Superficial edema in the 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 superficial edema in the extremities
Da Qing Long Tang
Source date: 220 AD
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Promotes sweating. Releases the Exterior. Clears Interior Heat.
Why might Da Qing Long Tang help with superficial edema in the extremities?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation' of which superficial edema in the extremities is a symptom.
The three Chinese Medicinal herbs most likely to help treat superficial edema in the extremities
Why might Liquorice (Gan Cao) help with superficial edema in the extremities?
Because Liquorice is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat superficial edema in the extremities as a symptom, like Da Qing Long Tang or Xiao Qing Long Tang for instance.
Liquorice is a Neutral herb that tastes Sweet. It targets the Heart, the Lung, the Spleen and the Stomach.
Its main actions are: Tonifies the Basal Qi and nourishes the Spleen Qi. Clears Heat and dispels toxicity. Moistens the Lungsexpel phlegm and stop coughing. Relieves spasms and alleviates pain. Harmonizes and moderates the effects of other herbs.
Why might Ephedra (Ma Huang) help with superficial edema in the extremities?
Because Ephedra is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat superficial edema in the extremities as a symptom, like Da Qing Long Tang or Xiao Qing Long Tang for instance.
Ephedra is a Warm herb that tastes Bitter and Pungent. It targets the Bladder and the Lung.
Its main actions are: Releases the surface through sweating. Promotes the circulation of Lung Qi and stop wheezing. Promotes urination.
Why might Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi) help with superficial edema in the extremities?
Because Cinnamon Twig is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat superficial edema in the extremities as a symptom, like Xiao Qing Long Tang or Da Qing Long Tang 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 superficial edema in the extremities
Generalized body pain Irritability Severe fever and chills without sweating Feeling of heaviness Alternating fever and chills Absence of sweating