Edema of the lower extremities according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
A herbal formula that might help with edema of the lower extremities
You Gui Wan
Source date: 1624 AD
Number of ingredients: 10 herbs
Key actions: Warms and tonifies Kidney Yang. Replenishes the Essence. Tonifies the Blood.
Why might You Gui Wan help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Kidney Yang Deficiency' of which edema of the lower extremities is a symptom.
The five Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat edema of the lower extremities
Why might Yam (Shan Yao) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Yam is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Yam is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Tonifies the Lung Qi and nourishes the Lung Yin. Nourishes the Kidneys and consolidates Jing.
Why might Cornelian Cherry (Shan Zhu Yu) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Cornelian Cherry is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan or Shen Qi Wan for instance.
Cornelian Cherries is a Warm herb that tastes Sour. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Preserves and tonifies the Kidney, Liver and Essence. Stops sweating and benefits the Yang and Qi. Assists menstruation and stops bleeding.
Why might Cuscuta Seed (Tu Si Zi) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Cuscuta Seed is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Cuscuta Seeds is a Warm herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies Kidney Yang and Essence. Nourishes the Liver.
Why might Schisandra Berry (Wu Wei Zi) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Schisandra Berry is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan or Tu Si Zi Wan for instance.
Schisandra Berries is a Warm herb that tastes Sour and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Kidneys and preserves the Essence. Astringes the Lung Qi and stops coughing. Retains Bodily Fluids and encourages their production. Tonifies the Heart and calms the spirit (Shen).
Why might Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Cinnamon Twig is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Shen Qi Wan or Ba Wei Di Huang Wan for instance.
Cinnamon Twigs is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Adjusts the nutritive Ying and defensive Wei Qi. Relieves the Exterior through sweating. Warms and disperses Cold. Removes obstruction of Yang. Promotes the circulation of Yang Qi in the chest. Regulates and moves blood.
Other symptoms often associated with edema of the lower extremities
Exhaustion from long-term illness Aversion to cold Cold extremities Impotence Spermatorrhea