More than three hundred herbs used in current Chinese medicine have been on record for thousands of years. Most of which have been proven over centuries of clinical trials. In particular, several Chinese herbs have been found to be helpful in relieving inflammation and can be used solo or in addition to other available anti-inflammatory options.
Where to Find Chinese Herbs
Oriental Medical Doctors (O.M.D.) and acupuncture clinics carry an apothecary of Chinese health products. Based on a complicated series of diagnostic methods used during an exam, a practitioner can prescribe a combination of herbs for specific inflammatory needs.
Also, most Asian markets have a slue of "patent formulas" that are used as supplements by the general public. These are standardized combinations of herbs for unique conditions; like a sinus infection or back pain.
Patent Formulas for Inflammation
In the system of Chinese medicine, it is not common to use only one herb as treatment for an injury or ailment, so it is useful to be familiar with some basic patent formulas.
Lian Qiao Bai Du Pian
"Forsythia Clear Toxins Tablets" are useful for a wide variety of skin conditions such as boils, skin infections and poison oak. Since the skin eliminates many bodily toxins it is important to consider the diet when there is inflammation; as irritating substances like coffee or spicy/greasy foods, can prolong the condition and lessen the effects of any treatment. Caution: This formula has a purgative effect and increases bowel movements.
Long Dan Xie Gan Wan
"Gentian Clear the Liver Pills" is a traditional formula used for many inflammatory conditions in the eyes, ears, urinary tract, reproductive organs, liver and gallbladder; as well as systemic conditions such as migraines and eczema. It is not suggested for long-term use.
Individual Herbs Useful for Inflammation
Knowing a few commonly used individual Chinese herbs that are effective anti-inflammatories can very be helpful. Especially since many are available as individual tinctures or powders at Westernized herbal shops.
Gancao (Licorice)
Licorice root is known to relieve inflammation and detoxify the body, which aids in healing. This root is sweet to taste and traditionally added to many formulas to make them more palatable and help increase the effectiveness of the other herbs. Excessive consumption can cause a sodium/potassium imbalance.
Dahuang (Rhubarb)
Typically rhubarb root it is used in the treatment of pain caused by inflammation, but unfortunately has serious laxative effects; therefore rhubarb should not be used by anyone with irritable bowel syndrome. Cooking it for a long period of time seems to reduce these effects and still retain the medicinal value.
Danshen (Salvia)
The Chinese sage plant Salvia is an important herb that has been used in many cases where the tissues "have been damaged by disease or injury" according to Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., of the Institute for Traditional Medicine, in Portland, Oregon. It is commonly utilized in cases of trauma, chronic inflammation and degenerative diseases.
Salvia's anti-inflammatory action seems to be attributed to its specific ability to "target" inflamed cells, as found in a study published in the Journal of Neurogastroenterology & Motility, February 2008.
Salvia miltiorrhiza is the variety used in traditional Chinese medicine--not to be confused with Salvia divinorum, which is regulated in some areas due to its use as a psychoactive drug.
Herbal Concerns
Any herb can have an adverse effects if mis-taken or used in excess. Check with a qualified professional regarding proper dosage of these Chinese herbs and any potential conflicts they may have with current medications.
References
- "Chinese Healing Secrets"; Schoenbart, Bill, L.Ac.; Publications International, Ltd.; 1997.
- An Introduction to Chinese Herbs by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D.
- "The hallucinogenic herb Salvia divinorum and its active ingredient salvinorin A reduce inflammation-induced hypermotility in mice" CAPASSO, R.; Neurogastroenterology & Motility. 20(2):142-148, February 2008.
