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What Chinese herbal medicine can make the nucleus pulposus smaller?

Sep 18, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
Introduction
Currently, there is no evidence that taking any traditional Chinese medicine can shrink the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus usually cannot be reduced in size through medication. However, patients may use certain traditional Chinese medicines—such as Chuan Shan Long (Dioscorea nipponica), Bu Gu Zhi (Psoralea corylifolia), Xue Jie (Dragon's Blood), Ru Xiang (Frankincense), and Mo Yao (Myrrh)—to help alleviate symptoms caused by nerve compression due to the nucleus pulposus. It is important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a physician and must not be self-administered to avoid potential adverse reactions.

Currently, there is no evidence that taking traditional Chinese medicine can reduce the size of the nucleus pulposus. The nucleus pulposus typically cannot be shrunk through medication. However, patients may use certain traditional Chinese herbs such as Chuanlong (Dioscorea nipponica), Buguzhi (Psoralea corylifolia), Xuejie (Dragon's Blood), Ruxiang (Frankincense), and Moyao (Myrrh) to alleviate symptoms caused by nerve compression due to herniated nucleus pulposus. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Chuanlong (Dioscorea nipponica)

Chuanlong is the dried rhizome of Dioscorea nipponica, a plant belonging to the Dioscoreaceae family. It has functions of dispelling wind and dampness, promoting blood circulation, unblocking meridians, clearing the lungs, and resolving phlegm. It is primarily used to treat conditions such as cough and asthma due to phlegm-heat, chest obstruction, traumatic injuries, abscesses, sores, and toxic swellings. Using Chuanlong can help remove blood stasis, unblock meridians, relieve wind-related pain, and thereby reduce pain symptoms caused by nucleus pulposus protrusion.

2. Buguzhi (Psoralea corylifolia)

Buguzhi consists of the mature fruits of Psoralea corylifolia, a plant in the Fabaceae family. It functions to tonify the kidneys and strengthen yang, consolidate essence, reduce urination, warm the spleen to stop diarrhea, and regulate qi to relieve asthma. It is mainly used to treat kidney deficiency with impotence, cold pain in the lower back and knees, nocturnal emission, and enuresis. In traditional Chinese medicine, nucleus pulposus herniation may be related to kidney qi deficiency and blocked meridians. Using Buguzhi helps replenish kidney qi and shorten the course of illness.

3. Xuejie (Dragon's Blood)

Xuejie is a processed resin derived from the fruit exudate of Daemonorops draco, a plant in the Arecaceae family. It promotes blood circulation to relieve pain, resolves blood stasis to stop bleeding, and aids wound healing and tissue regeneration. It is primarily used for traumatic injuries, blood stasis causing chest or abdominal pain, external bleeding, and non-healing ulcers. Using Xuejie can help relieve pressure of the nucleus pulposus on nerve roots and improve the condition.

4. Ruxiang (Frankincense)

Ruxiang is a resin exuded from the bark of Boswellia trees and related species in the Burseraceae family. It promotes blood circulation, regulates qi flow, relieves pain, reduces swelling, and promotes tissue regeneration. It is commonly used to treat pain due to blood stasis and qi stagnation, swelling, and traumatic injuries. When the nucleus pulposus compresses surrounding nerves, pain may occur. Using Ruxiang can regulate qi and blood flow and alleviate pain.

5. Moyao (Myrrh)

Moyao is an oleo-gum resin exuded from the bark of Commiphora myrrha or related species in the Burseraceae family. It promotes blood circulation to relieve pain, reduces swelling, and supports tissue regeneration. It is primarily used to treat traumatic injuries due to blood stasis, painful swelling, abscesses, slow-healing wounds, chest pain, and rib-side pain. When the nucleus pulposus affects the lumbar region, it may cause low back pain. Using Moyao can help relieve lumbar pain and improve discomfort caused by nucleus pulposus issues.

It is important to note that these medications should only be used under the guidance of a physician. Self-medication should be avoided to prevent adverse reactions.

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