Another traditional Chinese Planetary formula used not only for the treatment of arthritis but also to promote greater joint mobility. It consists of the following: angelica pubescent, chaenomeles fruit, gambir, achryanthes root, ligusticum root, dipsacus root, angelica dang gui, Panax pseudoginseng, lyceum fruit, notopterygium root, ledebouriella root and angelica archangelica. It can be taken internally as either a tablet or tincture and the tincture can be rubbed on externally to provide topical relief as well.

The Chinese understanding of the treatment of arthritis is based on specific signs and symptoms described under the categories of Wind, Cold, and Dampness with more acute stages exhibiting inflammatory Heat characteristics.

The following chart, taken from The Web That Has No Weaver by Ted Kaptchuk, elucidates the signs of the commonly seen Chinese patterns relative to arthritis:

Some commonly used Chinese formulas are:

Aconitum carmichaelia praeparatae (Fu zi i.e. Prepared aconite) 6-9g
Pungent, sweet, very hot, toxic, Heart, spleen, kidney, 1. restores vital yang function, 2. relieves pain and coldness, 3. dispels water and dampness.
Atractylodes macrocephala (Bai zhu i.e. white atraclydes) 9-12g
Sweet, bitter, warm, spleen, stomach, 1. tonifies spleen and vital yang energy, 2. dispels dampness, checks profuse sweating and strengthens superficial resistance.
Panax ginseng (Ren Shen) 3-6g,
Sweet, slightly bitter, warm, lung, spleen, heart, 1. tonifies qi, promotes secretion of body fluids, tonifies spleen and lung, 4. sedative, cardiotonic and anti-fatigue
Poria cocos (Fu ling) 9-12gms,

white peony 6-12gms.
This is especially useful for wind- cold dampness with qi deficiency. The tongue will have a white coat and the pulse will be slow and thin.

Cinnamomum cassia (Gui zhi i.e. Cinnamon twig) 6-9g,
Pungent, sweet and warm, Heart, lung, bladder, 1. diaphoretic, warms the channels and collaterals, promotes circulation of yang qi in the chest, promotes blood circulation. For common cold, arthritic pain, angina, amenorrhea, edema.
Paeonia lactiflora (Bai shao i.e. white peony) 6-9g
Sour, bitter, slightly cold, liver and spleen, 1. balances the function of the liver and spleen, 2. nourishes blood and consolidates Yin (vital essence and fluids), 3. Soothes the liver and relieves pain. Hypertensive headaches, tinnitus, dizziness, menstrual disorders, night sweats, chest and abdominal pains, spasms of the calf muscles.
Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhi mu) 6-9g
Bitter, cold, lung, stomach and kidneys, 1. antiinflammatory, 2. clears deficient heat, 3. moistens the lung and replenishes vital essence, It is also good for low back pain.
Ephedra sinensis (Ma huang) 6-9g
Pungent, bitter, warm, lung, bladder, diaphoretic, anti-asthmatic, diuretic
ledebouriella seseloides (Fang feng i.e. siler) 6-9g
pungent, sweet, warm, lung, liver, spleen, bladder, 1. diaphoretic for wind and cold, 2. dispels wind and dampness, 3. antispasmodic, It is good for common cold and rheumatic pains.
Atractylodes macrocephela (white atractylodes) 6-9g
(see above)
Aconitum carmichaeli (Fu zi i.e. prepared aconite) 6-9g
(see above)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Zhi gan cao i.e. baked licorice) 3-6g
(see above)
Zingiberis officinale (Sheng ziang i.e. fresh ginger) 3-5 pieces
Pungent, warm, lung, spleen, stomach, 1. diaphoretic for wind and cold, 2. antiemetic, expectorant

This formula is specifically indicated when inflammation is more of an issue with a yellow tongue coat and a slippery, rapid pulse.

Notopterygium incissum (Qiang huo) �?-9g
pungent, bitter and warm, kidney, bladder, 1. dispels wind, cold and dampness, 2. diaphoretic and anti-rheumatic. 3. analgesic, especially for pains in the upper part of the body.
Angelica Pubescens (Du huo) -- 6-9g
pungent, bitter, slightly warm, Kidney, bladder, 1. dispels wind and dampness, 2. relieves pain
Cinnamomum cassia twigs (Gui zhi) �?-9g
(see above)
Gentiana macrophylla (Qin jiao) 6-9g
Pungent, bitter, neutral, stomach, liver, gallbladder, 1. anti-rheumatic by eliminating wind and dampness, 2. eliminates heat and dampness.
Piperis kadsura (Hai feng teng i.e. pepper stem) �?0-30g
Pungent bitter, war , liver, 1. dispels wind and dampness, 2. Connects the circulation of the channels. Used for arthritis
Morus Alba twigs (Dang zhi) �?0-30g
bitter, neutral, liver, 1. anti-rheumatic, anti-spasmodic, diuretic. For rheumatic pains especially of the upper body, also for high blood pressure.
Angelica sinensis (Dang gui) �?-9g
Sweet, pungent, warm, liver, heart, spleen, 1. nourishes and invigorates blood, 2. demulcent laxative.
Ligusticum wallichii (Chuan xiong) –pungent, warm, liver, pericardium and gallbladder, 1. invigorates circulation of blood and energy, 2. relieves pain over the head and body caused by wind and cold factors.
Saussurea lappa (Mu xiang) �?-9g
pungent, bitter, warm, spleen, stomach, liver and gallbladder, 1. carminative, 2. relieves pain caused by heat and dampness.
Boswellia carteri (Ru xiang) �?-6g
pungent, bitter, warm, heart, liver, spleen, 1. analgesic, relieves pain by promoting blood circulation, 2. external trauma and wounds.
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Zhi gan cao, i.e. Baked licorice)
sweet, warm, Heart, lung, spleen, stomach, 1. invigorates vital energy, relieves pain, treats qi deficiency, ameliorates function of other herbs.

Cinnamomum cassia (Gui zhi i.e. Cinnamon twigs) 6-9g
(see above)
Gypsum (Shi gao i.e. Calcium sulphate) 20-30g
Pungent, sweet, very cold, lung, stomach, 1. clears heat from the Qi portion (exterior), 2. Clears heat from the lung, 3. sedates fire of the stomach and relieves thirst.
Anemarrhena asphodeloides (Zhi mu) 9-12g)
(see above)
Rice 15-30g
Nutritive)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Zhi gan cao i.e. baked licorice) 3-6g.
(see above)

TWO EFFECTIVE INGREDIENTS (ER MIAO SAN)

Phellodendron (Huang bai) �?-9g
Bitter, cold, kidney, bladder, large intestine, 1. eliminates heat and dampness, 2. sedates fire and toxicity, 3. antibacterial, 4. reduces heat caused by Yin deficiency.
Atractylodes lancea (Cang zhu i.e. Black atractylodes) �?-12g
Pungent, bitter, warm, spleen, stomach, 1. tonifies spleen and dries and dispels dampness, 2. clears external attack of wind, cold and dampness. It is useful for rheumatic arthritis.

Actions: Eliminates heat and dampness, Tongue, yellow and greasy coat, Pulse: soft and rapid It is used to treat most inflammatory conditions from eczema, gonorrhea, tinea pedis as well as low back pain.
3. Chronic Arthralgia

Du Huo and Loranthes Combination (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang)

Angelica pubescens (Du huo) 6-9g
(see above)
Gentiana macrophylla (Qin jiao) 6-9g
(see above)
ledebouriella seseloides (Fang feng i.e. siler) 3-6g
(see above)
Asarum heterotropoides (Xi xin i.e. wild ginger) 1-3g
Pungent, warm, lung, kidney, 1. diaphoretic, dispels superficial wind and cold, 2. analgesic, 3. warms the lung and resolves phlem. It is used for common common cold, interior coldness, chronic bronchitis and rheumatic pains.
Eucommia ulmoides (Du zhong) 3-6g
Sweet, warm, liver, kidney, 1. resplenishes function of liver and kidney, 2. strengthens the bones and muscles, 3. lowers blood pressure, 4. prevents miscarriage. It is especially good for lumbago, weakness of the lower extremities, etc.
Achryanthes bidentata (Huai niu xi) �?-6g
Bitter, sour, liver, kidney, 1. increases blood circulation, relieves pain, 2. nourishes the liver and kidney, strengthens the bones and sinews, 3. increases lower blood circulation and lowers liver fire.
Angelica sinensis (Dang gui) 3-6g
(see above)
Ligusticum wallichii (Chuan xiong) �?-6g
(see above)
Prepared Rehmannia glutinosa (Di huang) �?-9g
(see above)
Paeonia lactiflora (Bai shao yao) 3-6g
(see above)
Panax ginseng (Ren shen) �?-6g
(see above)
Poria cocos (Fu ling) �?-12g
((see above)
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Gan cao) �?-6g
(see above)

Food Therapy

Coix Congee
Functions: fortifies the spleen and eliminates dampness
Indications: Spleen and stomach deficiency, rheumatic arthritis, water swelling, warts, etc.
Ingredients: Semen coicis lachrymal-jobi *Yi yi ren) 50g, White sugar (Bai tang) a suitable amount.
Preparation: Cook the coix in a suitable amount of water to make a porridge, add sugar to taste and eat.
(From The Book of Jook by Bob Flaws, pub. by Blue Poppy Press)

Coix (i.e. jobÕs tears)
Sweet or not taste, slightly cold, spleen, stomach, lung, large intestine, 1. resolves dampness and regulates water metabolism, 2. eliminates inflammation, 3. tonifies spleen and arrests diarrhea, 4. relieves spasms and arthritic pains.
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Because so many herbs are effective for the treatment of arthritis we must for the sake of time and space confine our discussion to a few select remedies and formulas that I have found to be the most effective.

Guggul is a traditional Ayurvedic preparation made from the resin of a type of myrrh, (Commiphora mukul). It is specifically indicated for all circulatory problems including low thyroid, body stiffness, pain as well as arthritic and rheumatic conditions.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) considered the greatest of all Ayurvedic herbs because of its board immune potentiating, energy rejuvenating, calming and anti-inflammatory properties. This makes its use important especially if the underlying cause is immune deficiency and weakness. Ashwagandha is also the primary ingredient in the famous topical Ayurvedic Narayana oil that is applied topically for arthritis as well as a wide number of other conditions.

Boswellia, like guggul, is derived from the resin of Boswellia serrata which is the source of frankincense or Indian olibanum. In its purified form, it is one of the most effective treatments for relieving arthritic and other pains. The resin contains essential oil, terpenoids and gum. The anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties is attributed to the presence of boswellic acid which, by inhibiting the enzyme that leads to the formation of inflammatory leukotriene. It also inhibits other inflammatory substances such as bradykinins, histamines, prostaglandins, thromboxanes, hydroxyfattery acids, lysosomal enzymes and lymphokines. Unlike aspirin or other NSAIDÕs Boswellia has absolutely no side effects. It can be relied upon as both internal treatment and external treatment n the form of an ointment for the five major inflammatory symptoms: heat, pain, swelling and impaired movement.

Desert Yucca (Yucca glauca) is a long established reputation amongst those living in Southwestern United States for the relief of arthritics. All parts of the plants were eaten cindluing the flower petals, seeds, seed pods, fruit, shoots, leaves and roots. They were either eaten raw, baked, boiled, made into flour or as an herbal tea first used by the Native Americans for the treatment of arthritic pain. The anti-inflammatory properties of yucca is based on the high concentration of steroid saponins compounds found in the plant. These saponins are also found in high concentration in the dust around the plant as a result of the disintegration of the leaves falling on the ground. The effect of these saponins is to alleviate the stress of desert heat by absorbing and retaining moisture in the soil. Thus this remarkable plant is able to assist its own growth as well as the growth of other plants and as discovered by the Native Americans, relieving inflammatory conditions and arthritis in animals and humans. In humans, plant saponins such as those found in yucca act as natural precursors for the formation of corticosteroids in the human body. Plant saponins are a glycoside with a steroid component, when mixed in water they form a soapy consistency which is the basis for the use of yucca as an external cleansing agent. Just as it is cleansing and detoxifying externally is it also cleansing and detoxifying internally. So that yucca tea is specifically useful for a wide number of diseases including gallstones, chronic intestinal diseases, high cholesterol and cancer. These precursor steroids found in yucca are able on a milder scale to achieve the same anti-inflammatory and anti-stress effects as natural adrenocorticosterone but in much smaller doses. This has the advantage of being a more favorable alternative synthetic cortisone therapy, well known for its adverse side effects and which is commonly prescribed for arthritic patients. The recommended dose is 2 to 8 Ô00Õ sized capsules or tablets taken in two doses daily.

DevilÕs Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) along with other herbs that treat arthritic conditions resulting from underlying metabolic disturbances can be broadly classified as antidyscratics. Dyscrasia refers to underlying humoural imbalances which in traditional medicine may be described metaphorically as humours but in modern medicine refers to underlying biochemical conditions that contribute to disease. In arthritis it is believed that arachidonic acid metabolism may be the cause for the formation of leukotrienes and prostaglandins that lead to arthritis. Further, the inhibition of lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase are also key in relieving joint inflammation and associated pain. DevilÕs claw as it is called in South Africa, its place of origin, contains iridoid glycosides that are believe to be capable of inhibiting lipoxygenase and cyclo-oxygenase. DevilÕs claw is extremely bitter and is used both as a digestive stimulant and antirheumatic. Its main indication is arthrosis and spondylosis. However it is also useful for polyarthritis, neuralgia and headache. The recommended daily dose for rheumatic disease is approximately 4.5g. It can be taken as a tea or powder.

Turmeric (Curcumen Longa) is widely used as a condiment and coloring agent in Indian cuisine. It is also a powerful non steroidal anti-inflammatory and can be used for any condition that one might chose to use aspirin. In double blind controlled studies patients suffering from post-operative inflammation and all forms of arthritis showed positive anti-inflammatory response at least equal to the drug, penylbutazone. It is believed that curcumen diminishes the formation of those products causing arachidonic acid metabolism including prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Curcumen is similar to aspirin with the exception that it does not affect the synthesis of prostacyclin. Prostacyclin is largely responsible for the prevention of vascular thrombosis, making it an ideal alternative for patients who are prone to this condition. Finally, on a deeper level, curcumen has powerful antioxidant properties which, along with an improved diet will enhance to prospect of more lasting relief.

Eucommia Ulmoidis (Chinese, "Du zhong") is the bark of a tree growing in various provinces of China. It is rich in visible latex and is classified as sweet, slight acrid, warm, and entering the Kidney and the Liver. It is specifically used as a Kidney Yang tonic and as such strengthens the sinews and bones, relieving joint pains, lower back pain, fatigue, frequent urination and assists in the smooth flow of qi and blood throughout the body. It is also specifically useful for hypertension. Biochemically it contains gutta-percha which is similar to the South American rubber tree. The dose is 6-15 g divided in two doses daily.

Dipsacus Asperi (Teasel root) is called "Xu Duan" meaning "restore what is broken." It is bitter, acrid, slightly warm and also enter the kidney and liver and is a kidney yang tonic. It is specific from healing fractures, strengthens the sinews and bones, relieves sore and painful lower back and knee pain as well as other joint pains. Fried in vinegar it enhances its ability to promote blood circulation and alleviate pain. The dose is 6-21g divided in two doses daily.

Prepared Aconite (Aconitum carmichaeli praeparatua) also known as "Fu zi" which literally translates as "appendage" is the most powerful botanical metabolic stimulant. As such in its crude form it is the most powerful but also the most dangerous to use because of its high toxicity. The prepared aconite, while milder, is processed in many ways to reduce the toxicity of aconitine. It is classified as acrid, hot, toxic, entering the heart, kidney and spleen and restores the yang energy of the body. It is the most specific herb for relieving wind-damp-cold arthritic conditions, improving circulation, relieving pain of the sinews and bones. For arthritis it is commonly combined with cinnamon twigs to assist its warming and circulating properties. The dose is from 1.5-5g divided into two doses daily and must be boiled for 60 minutes to further reduce its toxicity.

Angelica Pubescens also known as "Du Huo" meaning "self reliant existence" is better, acrid and warm, enters the kidney and bladder and is used for arthritic conditions aggravated by wind and coldness. The dose is 3-9g divided into two doses daily. The use of this herb in TCM, broadens our understanding for the use of the western angelica archangelica for the arthritic conditions that are aggravated by wind, dampness and coldness.

Gentiana macrophylla also known as qin jiao is bitter, acrid, slightly cold and enters the gallbladder, liver and stomach. In contrast to angelica pubescens, this herb treats arthritis which is more hot and inflamed and is specifically aggravated by heat, wind and dampness. It likewise broadens our usage of European and North American gentians as antiinflammatories. The dose of 4.5-12g three times daily as an anti-inflammatory compared to a digestive is much higher.

Acanthopanax gracilistyli also known as "wu jia pi" is closely related to the more famous Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) so much so that the later may be considered for its antiarthritic properties. The root bark of acanthopanax is used and it is classified as acrid, bitter, warm and entering the kidneys and liver. It relieves cold wind-dampness associated with arthritis, alleviating both inflammation and pain and promoting circulation. It reduces edema and swelling and strengthens the sinews and bones. It is particularly useful for the elderly. The dose is 4.5-15g taken in two doses daily.

Sassafras albidum consists of the root bark which is used medicinally. Being in the Lauracea family its properties and uses are similar to those of cinnamon, especially of cinnamon twigs (gui zhi) used in TCM for external wind cold conditions including the common cold, circulatory and arthritic problems. Sassafras bark made as a tea is widely esteemed among Ozark and Appalachian people as an effective treatment for arthritis. Felter describes the use of sassafras oil applied topically for relieving sprains, bruises and arthritic pain.

Sarsaparilla (Smilax medica or S. officinalis) is widely esteemed as an alterative for a wide range of acute and chronic conditions ranging from skin diseases such as psoriasis and eczema to arthritis. The standard western dose of an ounce of the root simmered in a pint of boiling water is used.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinalis) is very effective for chronic rheumatic disease. It works by improving the function of the liver and kidneys. One to two teaspoonfuls of the herb is brought to a boil in a cup of cold water. It is allowed to steep for 10 minutes and then strained. Patients should take one or two cups of the tea morning and evening for several weeks.

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) contains salicin, an aspirin-like chemical that has similar pain relieving properties but does not irritate the GI tract nor does it thin the blood. cooling antiinflammatory properties especially useful for relieving hot, swollen pains associated with arthritis. It contains flavonoids which are known to enhance the immune system, especially T-cell proliferation.

Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is a blood moving antispasmodic with specific value in the treatment of arthritis, fibromyalgia and muscular pains.

St Johnswort (Hypericum perforatum) has powerful antiinflammatory properties and is specifically indicated for nerve pain. For arthritis it can be taken internally or the oil applied topically.

Guiacum officinale also known as the Lignum vitae tree is anti-inflammatory, diuretic and alterative. It is specific for the treatment of all types of arthritis.

Willow species (Salix species) like meadowsweet and for that matter, rosemary and poplar bark as well all contain salicin which is antiinflammatory and analgesic for a wide range of conditions. Willow has similar pain relieving properties to aspirin and is widely prescribed for relieving arthritis.

Chaparral (Laurrea mexicana) has wide antiinflammatory properties. As such, among other indications, it is specifically useful both internally and topically for the treatment of arthritis.

There are many other antiarthritic herbs including alfalfa, couch grass, mistletoe, dandelion, European goldenrod, Oregon grape root, celery seed, turmeric, mistletoe, burdock root, prickly ash bark and pipsissewa. Some typical western herbal formulas for arthritis are:

Oregon grape root 6 parts
Pipsissewa 6
Sassafras 3
Prickly ash bark 3
Black cohosh 3
Guaiacum 3
Ginger root 2

alfalfa seed and leaf
sarsaparilla
celery seed
licorice
burdock root
kelp
chaparral
cayenne
gravel root

Planetary Formulas used for Arthritis

Flex-Ability (Shu jin san) –angelica pubescens, chaenomeles, gambir, achryanthes, ligusticum, teasel root, angelica root, tienchi ginseng, lycii fruit, notopterygium, ledebouriella, dang gui. –Used both for the treatment of arthritis as well as to increase body flexibility.
Lower Back Support –Loranthes, achryanthes, Eucommia, angelica pubescens, prepared Rehmannia, discorea, alisma, poria, psoralea, paeonia suffructicosa, conus fruit. –Effective for lower back pain and other chronic arthritic condition.
Neck and Shoulders Support –Kuzu root, Notopterygium, ligusticum, turmeric, dang gui, white peony, kava kava, astragalus, cinnamon twig, millettiae steam and clematis root and stem.
Glucosamine-MSM Herbal –Glusamine sulfate, MSM, Rehmannia, wild yam, Teasel root, Eucommia bark, Boswellia, drynaria, calcium citrate and myrrh gum.
Willow Aid –Willow bark extract, corydalis, dang gui, valerian, guggul, Boswellia