Hives, also known as urticaria, are a common skin condition characterised by itchy, raised welts that vary in size. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers different herbal treatments that aim to address the underlying causes of hives while alleviating symptoms.
Discover the herbs used in TCM hives treatment in Singapore and learn their advantages and how they integrate into treatment plans.
TCM Approach to Hives Treatment
Hives are often attributed to body imbalances caused by factors such as wind, heat, dampness, or deficiencies in qi and blood. TCM hives treatment involves identifying the root cause and prescribing herbal formulas to restore balance. Practitioners may also incorporate acupuncture and dietary recommendations.
Common Chinese Herbs for Hives Relief
Below are several Chinese herbs commonly used in TCM for managing hives:
1. Jing Jie (苓节)
- Properties: Pungent and slightly warm.
- Benefits: Disperses wind, expels pathogens, and alleviates itching.
- Usage: Often included in formulas for acute hives triggered by wind-heat or wind-cold.
2. Fang Feng (防風)
- Properties: Pungent, sweet, and slightly warm.
- Benefits: Expels wind, relieves dampness, and calms itching.
- Usage: Effective for hives caused by wind and dampness, often used alongside Jing Jie.
3. Ku Shen (苦蔚)
- Properties: Bitter and cold.
- Benefits: Clears heat, dries dampness, and relieves itching.
- Usage: Commonly included in formulas for damp-heat-related skin conditions.
4. Bai Xian Pi (白仙皮)
- Properties: Bitter and cold.
- Benefits: Eliminates damp-heat and resolves toxicity.
- Usage: Used for hives with redness, swelling, and oozing caused by heat and dampness.
5. Cang Zhu (蒿朮)
- Properties: Pungent, bitter, and warm.
- Benefits: Dispels dampness and strengthens the spleen.
- Usage: Suitable for hives linked to dampness and digestive issues.
6. Huang Qin (黄花苅)
- Properties: Bitter and cold.
- Benefits: Clears heat, dries dampness, and detoxifies.
- Usage: Included in formulas for hives with symptoms of excessive heat.
7. Sheng Di Huang (生地黄)
- Properties: Sweet and cold.
- Benefits: Nourishes yin, cools blood, and reduces inflammation.
- Usage: Helps with chronic hives accompanied by blood heat.
Typical Chinese Herbal Formulas for Hives
Several herbal formulas are used in TCM for hives treatment. These Chinese herbal formulas for hives are tailored to address specific patterns of imbalance:
1. Xiao Feng San (消風散)
- Purpose: Disperses wind, clears heat, and resolves dampness.
- Ingredients: Includes Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Ku Shen, and other herbs.
- Application: Suitable for acute hives with itching, redness, and swelling.
2. Gui Zhi Tang (桂枝汤)
- Purpose: Harmonises the ying and wei levels and dispels wind-cold.
- Ingredients: Includes Gui Zhi (cinnamon twig) and Bai Shao (white peony root).
- Application: Used for hives triggered by cold weather or wind-cold invasion.
3. Si Wu Tang (四物汤)
- Purpose: Nourishes blood and regulates circulation.
- Ingredients: Includes Sheng Di Huang, Bai Shao, Dang Gui (angelica root), and Chuan Xiong (Szechuan lovage root).
- Application: Effective for chronic hives due to blood deficiencies.
4. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙丹消肝汤)
- Purpose: Clears liver heat and resolves damp-heat.
- Ingredients: Includes Huang Qin, Zhi Zi (gardenia fruit), and Chai Hu (bupleurum root).
- Application: Used for hives accompanied by liver heat and emotional stress.
Benefits of TCM for Hives Relief
- Customisable Treatment: TCM offers individualised treatment plans that address the root cause and symptoms of hives.
- Minimal Side Effects: Herbal treatments are generally well-tolerated when prescribed by qualified practitioners.
- Holistic Approach: TCM incorporates dietary, lifestyle, and stress management advice to prevent recurrence.
- Complementary Therapies: Acupuncture and cupping may enhance the efficacy of herbal formulas.
TCM Hives Treatment in the City-State
TCM practitioners provide personalised care for hives using a combination of herbal formulas, acupuncture, and dietary guidance. Local licensed clinics adhere to strict regulations, ensuring safe and effective treatment. Patients are advised to consult experienced practitioners for proper diagnosis and management.
Precautions and Considerations
While TCM offers solutions for hives, patients should be mindful of the following:
- Consultation: Always seek advice from a qualified TCM practitioner before starting any herbal formula.
- Integration with Modern Medicine: Inform your healthcare provider about TCM treatments to avoid potential interactions.
- Allergies: Monitor for allergic reactions to herbal ingredients.
- Duration of Treatment: Chronic conditions may require long-term management, while acute hives often respond quickly to treatment.
Conclusion
TCM offers a comprehensive method of treating hives using herbal remedies, dietary changes, and complementary therapies. Common herbs like Ku Shen, Fang Feng, and Jing Jie are essential for treating underlying imbalances and symptom relief. Professional hives TCM services can help patients get rid of their symptoms and improve their general health.
Visit Tangs Clinical TCM to take the step toward relief.
