and knees.
Promote urination and dispel dampness, with the aim of easing swelling or a heavy feeling.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Joint soreness and pain, facial rash, edema, pale enlarged tongue, white coating, deep pulse

In plain language:

Joints may feel sore or painful, especially with movement or pressure.
Red patches may appear on the face.
The body may become puffy or swollen, with swelling noticeable when pressed.
The tongue may look pale and enlarged.
A white coating may be visible on the tongue.
The pulse may be felt more clearly with deeper pressure.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Dispel wind and toxins; drain dampness and reduce swelling; relax the sinews and unblock the channels

In plain language:

Address wind in TCM, with the aim of easing dizziness, itching, or joint stiffness.
Clear toxins in TCM, with the aim of easing sore throat, sores, or symptoms attributed to heat toxin.
Dispel excess dampness, with the aim of easing heaviness, fatigue, or swelling.
Relax the sinews and unblock the channels in TCM, with the aim of supporting joint movement and easing pain or numbness.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, heaviness and fatigue, thick greasy coating, soggy or deep pulse

In plain language:

You may feel nauseated or have an unsettled stomach, sometimes more noticeably when speaking or smelling food.
You may vomit and continue to feel unwell afterward, with ongoing poor appetite.
Your appetite may be poor, and you may eat much less than usual.
Your body may feel heavy and tired, with weakness that is more noticeable during activity.
The tongue may have a thick, greasy-looking coating.
The pulse may feel soft and slippery, or be more clearly felt with deeper pressure.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Transform turbidity and dispel dampness; strengthen the spleen and tonify the kidneys

In plain language:

Address damp-turbidity in TCM, with the aim of easing dizziness, a sticky feeling in the mouth, or heaviness.
Dispel excess dampness and support urination, with the aim of easing swelling or heaviness.
Support spleen function so food can be better absorbed and used, potentially helping energy.
Nourish the kidneys and support essence, with the aim of easing soreness in the lower back and knees and fatigue.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Altered consciousness or seizure-like episodes, limb spasms, pain or redness and swelling in the limbs or joints throughout the body, red or crimson-purple or dark-purple tongue, deep, deficient, and rapid pulse

In plain language:

Consciousness may become impaired or lost, and the person may respond poorly or be unable to communicate normally.
Seizure-like episodes with involuntary shaking or spasms of the limbs may occur.
Joints in the limbs or throughout the body may be painful and, in severe cases, red or swollen.
The tongue may appear red, deep crimson, or dark purple.
The pulse may be felt more clearly with deeper pressure and may feel weak and somewhat fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Clear heat from the nutritive level and nourish yin; calm the mind and open the orifices

In plain language:

Clear heat at the nutritive level in TCM, with the aim of easing high fever, restlessness, or a red tongue.
Nourish yin fluids and support balance in TCM, with the aim of easing signs such as thirst or night sweats attributed to deficiency heat.
Calm the mind, with the aim of easing restlessness and difficulty sleeping.
“Open the orifices” in TCM to support alertness when consciousness is clouded.

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| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

High fever and thirst, skin lesions, bleeding, red or crimson tongue, wiry and rapid pulse

In plain language:

You may develop a high fever and feel very thirsty.
Spots or rashes may appear on the skin.
Bleeding may occur or seem difficult to stop.
The tongue may appear deep red or crimson.
The pulse may feel taut and fast.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Clear heat and toxins; relax the sinews and activate the channels

In plain language:

Clear internal heat, with the aim of easing fever, thirst, or a sore throat.
Address toxins in TCM, with the aim of easing sores, redness, or swelling attributed to heat toxin.
Relax the sinews and joints to support movement and ease stiffness or discomfort.
Support the flow of qi and blood through the channels, with the aim of easing pain or numbness.

| Related Products

| Common Symptoms

Technical description:

Sudden onset, low-grade fever, scattered red rash on the face, arms, chest, or abdomen, itchy skin, joint pain, thin coating, dark-red tongue with scant moisture, floating and rapid pulse that becomes weak under deep pressure

In plain language:

Symptoms may come on suddenly, with a mild rather than high fever.
Scattered red spots or a rash may appear on the face, arms, chest, or abdomen.
The skin may be very itchy, and scratching may not fully relieve the discomfort.
Joints may be painful, especially with movement or pressure, and everyday activities may be affected.
The tongue coating may be thin.
The tongue may appear dark red and somewhat dry.
The pulse may be palpable near the surface and feel fast, but weak with deeper pressure.

| Treatment Approach

Technical description:

Dispel wind and toxins

In plain language:

Address wind in TCM, with the aim of easing dizziness, itching, or restricted joint movement.
Clear toxins in TCM, with the aim of easing a sore throat, sores, or redness, swelling, and heat-related discomfort.

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References

1. Ministry of Health of the People’s Republic of China. Guiding Principles for Clinical Research on New Traditional Chinese Medicines [S]. Beijing: People’s Medical Publishing House, 2002: 156–162.