What are the traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for benign prostatic hyperplasia?
Generally, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate enlargement, is a common chronic condition in middle-aged and elderly men. Common symptoms include frequent urination, urgency, and increased nocturnal urination. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions for BPH include Bāzhèng Sàn (Eight-Ingredient Powder for Rectifying the Lungs), Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Spleen-Qi Tonic Decoction), Zhībǎi Dìhuáng Wán (Cortex Phellodendri and Rehmannia Pill), Jìshēng Shènqì Wán (Jisheng Kidney-Qi Pill), Zhēnwǔ Tāng (True Warrior Decoction), and Guìzhī Fúlíng Wán (Cinnamon and Poria Pill). If symptoms occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanations are as follows:
1. Bāzhèng Sàn (Eight-Ingredient Powder for Rectifying the Lungs)
Bāzhèng Sàn consists of the herbs Mu Tong (Akebia Stem), Chēqiánzǐ (Plantain Seed), Biǎnxù (Polygonum Aviculare), Huáshí (Talc), Qú Mài (Dianthus Root), Zhīzi (Gardenia Fruit), Dàhuáng (Rhubarb Root), and Gāncǎoshāo (Licorice Tip). It has functions of clearing heat, purging fire, detoxifying, and relieving constipation. It is mainly used for BPH caused by damp-heat descending to the lower jiao.
2. Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Spleen-Qi Tonic Decoction)
Buzhong Yiqi Tang contains Huángqí (Astragalus Root), Rénshēn (Ginseng), Báizhú (Atractylodes Rhizome), Zhì Gāncǎo (Processed Licorice Root), Dāngguī (Chinese Angelica Root), Chén Pí (Tangerine Peel), Shēngmá (Cimicifuga Rhizome), and Cháihú (Bupleurum Root). It functions to strengthen and replenish middle jiao qi, and is suitable for BPH caused by sinking of middle jiao qi.
3. Zhībǎi Dìhuáng Wán (Cortex Phellodendri and Rehmannia Pill)
Zhībǎi Dìhuáng Wán contains Shú Dìhuáng (Rehmannia Root, Prepared), Shānzhūyú (Cornus Fruit), Shānyào (Chinese Yam Rhizome), Zéxiè (Alisma Rhizome), Fúlíng (Poria), Mǔdānpí (Peony Bark), Zhīmǔ (Anemarrhena Rhizome), and Huángbǎi (Phellodendron Bark). It functions to nourish yin and reduce fire, and is primarily used to treat BPH caused by kidney yin deficiency.
4. Jìshēng Shènqì Wán (Jisheng Kidney-Qi Pill)
Jìshēng Shènqì Wán contains Shú Dìhuáng (Rehmannia Root, Prepared), Shānzhūyú (Cornus Fruit), Shānyào (Chinese Yam Rhizome), Zéxiè (Alisma Rhizome), Fúlíng (Poria), Mǔdānpí (Peony Bark), Ròuguì (Cinnamon Bark), Fùzǐ (Processed Aconite Root), Niúxī (Achyranthes Root), and Chēqiánzǐ (Plantain Seed). It functions to warm the kidneys, promote qi transformation, induce diuresis, and relieve urinary obstruction. It can treat symptoms of BPH caused by kidney yang deficiency.
5. Zhēnwǔ Tāng (True Warrior Decoction) and Guìzhī Fúlíng Wán (Cinnamon and Poria Pill)
Zhēnwǔ Tāng is composed of Fùzǐ (Processed Aconite Root), Shēngjiāng (Fresh Ginger Root), Fúlíng (Poria), Báizhú (Atractylodes Rhizome), and Báisháo (White Peony Root). Guìzhī Fúlíng Wán mainly contains Guìzhī (Cinnamon Twig), Sháoyào (Peony Root), Táorén (Peach Seed), Fúlíng (Poria), and Dānmǐ (Tree Peony Bark). When used together, Zhēnwǔ Tāng and Guìzhī Fúlíng Wán can improve symptoms of frequent urination, urgency, and increased nocturnal urination caused by BPH.
In daily life, if Chinese herbal prescriptions are needed to relieve discomfort, it is recommended to take them in appropriate and reasonable amounts under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, maintaining a light diet, avoiding staying up late, and engaging in moderate exercise are advised to help alleviate physical discomfort.