Huoxue Zhitong Plaster: A Topical Pain-Relieving Chinese Medicine
Huoxue Zhitong Gao (Blood-Activating Pain-Relieving Plaster) is a topical Chinese patent medicine produced by several manufacturers; patients can buy it online or at offline pharmacies. Its ingredients include: Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Shannai (Kaempferiae Rhizoma), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Gansong (Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Sheng Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma, raw), Sheng Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, raw), Moyao (Myrrha), Ruxiang (Olibanum), Bingpian (Borneolum), Bohenao (Mentholum), Zhangnao (Camphora), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos), Hujiao (Piperis Fructus), Xiangjiapi (Periplocae Cortex), Xixin (Asari Herba), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba), Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Xinyi (Magnoliae Flos), Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex), Lajiao (Capsici Fructus), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Dianqie Liujingao (Belladonnae Extract), and Shuiyangsuimei (Methylis Salicylas). Its formula is included in the Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China.
Huoxue Zhitong Gao mainly activates blood and relieves pain, and relaxes the sinews and unblocks collaterals. It is indicated for sinew-bone pain, muscular numbness, phlegm-nodule migratory lesions, and joint aching. This is an external medicine; when using it, simply apply it directly to the affected area. Those allergic to it are forbidden to use it. It may cause skin itching, rashes, or stinging; if these reactions are marked and do not resolve on their own, it should no longer be used.
The herbs in this formula include both cold and hot natures, but most act on activating blood and relieving pain. This product is effective not only for sinew-bone pain from traumatic injury and rheumatism, but also for pain caused by infection or tumors.
Several components in Huoxue Zhitong Gao have some anti-tumor effect; through transdermal administration they can reach the tumor site directly, so it also has a certain anti-tumor action. It has some therapeutic effect on superficially palpable tumors and can inhibit tumor growth. Combining it with internal medication gives better results.
The Sheng Banxia (raw Pinellia) and Sheng Tiannanxing (raw Arisaema) in this product are highly toxic; use with care. Do not apply it where the skin is ulcerated or rotting.