DU HUO JI SHENG WAN (BP009) Du huo & Loranthus Formula Complex

Indication

This formula was first recorded in ‘Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces for Emergencies’ (bei ji qian jin yao fang), by Sun Si-miao (end 7th Century), a 30 volume work that, together with an additional 30 volume supplement, is a compilation of medical knowledge to that date. The original formula was designed to treat chronic painful obstruction (bi) syndromes, in which the health Qi (zheng qi) has become deficient.

In order to accomplish this, it contains both tonifying and pathogen dispelling (i.e. Wind- Cold –Damp dispelling) medicinals in balanced proportions. Thus it is designed for long term or ongoing use in arthritic and rheumatic disorders. In addition, this formula is also effective in some conditions with muscular weakness and flaccidity, e.g. the sequelae of stroke, with Liver-Kidney deficiency and Wind obstructing the Channels and Collaterals.

Although originally intended to treat the lower body, it has been shown in clinical studies to be equally effective for disorders of the upper limbs and neck. The key clinical features are: chronic condition, cold (joints are not red, nor hot to the touch), muscular weakness, wasting and possibly also flaccidity. The Sun Herbal variant has been enhanced with the addition of Cynanchum root (xu chang qing), and Clematis root & rhizome (wei ling xian), which serve as an effective substitutes for Asarum herb (xi xin). The latter herb generally contains a variable amount of aristolochic acid, which is toxic.

The synergistic actions of the herbs are as follows:

Angelica pubescens, root (du huo), Saposhnikovia root (fang feng), Gentiana macrophylla, root (qin jiao), Cynanchum root (xu chang qing), Clematis root & rhizome (wei ling xian), Ligusticum root (chuan xiong): dispel Wind-Damp from the Channels, muscles, sinews and bones to relive pain.

Loranthus stem (sang ji sheng), Rehmannia root (shu di huang), Eucommia stem bark (du zhong), Achyranthes root (huai niu xi): tonify the Liver and Kidney.

Codonopsis root (dang shen), Poria cocos (fu ling), Glycyrrhiza root (gan cao): tonify the Qi.

Rehmannia root (shu di huang), Angelica polymorpha, root (dang-gui), Paeonia root (bai shao), Ligusticum root (chuan xiong) (= Dang-gui Four Combination – si wu tang): nourish the Blood and activate the Blood circulation (this assists in dispelling Wind, as well as supporting the overall tonifying action of the formula).

Ligusticum root (chuan xiong), Cinnamomum stem bark (rou gui): warm the Channels and blood vessels (to promote free movement of the Qi and Blood) and dispel Wind. Thus they assist in relieving pain.

ChinaMed approximate equivalent ARTHRITIS Formula (CM107).

Signs & Symptoms:

Sciatica

Arthritis

Pain and weakness in lower back

Numbness and tingling in the extremities

Lumbar pain

Pain, chronic knee

Joint stiffness

Worse for cold and wet weather

Arthralgia (joint pain)

Poliomyelitis, sequelae

Combinations –

Elderly patient with fatigue and sensitivity to cold

BA JI YIN YANG WAN

SEXUAL FUNCTION Formula

OSTEO SUPPORT Formula

REHMANNIA EIGHT VITALITY Formula

Severe joint pain:

HUO LUO XIAO LING DAN

TAO HONG SI WU WAN

PAIN-LESS Formula

BLOOD MOVING 2 Formula

TCM Syndromes: Wind-Cold-Damp Bi, Qi-Blood dual deficiency, Liver-Kidney deficiency.

TCM Actions: Dispels Wind-Cold-Damp to relieve pain, tonifies the Qi and nourishes the Blood, tonifies the Liver and Kidney.