Application of Insect-Based Medicines in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment May 16, 2005

Application of Insect-Based Medicines in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment May 16, 2005

The “National Compendium of Famous Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulas” lists seven prescriptions, each of which contains insect-based medicines. One centipede, six grams of whole scorpion, ten grams of black snake, ten grams of pangolin, six grams of earth beetle, fifteen grams of earthworm, ten grams of bee hive—these are listed in order of frequency of use.

Prescriptions for treating rheumatoid arthritis include: Gui Zhi Shao Yao Zhi Mu Tang with added ingredients, Sang Zhi Tang with added ingredients, Wu Mi Niu Gu Tang with added ingredients, Bai Shao Gan Cao San Teng Gua with added ingredients, Jin Niu Bai Huo Yi Zhi Ji Jia with added ingredients, Ji Ming San with added ingredients, Wu Ji San with added ingredients, Yang He Tang with added ingredients, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang with added ingredients, Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang with added ingredients, Da Qin Jiao Tang with added ingredients, Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang with added ingredients, Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang with added ingredients, Huang Qi Fang Ji Tang with added ingredients, and Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan with added ingredients. The typical dosage includes 15 grams each of Chuan Wu and Cao Wu (decocted for one hour), 20 grams of Xi Xin (decocted for one hour), and one piece of Ma Qian Zi (deep-fried). For those with deficiency symptoms, it is advisable to add 20 grams of Huang Qi, 10 grams of Dang Gui, and 6 grams each of processed frankincense and myrrh.

The aforementioned insect-based medicines are rarely used by me, which is my shortcoming. No wonder many of my rheumatoid arthritis patients take conventional medications for a long time without improvement. In the future, it would be beneficial to add insect-based medicines to the regular herbal remedies.