Xueshan Jin Luohan Zhitu Mo: A Topical Analgesic Chinese Patent Film-Forming Agent

Xueshan Jin Luohan Zhitu Mo is a topical Chinese patent medicine. Its composition includes: Tiebangchui (Aconitum Brachypodum Root), Yanhusuo (Corydalis, Rhizoma Corydalis), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus Dung), Xuelianhua (Snow Lotus Flower), Chuanxiong (Szechuan Lovage, Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Hongjingtian (Rhodiola), Qinjiao (Gentiana Macrophylla, Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae), Taoren (Peach Kernel), Xihonghua (Saffron), Bingpian (Borneol), and Rengong Shexiang (artificial Musk). The finished product is a viscous liquid that is applied to the affected area three times daily. The bottle can be inverted; its built-on roller ball is then brought into contact with the affected area and the body gently squeezed so that the liquid spreads evenly and forms a medicinal film—hence the name "film-forming agent" (tumo ji). Massaging or hot-compressing the skin before application improves the analgesic effect.

This formula activates blood, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. It is mainly used for acute and chronic sprains and strains, gout, soft-tissue contusions, rheumatoid arthritis, frozen shoulder, limb and joint pain and swelling due to hyperosteogeny, as well as neuralgic headache; it may also be tried for cancer pain. However, the herbs in this formula are somewhat irritating, so it should not be applied to broken skin, and those with a bleeding tendency should not use it.

This formula relieves pain rapidly; after application it often works immediately, taking effect faster than orally ingested formulas. But it is effective only on areas the medicine can reach; if the patient gets no benefit after prolonged use, it should not be continued. It has a certain detumescent effect and is especially effective for the redness, swelling, heat, and pain caused by sprains. When treating headache with this formula, apply the medicine to the acupoints at the back of the head such as Fengchi (GB20) and Fengfu (GV16).