Michael Tierra AHG, L.AC., O.M.D.One of the most frequently prescribed classes of drugs are glucocorticoid hormones. This includes various forms of cortisone including prednisone which are used for a wide variety of autoimmune, inflammatory, rheumatic, skin, elevated serum cholesterol, chronic and recalcitrant diseases. Typical side effects from these drugs include facial and body edema, palpitations, flushing, itchiness, tendency towards fatigue, mood swings, buffalo hump, night sweats, thin skin and vein fragility.

Chinese Herbal Formulas and appropriate non-Chinese herbal formulas may be administered both to eventually supplant the use of the prescribed herbal formula in place of the steroid medication as well as to alleviate the associated adverse reactions on patients who for various reasons may need to rely on the use of these drugs for a prolonged period of time.

Dependent upon their appropriate presentation, various formulas may be used. These include in order of recurrence:

  1. Poria Five Herb Combination (Wu Ling San)
  2. Bupleurum and Poria Combination (Chai Ling Tang)
  3. Bupleurum and Cinnamon Combination (Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang)
  4. Persica and Rhubarb Combination (Dao Ho Cheng Chi Tang)
  5. Major Bupleurum Combination (Da Chai Hu Tang)
  6. Bupleurum, Cinnamon and Ginger Combination (Chai Hu Gui Zhi, Gan Jaing Tang)
  7. Bupleurum and Peony Combination (Jia Wei Xiao Yao San)
  8. Minor Bupleurum Combination (Xiao Chai Hu Tang)
  9. Dang Gui and Peony Combination (Dang Gui Shao Yao San)
  10. Pill of Cinnamon and Poria Combination (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan) which is effective for fluid retention and various bleeding disorders because it also promotes blood circulation.
  11. Bupleurum and Dragon Bone combination (Chai Hu Lung Gu Mu Li Tang)
  12. Bupleurum and Schizonepeta Combination (Shi Wei Bai Du Tang)

(All below are measured in grams and are based on Japanese Kanpo Dosage, to achieve Chinese dosage, double the indicated amounts and constitutes a daily dose. Of course any or all of these are more easily taken in concentrated dried extract from various sources.)

Please check our single herbs products in the store.