Traditional Chinese Medicine drugs for treating arthritis

The main drugs used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat arthritis include Duhuo Parasitic Decoction, Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Decoction, Wutou Decoction, Leigongteng polysaccharide Tablets, Wenbi Tablets, etc. Arthritis belongs to the category of traditional Chinese medicine Bi syndrome, which is often caused by invasion of wind cold dampness pathogens and poor circulation of qi and blood. It needs to be treated according to the syndrome differentiation and medication.

1. Duhuo Parasitic Soup

Duhuo Parasitic Soup is composed of Duhuo, Mulberry Parasite, Eucommia ulmoides, etc., and is suitable for liver and kidney deficiency type arthritis. This formula can dispel rheumatism, nourish the liver and kidneys, improve symptoms such as joint cold pain and difficulty in flexion and extension. Modern research has shown that it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and also has a relieving effect on lower limb radiation pain caused by lumbar disc herniation. During use, caution should be taken for those with yin deficiency and excessive fire.

2. Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang

Guizhi Shaoyao Zhimu Tang contains medicinal herbs such as Guizhi, Shaoyao, and Zhimu, and is mainly used for treating rheumatoid arthritis. It can alleviate symptoms such as joint redness, swelling, heat pain, and morning stiffness, and has a significant effect on the acute exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis. This formula exerts anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis, but for those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold, it needs to be combined with warm traditional Chinese medicine.

3. Aconitum Decoction

Aconitum Decoction is mainly used to make Sichuan black and ephedra, targeting cold dampness obstruction type arthritis. Suitable for patients with severe joint pain aggravated by cold and local chills, it can significantly improve the winter symptoms of osteoarthritis. Due to the strict processing of aconitine, it cannot be used for a long time. It is contraindicated for those with arrhythmia.

4. Tripterygium Wilfordii Multiglycoside Tablets

Tripterygium Wilfordii Multiglycoside Tablets are traditional Chinese patent medicines and simple preparations extracted from Tripterygium Wilfordii, which have immunomodulatory effects. Mainly used during the active phase of rheumatoid arthritis, it can reduce joint swelling and delay bone destruction. May cause side effects such as menstrual disorders and abnormal liver function. Regular monitoring of blood routine and liver and kidney function is necessary during medication.

5. Wongbi Tablets

Wongbi Tablets are composed of Rehmannia glutinosa, Dipsacus officinalis, and Bone Fragment Supplement, and are suitable for osteoarthritis of liver and kidney deficiency type. It can nourish the liver and kidneys, strengthen muscles and bones, improve joint degenerative pain, and restrict movement. Chronic disease patients should take it continuously for 2-3 months to show results, and it should be discontinued when they have a cold or fever. Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes individualized medication in the treatment of arthritis, which requires distinguishing between cold, heat, deficiency, and excess through observation, smell, questioning, and palpation. During medication, external treatments such as moxibustion and cupping should be combined to avoid joint coldness. Diet should be warm and nourishing, and black beans, walnuts, lamb and other ingredients can be consumed in moderation. Avoid raw and cold seafood. If there is significant deformation or movement disorder in the joints, timely intervention should be combined with modern medical methods.