English
Chinese medicinal materials can be combined and processed into different forms, such as pills, powders, granules, tablets, and capsules. These products, known as Chinese patent medicines or Proprietary Chinese Medicines (PCMs), are easier to take than traditional herbal decoctions. They require smaller doses and usually have less unfavorable taste and smell of boiled herbs.
Chinese patent medicines should be used under the guidance of a qualified professional. They should be chosen according to individual conditions and proper TCM diagnosis (syndrome differentiation). Always read and follow the instructions and precautions before use.
Itchy skin (pruritus) may occur in skin diseases, food allergies, drug allergies, premenstrual hives, and pregnancy-related skin rashes. In TCM, itching is often linked to damp-heat, blood deficiency, and wind disharmonies. After standard itchy problems treatment, TCM physicians may recommend certain Chinese patent medicines to help support recovery and reduce future flare-ups.
Below are some of the choices:
Proprietary Chinese medicines
Damp-heat disharmony
Indications: Mostly affected the middle ages, persistent itchiness that tends to worse in hot environment. The body surface may have scratched marks, bleeding marks, or oozing. Individuals may also accompany with thirst, irritability, and a greasy covered tongue.
Sample products
- Two Wonder Pill (er miao wan)
- Wormwood and Five Poria Pill (yin chen wu ling wan)
- Gentian Liver-Purging Pill (long dan xie gan wan)
Remark: Pregnancy is not indicated.
Blood deficient disharmony
Indications: Mostly affected the elderly people, itchiness last for a long time. The skin is dry, gloomy and scaly, with scratching marks and bleeding marks. Individuals may also accompany with dizziness, and insomnia.
Sample products
- Four-substance Pill (si wu wan)
- Restore the Spleen Pill (gui pi wan)
- Strengthen the Spleen Pill (jian pi wan)
Remark: Indigestion and other digestive symptoms are not indicated.
Wind abundant disharmony
Indications: Dry and itchy skin with thickened skin segments, last for a long time.
Sample products
- Ledebouriella to Disperse the Superficial Pill (fang feng tong sheng wan)
- Chinese Rat Snake Anti-itch Pill (wu she zhi yang wan)
Remark: Pregnancy is not indicated
In addition to oral over-the-counter products, external TCM remedies such as herbal washes and ointments are widely available. Read the label carefully and choose a product that may be suitable for your condition.
Further Readings:
Understanding A Herbal Supplyment Label Chinese Herbal Applications
