If there’s one kind of pain in life that’s unbearable, gout would certainly be on the list.
Even in ancient times, this was the case. Of course, the term “gout” was rarely heard of by the ancients. So, what did they call it then? It was referred to as “foot qi disease” or “white tiger disease.”
In terms of treatment, the ancients also had their own views, considering gout to be caused by damp-heat. Therefore, those suffering from gout typically share a characteristic: a red tongue body with yellow and greasy coating, which is a classic sign of damp-heat.
Today, we introduce a traditional Chinese medicine called “Gout Stop Capsules,” composed of Tuckahoe, Gentiana, Phellodendron, Red Peony, Yan Hu Suo, Plantain Seed, Achyranthes bidentata, and Alisma.
Tuckahoe and Phellodendron clear heat and dispel dampness. Tuckahoe is a go-to for treating gout, effective in any formula, partnering with any other ingredient, always playing a leading role. As for Phellodendron, medical texts say it can eliminate lower body damp swelling. This is because gout often occurs in the lower limbs, knees, toes—areas prone to gout attacks.
Gentiana is a veteran at dispelling wind and dampness, adept at dealing with rheumatic evils in the joints, and also capable of expelling damp-heat from within. Gentiana is very “meticulous,” thoroughly cleaning even the most hidden nooks and crannies, leaving no hiding place for the evils.
Achyranthes bidentata benefits the joints and can guide the medicinal effects downward. Again, gout favors the lower limbs, and to deliver the healing properties there, Achyranthes bidentata plays an indispensable role. Why not use Achyranthes from Huai (Huai Niu Xi)? Because compared to Achyranthes from Sichuan, it’s less valiant and effective; Sichuan Achyranthes is more proficient at benefiting the joints, especially since the main battleground is the joints. Thus, it is more suitable for the task. At this moment, it stands like a majestic general, leading its troops straight to the battlefield, engaging the enemy in a direct confrontation.
When the enemy is in disarray, Alisma and Plantain Seed step in to help, driving out the damp and heat evils. How do they do it? These two herbs promote diuresis, aiding in the expulsion of evils from the body.
Someone once compiled statistics, reviewing ancient and modern medical texts, listing all the prescriptions for treating gout, and among them identified the most frequently used herbs, which included Phellodendron, Tuckahoe, Plantain Seed, Gentiana, and Alisma.
Red Peony and Yan Hu Suo may not be experts in this area, but they are still important.
Red Peony invigorates the blood. When damp-heat sticks around, affecting the blood and causing localized congestion, Red Peony steps in to resolve it.
Blood stasis causes pain, and Yan Hu Suo responds promptly, ensuring Qi flows and blood moves freely. With Red Peony assisting in blood activation, and Phellodendron and Tuckahoe clearing heat and drying dampness, various evils are eradicated. It is precisely because of the groundwork laid by the previous herbs that Yan Hu Suo’s pain relief effect can be maximized, so it doesn’t stand alone against a formidable foe.
Gout Stop Capsules stand up in times of joint inflammation, redness, heat, and pain, turning the tide. When the tongue returns to normal and the tongue coating is no longer yellow and greasy, or when uric acid levels drop back to normal ranges, medication can be discontinued.
The characteristic of this medicine is its ability to fight decisively and swiftly.