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 Shen Qi 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 Poria-Cocos Mushroom (Fu Ling) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Poria-Cocos Mushroom 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.
Poria-Cocos Mushrooms is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Kidney, the Lung and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Encourages urination and drains Dampness. Tonic to the Spleen/Stomach. Assists the Heart and calms the Spirit.
Why might Goji Berry (Gou Qi Zi) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Goji 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 You Gui Wan for instance.
Goji Berries is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Kidney and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Yin of the Liver and Yin of the Kidneys. Brightens the eyes. Moistens the Lungs.
Why might Dong Quai (Dang Gui) help with edema of the lower extremities?
Because Dong Quai is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat edema of the lower extremities as a symptom, like Er Xian Tang or You Gui Wan for instance.
Dong Quai is a Warm herb that tastes Pungent and Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Liver and the Spleen.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Blood. Lubricates the Intestines. Relieve constipation. Promotes circulation and dispels Bi Pain. Reduce Dysmenorrhea and help with irregular menstruation.
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.
Other symptoms often associated with edema of the lower extremities
Exhaustion from long-term illness Aversion to cold Cold extremities Impotence Spermatorrhea