To be used as a supplement to a balanced diet when treating psoriasis.*

The Western scientific perspective describes psoriasis as a commonly occurring, recurrent condition that appears as a dry, well-circumscribed, silvery skin region of scaling papules and plaques. The severity is quite variable from a one or two small lesions all the way to widespread skin lesions over the body with associated arthritic development. Researchers have not found a cause but note common family histories which suggests that genetic factors play a role, and also correlates with frequency of certain other illnesses such as myocardial infarction, metabolic disorders, endocrine disorders, psycho-somatic disorders, and immune disorders. The onset is gradual with chronic remissions and recurrences of variable frequencies. Precipitating factors may include burns, trauma to the region, and withdrawal from corticosteriods. Children may have explosive psoriatic eruptions after streptococcal upper respiratory infections (strep sore throat.) Diagnosis is clear when there are well-defined, dry, heaped-up lesions with large silvery scales.*

From Traditional Chinese Medicine the pathologic etiology of psoriasis arises from Damp Heat in the Spleen and Lung. It also arises from the effects of external Wind causing Damp Heat to accumulate in the skin which blocks Qi and Blood movement in local areas, and this local Qi stagnation can increase Heat in the skin. In addition, an attack of Wind Cold can lead to disharmony between Yin (nutrients) and Wei (defense mechanism) which can create dryness. Another etiology arises from strong emotional reactions causing a Qi blockage, and if Qi stasis goes on for too long it can lead to Blood stagnation.*

TCM Indication: Dermatitis syndrome marked by severe itching, membranous scaly eruptions, cutaneous pigmentation, thick scaling, dry skin, also a cutaneous focal lesion gradually spreading outward, lichenification, skin warts, patient fears or avoids heat, some have constipation, a deficiency case has dizziness, back ache and tinnitis, some have joint pain, and pale face.*

Tongue: Red Tongue.

Pulse: Slippery or rapid pulse.

In TCM terms this formula nourishes the Yin and Cold Blood, enriches the Blood and moistens the Dryness, clears the Heat and removes toxins, eliminates Qi and Blood stasis and activates Blood circulation.*

Huang Qin - Scutelaria baicalensis Radix

Huang Liang - Coptis chinensis Rizome

Sheng Di Huang - Rehmannia glutinosa Radix

Jin Yin Hua - Lonicera japonica Flos

Qing Dai Fen - Indigo indigotica Folium

Dang Gui - Angelica sinensis Radix

Dan Shen - Salvia miltiorrhiza Radix

Chi Shao - Paeoneae rubrae Radix

Da Qing Ye - Isatis tincotoria Folium

San Leng - Sparganium stoloniferum Rhizome

Ban Lan Gen - Isatis tinctoria Radix

Xuan Shen Scrophularia ningpoensis Radix

Zao Xiu - Paris polyphylla Rhizome

Wu Mei - Prunus mume Fructus

Mu Dan Pi - Paeonia suffruticosa Radix Cortex