Superficial edema in the extremities according to Chinese Medicine

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.

Read more about Da Qing Long Tang here

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.

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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.

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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.

Read more about Cinnamon Twigs here