What is the correct usage of Plantago asiatica for treating gout?

Nov 14, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Yang Tiesheng

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, plantain herb can be used to treat gout by boiling in water, making into tea, combining with Lysimachiae Herba (Jinqiancao), combining with Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma (Tufuling), or applying externally. If symptoms persist without relief, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. It should be noted that although plantain herb has certain adjunctive therapeutic effects on gout, it cannot replace standard medical treatments. Patients with gout should follow their physician's advice.

Generally, Plantago asiatica can be used to treat gout by boiling in water, making as tea, combining with Desmodium styracifolium, combining with Smilax glabra, or applying externally. If symptoms persist without relief, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention. Detailed methods are as follows:

1. Boiling in Water

Place cleaned Plantago asiatica into a pot, add prepared water, bring to a boil over high heat, and then simmer over low heat. During the simmering process, gently stir to fully dissolve the effective components of Plantago asiatica into the water.

2. Making as Tea

Place dried Plantago asiatica and green tea leaves into a teapot, pour in boiling water, cover the teapot, and steep for 10–15 minutes before drinking.

3. Combining with Desmodium styracifolium

Desmodium styracifolium also has the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, promoting stone passage, and detoxification. When used together with Plantago asiatica, it can enhance the diuretic effect and help excrete uric acid. Wash both herbs and place them together into a pot, add an appropriate amount of water, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer for half an hour before drinking.

4. Combining with Smilax glabra

Smilax glabra has effects of detoxification, dampness removal, and joint lubrication. Combined with Plantago asiatica, it can help relieve symptoms such as joint pain while removing dampness and promoting urination. Wash the herbs and place them into a clay pot with water. Bring to a boil over high heat first, then simmer for about 30 minutes before drinking.

5. External Application

For redness, swelling, and pain in the joints during gout attacks, fresh Plantago asiatica can be washed and blended into a paste. Apply the Plantago asiatica paste onto the affected joint area, secure it with gauze or plastic wrap, which can help alleviate joint pain symptoms.

Although Plantago asiatica has certain adjuvant therapeutic effects on gout, it cannot replace standard medical treatment. Patients with gout should follow medical advice, maintain a balanced diet, and use uric acid-lowering medications for comprehensive treatment when necessary.

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Is Plantago asiatica useful for gout?

Plantago asiatica has a diuretic effect, which can help the body eliminate excess water and uric acid, thereby reducing blood uric acid levels. During gout attacks, joints may exhibit inflammatory responses such as redness, swelling, and pain. Some components of Plantago asiatica can inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators,减轻关节的炎症反应，从而缓解患者的疼痛和不适感。 (Note: The last part was already in Chinese and should read: "thereby alleviating the joint's inflammatory response and reducing the patient's pain and discomfort.")

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Which Chinese herbal medicine is specifically used to treat kidney stones and hydronephrosis?

There is no single herb that specifically treats kidney stones and hydronephrosis. However, traditional Chinese herbs commonly used for these conditions include Lysimachiae Herba (Jin Qian Cao), Lygodii Spora (Hai Jin Sha), Gallus gallus domesticus (Ji Nei Jin), Plantago asiatica seed (Che Qian Zi), and Pyrrosia leaf (Shi Wei). These herbal medicines should be used only under the guidance of a qualified physician and must not be taken blindly on one's own. If symptoms such as increased stone size or worsening hydronephrosis occur, prompt medical attention is necessary.