What Chinese herbs remove wind-damp-heat?

Herbs commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to eliminate wind-dampness and clear heat include Gentiana (Qinjiao), Stephania (Fangji), Mulberry Twig (Sangzhi), Tripterygium (Leigongteng), and Siegesbeckia (Xixiancao). These should be used appropriately under medical guidance. If you plan to use herbal treatment, or if joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain worsen, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly.

1. Gentiana (Qinjiao): Effective for dispelling wind-dampness, clearing damp-heat, and relieving arthralgia. It is especially suitable for joint redness, swelling, and pain with limited mobility caused by rheumatic-heat obstruction. It also helps unblock meridians and has a regulatory effect on conditions such as damp-heat jaundice and bone steaming fever with night sweats.

2. Stephania (Fangji): Excels at eliminating wind-damp-heat pathogens and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling. It can alleviate burning joint pain caused by rheumatic-heat arthralgia and help reduce limb edema, making it ideal for individuals suffering from rheumatic-heat arthritis accompanied by swelling.

3. Mulberry Twig (Sangzhi): Known for its ability to promote joint mobility, it dispels wind-dampness and benefits joints. It is commonly used for limb joint pain and numbness due to rheumatic-heat arthralgia, particularly effective in relieving discomfort in the upper limbs.

4. Tripterygium (Leigongteng): Strongly dispels wind-damp-heat, unblocks meridians, and relieves pain. It helps improve severe joint pain and swelling caused by rheumatic-heat arthralgia and can also reduce swelling and resolve nodules. However, dosage must be strictly controlled and used only under medical supervision due to potential toxicity.

5. Siegesbeckia (Xixiancao): Clears wind-damp-heat, unblocks joints, and clears heat while detoxifying. It is suitable for treating red, swollen, hot, and painful joints caused by rheumatic-heat arthralgia. It may also be used to manage headaches and dizziness due to upward attack of wind-heat.

During treatment with herbs that dispel wind-damp-heat, a light diet is recommended. Avoid spicy and greasy foods. Keep joints warm and protected from dampness, engage in moderate joint movement to promote circulation of qi and blood, and ensure adequate rest to support recovery.