translations from the Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine

[Guest guest]

These were translated by Li Xu & edited by me (Peter Borten) for our OCOM

thesis.

 

Zi Cao - Lithospermum (Arnebia is also used)

 

Zi Cao in the Treatment of Liver Stagnant-Heat

 

Guang Xiang Hong. Jiang Xi University of TCM. Journal of Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 37, Number 9,

1996, p. 517.

 

Li Shi Zhen said, " Zi cao tastes sweet and salty but its nature is cooling. "

It is good at clearing heat at the blood level, removing blood stasis,

clearing heat in the blood, and draining heat and toxins. Its nature is

mild - it cools the blood but is not harsh, and it moves the blood but not

recklessly. It is the key herb to cool blood, move blood and clear heat and

toxin.

I often use Zi cao to treat chronic hepatitis B. I think the pathology of

chronic hepatitis B is mostly damp-heat and toxin stagnation. Stagnant-heat

is the main pathology. Once stagnant-heat becomes chronic, it can consume

Yin and damage Yang, and it can consume Qi and damage blood, so the patient'

s condition easily becomes chronic and relapsing. Gradually it will turn

into cirrhosis of the liver or liver cancer. So we focus on clearing the

stagnant-heat. Once the stagnant-heat is cleared, the patient's symptoms may

be alleviated, and the progression of the disease may be halted.

The symptoms of liver stagnant-heat are: dull complexion, liver or spleen

enlargement, jaundice, stabbing pain in the liver area, low grade fever,

restlessness, burning urination, constipation, bitter taste in the mouth,

dry mouth, dark red tongue with a yellow, sticky coat, and wiry pulse. Zi

cao can move the blood stagnation, drain the heat and toxin, clear the water

passages, and promote bowel movement. Many experiments show zi cao has

action against hepatitis B virus. For patients with a tendency to bleed,

such as gum and nose bleeding, it can drain the heat, cool the blood and

stop the bleeding. Cirrhosis of the liver is often accompanied by ascites, a

presentation with the combined symptoms of stagnation, heat and water

retention. In such cases, zi cao can move the stagnation, drain the fire,

and promote urination and bowel movement.

To treat chronic liver stagnant-heat, zi cao is always combined with mu dan

pi, chi shao yao, shan zha, hu zhang, bai jiang cao, ku shen, chai hu, yu

jin, and yin chen hao as the basic formula. Modify it according to the

differentiation: for Qi deficiency add huang qi and tai zi shen to tonify

Qi; for Yin deficiency add nu zhen zi, and sheng di to nourish Yin.

From many years of experience, the writer believes using zi cao as the key

herb to treat chronic hepatitis B always produces good results. Zi cao is

bitter and cold. It is said in Ben Cao Gang Mu that, " Zi cao enters the

liver and the blood level, " it can cool the blood and move the blood, clear

heat and toxins, and drain dampness. The purple color of zi cao conveys its

ability to enter the blood. It is good at treating heat and toxins in the

liver.

 

Case Study

Mr Li, 32 years old. Jaundice of skin and sclera of eyes, fatigue,

shortness of breath, red tongue with yellow, sticky coat, and thin, wiry

pulse. The patient drank excessive alcohol, leading to damp-heat

accumulation in the liver and damage the yuan Qi. The treatment principle

is to clear the heat, tonify Qi and strengthen the liver. Formula: zi cao

20g, yin chen hao 15g, huang qin 15g, ji gu cao 15g, huang qi 15g, tai zi

shen 15g, gan cao 6g. After taking the formula for one month, the jaundice

of the skin and sclera was gone. Upon continuing the formula for another

month, the liver enzymes were back to normal.

 

 

Case Study Demonstrating Zi Cao's Efficacy in the Treatment

of Allergic Purpura due to Heat in the Blood

 

Gui Jin Yang & Yu Mei Liu. China Academy of TCM. Journal of Traditional

. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 37,

Number 9, 1996, p. 518.

 

Ms. Ma, student. Cough and low grade fever diagnosed as common cold. She

was given medication for the cold. Four days later, her fever was gone and

her cough was improved, but her legs and feet felt swollen and sore, and

pin-prick to rice-grain sized red dots rice arose around the ankle area,

then progressed to the whole body. She was diagnosed with allergic purpura.

She was prescribed Yu Nan Bai Yao, penicillin and an antihistamine. These

slightly helped her, but provided no real alleviation of her symptoms.

She developed a dull yellow complexion and slightly raised red dots all over

the body, mostly in the extremities, distributed symmetrically over both

sides. When pressed, the color of the dots did not go away. The dots

ranged in color from light to dark red. Her tongue was red with a thin

yellow coat, and her pulse was rapid. The treatment principle was to clear

the heat and cool the blood, move the blood and stop the bleeding, and

tonify Qi. Formula: jin yin hua 15g, sheng di 30g, chi shao 15g, bai shao

15g, bai mao gen 30g, qian cao 10g, san qi powder 3g, huang qi 30g.After

taking five bags of the formula, the improvement was not significant. Then

zi cao (15g) was added to the original formula. After taking five bags,

the skin condition improved and no more new dots arose. After taking 20 bags

of the formula, all symptoms were gone. The patient was followed for five

years and the condition never returned.

The addition of only one herb - zi cao - made a major difference in the

treatment results. Zi cao played an important role in this case. During

recent years I have treated 50 cases with similar symptoms. Every time, I

added zi cao to the formula based on the differentiation and got impressive

results. According to modern pharmacological research, zi cao contains

compounds which can promote blood circulation and excretion of toxins. This

is probably the reason zi cao can treat allergic purpura.

 

 

Zi Cao in the Treatment of Neurodermatitis

 

Wen Wei Wang & Hua Shan Li. Hei Bei Province, Shi Jia Zhuang City Hospital.

Journal of Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and

Pharmacology. Volume 37, Number 9, 1996, p. 518.

 

We used zi cao to treat 11 cases, 4 males and 7 females, from 16 to 50 years

old. Disease course: 2 cases from 6 to 12 months, 5 cases from 1 to 2

years, 2 cases from 3 to 4 years, 2 cases from 5 to 10 years. The parts of

the body affected included back of the neck, buttocks, elbow, knee, and

external genital area. All patients were diagnosed with skin rash due to a

nervous system disorder. Most had severe paroxysmal itchiness. The skin of

the rash was raised, flat, and moss-like with lots of dry skin, and dull

black in color, due to chronic scratching.

Treatment: zi cao was soaked in sesame oil (1 part herb to 2 parts oil) for

15 days, and then the oil was strained off and applied to the rash 3 to 6

times a day. Other medications were discontinued during this period. Best

results were seen on the neck, buttocks, and external genital area. Within

a month the paroxysmal itchiness decreased and moss-like rashes started to

disappear. After one to one and a half months, the elbows and knees started

to improve. After 3 to 4 months, the itchiness was gone and skin turned back

to normal. Eight patients were followed for four years and three were

followed for six years and their rashes never returned.

 

 

Zi cao in the Treatment of Phlebitis of the Retina

 

Chao Ran Bo. Zhe Jiang Province Hospital of TCM. Journal of Traditional

. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 37,

Number 9, 1996, p. 519.

 

[My] forty-three years of experience have proven zi cao's merit as an herb

for clearing cataracts from the eyes, controlling bleeding of the eyes, and

treating blindness caused by retinal phlebitis. Du Wen Yan said in Yao Jian

that zi cao with chuan xiong, chi shao, and qing xiang zi can treat redness

and cataracts of the eyes. According to TCM, cataracts are caused by

wind-heat-toxins flaring up to the eyes from the liver and lung.

 

Often we use Zi Yun eye drops topically. Preparation:

Start with 500g each of zi cao and dang gui. Decoct for 15 minutes in an

appropriate amount of liquid to end up with 1 L fluid. Strain. Add 1 kg

feng mi to the fluid, and cook for another 10 minutes. Strain the liquid.

Add 100g bing pian and 3g she xiang. Drop into eyes three times a day.

 

Internally, we give Zi Lan Tui Yi Tang: zi cao, ban lan gen, mu zei, chan

tui, huang qi, pao jia pian. A course lasts 30 days. Symptoms of 85% of

patients are controlled in the first course. After 3 courses 95% of

patients have recovered.

 

Retinal phlebitis usually occurs in adults between 20 to 40 years old.

Patients often have Yin xu symptoms such as a hot face, restlessness,

insomnia, etc. This is because heat consumes Yin and body fluids, and

damages the luo channels causing bleeding out of these channels. So, we

should nourish Yin and subdue Yang. I use zi cao to clear the heat in the

blood of the heart and liver, combined with ji cai, yin xing, lian qiao, and

zi zhu cao to clear the heat in Qi level of heart and lung, plus xuan shen,

and (hei) zhi zi to clear stagnant heat in the blood, and da huang to remove

the blood stasis. This formula is called Ling Luo Tang, and is taken with

Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan to nourish Yin in order to control Yang. Begin with a

dose of 25 to 30g zi cao. After the heat in the blood is cleared, the blood

stasis is removed, and inflammation of luo channels is gone, the dosage of

zi cao is reduced to 3 to 5g.

 

 

Topical Use of Zi Cao to Treat Festering Otitis Media

 

Feng Xian Wang. He Nan Province Hospital of TCM. Journal of Traditional

. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 37,

Number 9, 1996, p. 520.

 

Zi cao oil was used to treat 136 cases of festering otitis media with

impressive results.

 

Preparation of zi cao oil:

Soak 100g zi cao in 1 kg sesame oil. Cook over low heat until the zi cao

becomes charcoal colored. Strain the oil and keep in a glass bottle for

use.

 

To administer, first clear the pus from the ear with 3% hydrogen peroxide

solution and dry the ear with a cotton swab. Apply 3 to 4 drops zi cao oil

into the ear, 4 to 5 times a day. Usually, the festering stops after 1 to 2

days, and complete recovery takes 3 to 7 days. It is effective for acute

conditions such as otitis media caused by high fever, and chronic conditions

causing perforation of the tympanic membrane.

 

 

 

Zi Cao Can Cool the Blood and Treat Burns

 

Hai Zhou Xie. Guan An Men Hospital of the TCM Institute. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 37, Number 3, 1996, p. 133.

 

For burns, we use Zi Yun Gao. Preparation:

Zi yun gao is made from 30g each of zi cao and dang gui, 500 mL sesame oil,

and 150g beeswax. Melt the wax first. Add the dang gui, zi cao, and sesame

oil. Cook until the oil changes to a reddish-purple color. Strain the

fluid and allow it to cool. Apply topically for burns.

 

Zi Yun Gao is very good for first to second degree burns. Scientific

experiments show that zi cao has astringent action, and that it can clear

the secretions from burnt skin. Additionally, one of the components of zi

cao has anti-fungal properties, so it is effective at treating fungus and

rashes of the skin.

 

 

Zi Cao's Effectiveness at Treating Chronic Ulcers

 

Chao Jun Li. Shan Dong Province, Yan Tai City Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 37, Number 3, 1996, p. 135.

 

Clinical experience has shown zi cao can promote muscle regeneration, clear

damp, heal ulcers, kill parasites, and treat fungus. If used appropriately,

results will be excellent. In the past 5 years I have used Zi Cao Gao from

Cang Yang Wai Yong Ben Cao to treat 22 cases of chronic ulcer, with

impressive results. In 22 patients - 14 males and 8 females, from 14 to 65

years old - with a disease course from 0.5 to 6 years, 5 to 14 applications

cured the condition.

 

Zi Cao Gao is made from: zi cao 30g, dang gui 15g, chuan shan jia 9g, chuan

jiao 3g, and sesame oil 300 mL. Soak zi cao, dang gui, and chuan jiao in

the sesame oil for 24 hours. Then bring the oil to a boil and add the chuan

shan jiao. Strain and save the oil. Add 60g beeswax and allow to cool.

 

After sterilizing the surface of the ulcer, apply Zi Cao Gao, and cover

with gauze. Use a hot water bottle to warm it for 20 minutes for twice a

day. Change the gauze once a day. Usually, no more than 14 applications are

required.

Chronic ulcers are often found in the extremities and areas with poor blood

circulation. They are a common skin disease, and quite difficult to heal

whether acute or chronic. Pharmacological studies show zi cao can prevent

the growth of bacteria and also that it has anti-inflammatory properties.

Additionally, it can promote blood circulation and growth of the epithelium.

 

 

 

Wu Wei Zi - Schisandra

 

Wu Wei Zi in the Treatment of Insomnia and Memory Loss

 

Jun Kui Wang. Hubei University of TCM. Journal of Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 39, Number 6,

1998, p. 325.

 

Wu wei zi can nourish Yin and harmonize Yang, astringe Yang into the Yin,

balance the zang-fu organs, calm the shen and strengthen the will.

Professor Li Pei Shen has an extensively used formula called Wu Wei An Mian

Tang. It contains wu wei zi, fu shen, he huan hua, and fa ban xia in it.

It is very effective at treating stubborn insomnia.

 

Case Study

Mr. Liu. 50 years old, professor. Long history of extensive reading and

writing and too much mental work caused insomnia and then loss of memory.

He said he come to rely on medication for sleep but still could only sleep

two hours a night. Recently he could not sleep at all, so he had increased

the dosage of his medication, but it did not work. He had palpitations,

poor memory, disturbed shen, lack of appetite, thin yellow tongue coat, and

a thin wiry pulse. The tongue, pulse and symptoms showed that he had liver

and kidney deficiency, upward disturbance of turbid phlegm, and stomach Qi

rebellion.

Professor Li Pei Shen used Wu Wei An Mian Tang: wu wei zi 50g, fu shen 50g,

he huan hua 15g, fa ban xia 15g. After taking 5 bags of herbs, the patient

could fall asleep. After taking the formula for 2 weeks, the symptoms were

gone.

 

I personally have used modifications of Wu Wei An Mian Tang to treat 50

cases of insomnia with excellent results. The sour taste of wu wei zi can

enter the kidney and nourish kidney Yin and essence. Ban xia can transform

phlegm and descend the turbidity. The astringent action of the sour taste

and the descending action of the bitter taste can balance the zang fu

organs. Fu shen can strengthen the spleen and calm the shen. He huan hua

can harmonize Yin and Yang. The combination of herbs can neutralize Yin and

Yang in order to treat the shen.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi in the Treatment of Chronic Fatigue and Menopausal Symptoms

 

Li Qing Xia. Sichuan Province, Da Xian Hospital of TCM. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 6, 1998, p. 325.

 

The old Chinese doctor Liu Zhen Ji was famous for the use of single herbs.

He often used a large dose of wu wei zi to treat chronic fatigue with

difficult recovery after extreme physical labor, and this usage was passed

on among the folk. Every time I use a large dose of wu wei zi to treat

chronic fatigue and menopause symptoms, I am satisfied with the results.

 

Case Study: Wu Wei Zi for Chronic Fatigue

Mr. Wang, 21 years old, basketball player. He complained of soreness all

over the body, many dreams at night, and fatigue. He was completely

exhausted after very intensive training, and he did not want to move. He

had rested for 2 weeks with no improvement at all.

Five days previously, several players were injured and he had to play for

them. After a few minutes he was sweating profusely, with shortness of

breath and fatigue. Later he was diagnosed with fatigue following extreme

physical exertion. We administered an IV of amino acids and other

nutrients, but the results were not great. His pulse was thin and rapid

and his tongue was red with little coating. His appetite, urination and

bowels were all normal. The muscles of his lower extremities were very

painful with pressure.

I gave 100 g wu wei zi and 10 g ren shen xu, to be cooked and drunk as tea

all day long. After one dose of the formula, his energy was much improved.

After 3 doses he had recovered.

 

Case Study: Wu Wei Zi for Menopausal Symptoms

Ms. Pan, 52 years old. Her menses had stopped 3 years ago. She complained

of having been very emotional lately. She was argumentative, though after

arguing she felt better. She had very poor memory. She was diagnosed with

symptoms of menopause. She took a number of medications with no effect. Her

pulse was deep and thin, her tongue was pink and moist with a thin yellow

coat. Her urination and bowels were normal. Her sleep was disturbed by

vivid dreams.

We gave her 100 g wu wei zi to cook and drink as a tea each day. After 2

weeks, her temper was much better, and her memory had improved. After taking

the tea for a month, the symptoms were gone and never returned.

 

It is recorded in Yong Yao Fa Xiang that wu wei zi has the function to

tonify the source Qi and astringe dispersed Qi. Modern pharmacological

research shows that wu wei zi can improve human intelligence and efficiency.

At concentrations of 5 to 10 mg in the bloodstream, wu wei zi can improve

the attention and balance movement by affecting muscle chemistry [sic]. It

can also increase the adjustment of the cortex. Wu wei zi can stimulate the

smooth muscle of the uterus, so it is not recommended for pregnant women.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi for the Treatment of Asthmatic Bronchitis

 

Guan Che Li. Shan Dong Province, Tai Xian Health Institute. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 6, 1998, p. 326.

 

Asthmatic bronchitis can be caused by either exogenous or endogenous factors

leading to the blockage and rebellion of Qi in the bronchi. Clinical

manifestations are recurrent bronchial spasm, shortness of breath, coughing,

expectoration of mucus and wheezing. It is very difficult to prevent.

Eight years ago the doctor Li Zhen Lin used a method which had been passed

on in his family for the treatment of night sweats - application of wu wei

zi to the navel - for a patient who also had asthmatic bronchitis. When the

night sweats were gone he found that the asthmatic bronchitis was cured as

well.

I have used this method to treat 20 cases of asthmatic bronchitis. The

results of this treatment were: stabilization of 7 cases, moderate

improvement in 2 cases, excellent improvement in 8 cases, and no improvement

in 3 cases - an overall efficacy rate of 85%.

 

Method of application:

Grind raw wu wei zi to a powder and add 70% ethanol. Mix to form a paste

and save in a bottle. Take an egg-size amount of paste, put on the

umbilicus, cover with plastic wrap and use tape to fix it in place. It is

usually applied before bed and removed the following morning. A course

lasts 20 days. Re-evaluate the patient after 3 courses.

 

Wu wei zi enters the lung channel. It can tonify the lung and kidney,

astringe lung Qi, and stop coughing. Pharmacological research shows that wu

wei zi can increase the body's defenses against irritants, and improve

function of the adrenal cortex and the immune system. Shen Que is a very

important point on the ren meridian, it has a biao-ne relationship with the

du mai, connects with the twelve meridians, five zang and six fu organs, and

joins the upper and lower body. Medical research shows the umbilicus is the

last place to close during the development of the embryo. Beneath it, there

is no adipose tissue, but a number of large blood and lymph vessels and

nerves. From an anatomical perspective, the umbilicus is thus an excellent

passage for absorption of topical herbs. The properties of wu wei zi

penetrate this passage to act on the human body.

 

 

The Unique Application of Wu Wei Zi for Treatment of Viral Hepatitis

 

Jian Rong Gao. Zhe Jiang Province, Ju Zhou City Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 7, 1998, p. 389.

 

Much research since the late 1960s has shown that wu wei zi can decrease

glutamine- alanine transaminase, the enzyme which converts glutamic acid to

alanine - necessary for propagation of the hepatitis virus. However, most

of the research papers did not state the proper method of administration.

Many doctors added wu wei zi to herbal formulas which were then decocted,

but the outcome did not meet their expectations. The key components in wu

wei zi that can decrease glutamine-alanine transaminase are in the seed of

the wu wei zi fruit. So the correct way to prepare wu wei zi is to bake it

and then grind it into a powder. Take the powder, 3g at a time, three times

a day. It also can be made into the pills with honey. If cooked in a

decoction, it must be ground first.

 

When using wu wei zi to lower glutamine-alanine transaminase, we need to be

cautious. After glutamine-alanine transaminase is back to normal, we should

decrease the dosage of the wu wei zi. If we use only wu wei zi to lower the

glutamine-alanine transaminase level, it is easy for the patient to relapse.

When jaundice appears we should move the blood and remove the blood stasis.

It is better to disperse the pathogen than to astringe it. Sometimes only

using wu wei zi can trap the pathogen inside and the disease will progress

to severe jaundice or cirrhosis of the liver. Therefore, the best way to

treat hepatitis is to combine wu wei zi with some herbs to move Qi and blood

and remove blood stasis.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi is Beneficial in Diabetes

 

Lu Ping Yong. An Hui Province, Tian Chang City Hospital of TCM. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 7, 1998, p. 389.

 

My clinical experience has shown wu wei zi is very effective at treating

Type II diabetes mellitus (non-insulin dependent). Diabetes can be related

to poor diet, emotional imbalance, sexual over-activity, deficiency in the

elderly, etc. I think the source of the disease is related to deficiency of

the prenatal yuan Qi and postnatal imbalance, causing kidney deficiency and

leakage of the jing, xue, and body fluids. Wu wei zi is sweet, sour, and

warm. The sweet taste can strengthen the spleen, and the sour can astringe.

In this case, astringing means storage. The kidney is in charge of the

storage of Jing, so wu wei zi is a key herb to tonify the kidney and treat

diabetes. I always use a large dosage of wu wei zi and make it into pills.

If the patient has hypertension, we can add yi mu cao, and huai niu xi. If

the patient has high cholesterol and atherosclerosis, we can add jue ming

zi, he shou wu, dan shen, and shan zha. If the patient has coronary artery

disease, we can add san qi, jiang xiang, and tian hua fen.

 

The lung is the upper water passage and the kidney is the lower water

passage. Insufficiency of the upper water passage and leakage from the

lower water passage are the key causes of polydipsia and glucosuria in

diabetes. Wu wei zi enters the lung and kidney, and it can astringe the lung

and tonify the kidney - this is how it can ease thirst and prevent the

leakage of jing.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi in the Treatment of Itchiness and Dryness of the Throat

 

Ke Qiang Xu. Zhe Jiang Province, Hu Zhou City Hospital of TCM. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 7, 1998, p. 391.

 

When treating dryness and itchiness of the throat, the first herb I

consider is wu wei zi. Wu wei zi enters the lung and kidney, and it can

astringe the lung and nourish the kidney, so it is good at nourishing the

body fluids, easing dryness, and also works for itchiness caused by

allergies. When wu wei zi is added to Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang, Zhen Yue Tang,

and Yang Ying Qin Fei Tang, the sour flavor combined with the sweet can

produce Yin and body fluids, ease dryness and benefit the throat. This

method is widely used in chronic pharyngitis caused by lung and kidney Yin

xu or dryness and itchiness of the throat after chemotherapy. It follows

the idea that sour and sweet can produce Yin as recorded in the Nei Jing.

 

Case Study:

Mr. Shen, 48 years old. After chemotherapy for nasopharyngeal cancer, he

had dryness of the throat, mouth, and gums. His tongue surface had no

saliva and was dry like sand. The mucus in his pharynx was dark red and the

tissue had atrophied. He drank water all the time, and could not eat solid

food, but would only consume soup. He was diagnosed with damage of the

secretory glands from chemotherapy, and Qi and Yin xu causing dryness. The

treatment principle was to tonify Qi and astringe body fluids, and to

combine sour and sweet to produce Yin.

Formula: wu wei zi 10g, sheng huang qi 10g, xuan shen 10g, mai men dong

10g, gan cao 6g, sheng di huang 30g, chuan shi hu 10g, bei sha shen 15g,

sheng bai shao 10g, xi yang shen 2g. After taking the formula for 2 mouths,

the dryness was much improved, and there was more saliva in the mouth. After

3 months, the patient could eat rice and dry food. He had completely

recovered after taking the formula for a year. We followed him for 3 years

afterwards, and his symptoms did not return.

 

When wu wei zi is added to formulas such as Yu Ping Feng San, Jin Fang Bai

Du San, Qing Fei San, etc., the sour flavor of wu wei zi can balance the

acrid herbs such as fang feng, jing jie, bo he, jiang chai, chan tui, jie

geng, etc. In this way, we can disperse pathogenic factors and at the same

time astringe the Qi and body fluids to stop the itchiness of the throat.

Clinically we use these combinations to treat cough with itchiness and

dryness of the throat due to allergic pharyngitis.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi Can Constrict the Pupils and Stop Tearing

 

Jiu Ling Huang. Chuan Bei Hospital of TCM. Journal of Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 39, Number 7,

1998, p. 391.

 

It was written in Yong Yao Fa Xiang that wu wei zi can astringe dispersed

Qi and constrict enlarged pupils. It was explained in Yi Xue Zhong Zhong

Chan Xi Lu that the sour flavor of wu wei zi can enter the liver, and the

liver opens to the eyes, so wu wei zi can " astringe " dilated pupils.

Because tears are the fluid of the liver, and wu wei zi enters the liver, it

can astringe the tears also. However, it cannot treat all forms of pupil

dilation and tearing. Due to its warm nature and sour taste, it can treat

symptoms caused by liver and kidney deficiency or liver Qi consumption. It

was recorded in Yan Ke Liu Jin Fa Yao that wu wei zi was is good for

treatment of eye problems caused by liver Qi stagnation, excess heat in the

lung, or spleen Qi xu with dampness.

When we use it, we consider three additional guidelines:

1. We can use large doses, from 10 to 20g, with no side effects from

long-term use.

2. We can combine it with a small dose of gan cao, so as to blend sweet and

sour and produce Yin. This combination will strengthen wu wei zi's

nourishing function, and it can be taken for a long time.

3. When cooking wu wei zi in a decoction we must grind it into a powder

first, just as Zhang Xi Chun said. Wu wei zi's skin is sour and its seed is

acrid. So as a whole (when ground to release the contents of the entire

fruit and seed) its astringing and dispersing functions are balanced.

 

 

Wu Wei Zi is an Effective Topical Herb for Ulcers

 

Yu Zheng Zhong. He Nan Province, Shang Qiu City Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 7, 1998, p. 392.

 

Grind wu wei zi into powder and it is ready for use. After cleaning the

surface of the ulcer, apply a small amount of wu wei zi powder and cover

with sterile gauze. Change the gauze every other day.

 

A 65-year-old female had an ulcer on the top of the foot for a year and 7

months. She had been treated by doctors of Chinese and western medicine,

but the ulcer never healed. There were some secretions on the surface, and

a hard scab around the ulcer, but no redness or swelling. When she used

Sheng Ji Hong Yu cream, scabs built up over the opening, but the skin

underneath did not regrow. Eventually, she tried applying wu wei zi powder,

and after only 3 applications, the surface of ulcer was healed. She was

followed for 2 years and the ulcer never returned.

 

It is my understanding that wu wei zi can astringe lung Qi, nourish kidney

Yin, hold the essence and stop diarrhea. Topical use to astringe ulcers

gives excellent results. When applied in the clinic, we need to wait until

all the toxins and unhealthy tissue on the surface are gone. The new skin

and connective tissue grow slowly. Be cautious not to apply too much

powder, because too much will form a scab and cover the surface, which

prolongs healing time. We can apply a thin enough layer of wu wei zi powder

so that the tissue beneath is still visible.

 

 

Wu Bei Zi - Gall of Sumac

 

 

Da Rong Wang. Jiang Su Province, Yan Cheng Staff Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 1, 1998, p. 8.

 

Wu bei zi is sour, salty and cool. It can astringe the lung and intestines,

clean toxins and dissipate red swellings, heal ulcers, stop bleeding, and

promote tissue regeneration. It is an effective herb for external use.

It was recorded in Ben Cao Gan Mu that wu bei zi can astringe the lung,

drain fire, transform phlegm, dissipate red swellings, clean toxins,

astringe unhealing ulcers, and lift prolapse of the anus, uterus and

intestines. Modern scientific research shows that wu bei zi contain tannic

acid which has a function to coagulate the protein and blood locally,

promoting the healing of ulcers.

 

 

Treatment of Mouth Ulcers with Wu Bei Zi

 

Da Rong Wang. Jiang Su Province, Yan Cheng Staff Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 1, 1998, p. 8.

 

Recurrent mouth ulcers are difficult to treat. I have used dry wu bei zi

powder to treat 112 cases of mouth ulcers, and it often produces results

within a week. Apply the powder 5 to 6 times a day. Usually the pain will

be reduced and ulcers will heal in 7 days.

 

 

Treatment of Hemorrhoids and Prolapse of the Anus or Uterus with Wu Bei Zi

 

Wu bei zi can astringe kidney Qi. The kidney opens to the external genital

area. So wu bei zi can be used for kidney deficiency causing prolapse in the

genital area.

For hemorrhoids, after the patient moves their bowels, clean the anus with

warm water. Put 5g wu bei zi powder on gauze and gently apply to the anus.

Usually they will heal within a week.

For uterine prolapse mix wu bei zi powder with sesame oil to make a paste.

Apply the paste to gauze, insert into the vagina at night before bed, and

remove it in the morning. Recovery will usually occur within 2 weeks.

For anal prolapse, break 60g wu bei zi into small pieces. Cover with

water, bring to a boil, and cook for 30 minutes. While the decoction is

still steaming, let the steam bathe the anus. Then wash the anus with the

decoction, or sit in a basin of the fluid for 30 minutes. The prolapse will

usually be reduced after three washes, with total recovery in a week.

 

 

Treatment of Spontaneous Sweats and Night Sweats with Wu Bei Zi

 

Da Rong Wang. Jiang Su Province, Yan Cheng Staff Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 2, 1998, p. 69.

 

It was recorded in Ben Cao Bei Yao that wu bei zi is sour and salty, so it

has a strong function to astringe the lung. With its cool nature it can

clear heat, transform phlegm and stop coughing, and it can also stop

bleeding and sweating. Sweating is related to the lung. The umbilicus is

the key point on the ren mai, and the ren mai can adjust all the Yin

meridians in the body, so we call it the " sea of Yin " mai. When wu bei zi

enters this point, it can help the ren mai adjust all the Yin meridians in

order to astringe sweating.

 

Traditional Chinese medical theory states that spontaneous sweats are a

symptom of Yang xu and that night sweats show Yin xu, but in the clinic this

is not always true - we still need to differentiate. However, either type

can be treated with topical herbs. The combination known as Long Bei San is

comprised of equal parts wu bei zi powder and calcined long gu. Mix Long

Bei San with a small amount of water, apply to the umbilicus, and cover with

an adhesive bandage. Change the application every other day. Usually it

takes 2 to 6 applications to arrest the sweating.

 

 

Wu Bei Zi in the Treatment of Eneursis and Seminal Emission

 

Da Rong Wang. Jiang Su Province, Yan Cheng Staff Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 2, 1998, p. 69.

 

Wu bei zi enters the kidney and urinary bladder, and it secures the essence

of the kidney and the Qi of the bladder. Accordingly, it is a good herb for

the treatment of enuresis and seminal emission caused by kidney deficiency.

For children's bed-wetting, the use of Long Bei San has good results. For

patients with seminal emission, using Long Bei San on the umbilicus in

conjunction with an internal formula always produces better results. For

example, a 20-year-old male had a seminal emission 2 to 3 times a week for 2

months. Eventually he was having an emission every night, and he also had

dizziness, tinnitus, palpitations, poor memory, fatigue, soreness at the

lower back and knees, a red tongue, and a thin, rapid pulse. He was

diagnosed with kidney Yin xu causing the fire to disturb the jing chamber.

He was given an internal formula to nourish kidney Yin, drain the fire,

clear heart heat and stop seminal emission. This was combined with

application of Long Bei San to the umbilicus. The seminal emission stopped

in 3 days, and he was cured in 2 weeks.

 

Modern research shows that wu bei zi contains tannic acid which can

coagulate protein and form a thin membrane to strengthen the filtration

capacity of the nephron tubule and increase resorption from the nephron.

As a result, it can prevent proteinuria.

 

 

Wu Bei Zi Treats Chronic Diarrhea and Dysentery by Astringing the Intestines

 

Da Rong Wang. Jiang Su Province, Yan Cheng Staff Hospital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 2, 1998, p. 69.

 

Case Study:

Mr. Xu, 48 years old. He had dysentery once, was treated and recovered, but

after that episode, he always felt discomfort in the abdominal area, and had

watery stool. Sometimes simply taking huang lian su could alleviate the

symptoms. In the past half year, he developed diarrhea every time after he

ate raw, cold, or greasy foods, he had soreness in the lower back, an

aversion to cold, pain in the abdominal area, and borborygmus. He felt

better with warmth.

He was diagnosed with chronic colitis. I gave him equal amounts wu wei zi

and white pepper powder to be mixed with a few drops of white wine, applied

to his umbilicus, and added 1 to 2 drops of white wine, and covered with an

adhesive bandage. I had him use a hot water bottle to warm his abdomen for

10 to 20 minutes a night. The powder was changed every other day. The

frequency of his bowel movements decreased after 3 applications. After 6

applications, the stool became formed and he defecated once or twice a day.

 

 

Treatment of Toothache with Wu Bei Zi

 

Yi Qun Zhao. Jiang Su Province, Tang Shen Xian Ma Po Hosipital. Journal of

Traditional . Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology.

Volume 39, Number 2, 1998, p. 72.

 

The famous TCM doctor Zhao Pin Su liked to use wu bei zi as a topical herb

to treat all kinds of toothaches including those caused by wind-heat,

stomach fire, tooth decay, etc. Dosage ranged from 10 to 30g. He said wu

bei zi was the best herb for the treatment of toothache, especially when

caused by tooth decay. Wu bei zi powder can be applied to the painful spot

or it can be decocted and gargled with. Sometimes the toothache stops

immediately.

In my 30 years of clinical practice, I have used this method so many times

and it has never failed. Wu bei zi can ease the toothache and dissipate red

swellings. Afterwards, the decayed area can be filled with ru xiang to

prevent inflammation.

 

 

Wu Bei Zi in the Treatment of Chronic Cough due to Lung and Kidney Qi

Deficiency

Caused by Excessive Dispersion of the Lung

 

Li Ling Zhang. Military Hospital No. 454. Journal of Traditional Chinese

Medicine. Chinese Association of TCM and Pharmacology. Volume 39, Number 1,

1998, p. 7.

 

Wu bei zi can astringe lung and kidney Qi. Because wu bei zi has very

strong astringent action, it is not indicated for acute cough caused by an

EPI. We prepare a formula of 100g each of wu bei zi, hu tao rou, mai men

dong, and wu wei zi, grind to a powder, and give twice a day, in the morning

and at night, 6g at a time. In the past two years I have treated 22

patients, from 45 to 68 years old, with cases of chronic cough persisting

from 2 to 8 years. Two to eight weeks of treatment with the above

combination produced good results in every case.