Zhao Xiwu’s prescription for arthritis on May 20, 1979

Zhao Xiwu’s prescription for arthritis on May 20, 1979

Active phase: Bupleurum chinense 10g, Forsythia suspensa 15g, Isatis tinctoria 15g, dandelion 15g, turmeric 6g, mulberry branches 30g. Optional additions include insect medicines to dispel wind and unblock meridians, regulate nerves, such as black snake, earthworm, silkworm pupa, pangolin, etc., or long-term use of Rhinoceros Horn Detoxification Pill. For those with dampness, use Ma Xing Yi Gan Tang and Yue Bi Jia Shu Tang.

Quiescent phase: Guizhi-Shaoyao-Zhimu Tang combined with Angelica sinensis, Fang Ji, Weiling Xian, silkworm pupa, earthworm, ginger, and Astragalus membranaceus. For those with strong wind causing bi syndrome, add products that soothe the liver and unblock meridians, such as Morinda officinalis, Eucommia ulmoides, Achyranthes bidentata, Taxillus chinensis, Cistanche deserticola, white peony, and Tribulus terrestris; for those with dual deficiency of qi and blood, add Astragalus membranaceus and Angelica sinensis.

Rheumatoid arthritis: Xiao Shui Sheng Yu Tang, Guizhi 10g, licorice 6g, ginger 3g, jujube 9g, Ephedra sinica 10g, Fuzi 6g, Asarum sieboldii 3g, Anemarrhena asphodeloides 6g. Decoct in water and take one dose daily.