Qiang Li Tian Ma Du Zhong Pian (Qiang Li Tian Ma Du Zhong Wan,
强力天麻杜仲丸),
literally "Strong Gastrodia & Eucommia Pills" in Chinese,
is a Chinese herbal medicine formulated to expel Wind and invigorate circulation and meridians.†
Specifically, the Chinese medicine is used for numbness and paralysis during stroke rehabilitation and
maintain the body from second stroke. The Chinese medicine is also beneficial for blood pressure.†
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What does it do?
Stroke is a rapid loss of brain function caused by either the loss of blood supply to the brain
due to blood clots in the blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. Consequently, the body may lose the
ability to move, speak etc. Stroke is the number two cause of death worldwide. High blood pressure is
the most important risk factor of stroke.
After emergency treatments, recovering from the post-stroke sequelae like hemiplegia and preventing
stroke from occurring again is a long and painful process. In China, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in combination with acupuncture plays a critical part in
stroke rehabilitation. In the terms of TCM, post-stroke patients have common problems of blood stasis and/or
blockage of channels. Accordingly, Chinese medicines are developed with the focus on promoting blood
circulation and clearing the meridians with satisfactory results.
Qiang Li Tian Ma Du Zhong Pian is one of such known Chinese herbal formulas for stroke rehabilitation.
Qiang Li Tian Ma Du Zhong Pian was shown to treat ischemic stroke in clinical studies in China.
For example, in a study of 40 ischemic stroke patients with a wind-phlegm and blood stasis, the
patients took the formula for 30 days after 2 to 8 weeks since the diagnosis of stroke. In the end,
2 patients were fully recovered, 9 significantly improved, 24 improved, and only 5 did not show
any improvement.1†
Tian Ma (Gastrodia) is a precious Chinese herb that plays a leading role in the formula.
It calms Wind and clears the meridians and has long been used in TCM for headache, dizziness, numbness of limbs,
hemiplegia (paralysis of one side of the body), and epilepsy. In modern biochemical studies,
Gastrodia extracts are shown to be analgesic, reduce hypertension; Remarkably, Gastrodin, a compound isolated from
gastrodia, are found to protect neurons in the brain from damages during cerebral ischemia
(loss of blood supply in the brain);2
Du Zhong (Eucommia) is also a chief Chinese herb in the formula and
a popular tonic for both the liver and the kidneys. The Chinese herb is well
recognized for strengthening bones and tendons and is commonly used for lower back pain and joint pain.
Eucommia is shown in studies to have an effect on lowering blood pressure;3
Niu Xi (Achyranthes root) nourishes the liver and the kidneys and strengthens bones and tendons
like Eucommia. The Chinese herb also invigorates the blood to remove blood stasis and clears Wind and Dampness.
Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry twig) nourishes the liver and the kidneys and strengthens bones and tendons
to enhance Eucommia. The Chinese herb also expels Wind and Dampness.
Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) & Qiang Huo (Notopterygium root) expel Wind and remove Dampness.
The Chinese herbs are used for pains in the lower back and joints.
Zhi Fu Zi (Aconite root) restores the Yang energy and warms the body;
Qin Jiao (Gentiana Macrophylla root) disperses Wind and Dampness and clears meridians;
Pian Jiang Huang (Curcuma) invigorates the blood and moves Qi;
Dan Shen (Salvia) promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis;
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) nourishes the blood and removes blood stasis;
Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia root) nourishes the Yin energy, clear heat, and generates body fluids;
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References
1. Liu Y. e tal., Wind-Phlegm and Blood-Stasis Pattern of Ischemic Apoplexy Treated with "Powerful Gastrodia-Eucommia Capsule.
SHANGHAI JOURNAL OF TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE 2000 34(2).
2. Zeng X. et al., A study of the neuroprotective effect of the phenolic glucoside gastrodin during cerebral ischemia in vivo and in vitro.
Planta Med. 2006 Dec;72(15):1359-65.
3. Lang C. et al., Effect of Eucommia ulmoides on systolic blood pressure in the spontaneous hypertensive rat.
Am J Chin Med. 2005;33(2):215-30.
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