We are stunned by this week’s shootings at Virginia Tech and elsewhere around the country. As we listen to the grieving families of the victims, no one has said, “There is no excuse for this violence. It is a tragedy that should never happen.” Cho Seung-Hui shot two people and then had enough time afterwards to write about it in his blog and make a DVD that he sent to the media. Of course the media covered it, which encouraged other nutcases. This week schools have been shut down because of threats. Today, despite tight security, a contract worker entered a building at the NASA Space Center at Houston with a gun. He shot and killed a hostage then himself. It’s a trend.
When the police finally arrived on the scene at Virginia Tech, they heard gun shots, got out of their cars and hid behind trees. Did they think the problem would go away? As a child, Liviu Librescu survived the Holocaust. As an adult, he escaped Romania’s Communist rule. In the last moments of his life the 75 year old Israeli professor sacrificed himself to save his students — using his body to block the door of his engineering classroom as Cho Seung-Hui tried to shoot his way inside. He knew the problem was not going away.
Yunnan Paiyao is a popular over-the-counter Chinese herbal medicine used throughout Asia to stop hemorrhage from wounds and heal internal bleeding. It contains vegetarian ingredients including tienchi ginseng, myrrh, and an astringent herb dragon blood that helps to heal blood vessels, reduce pain, bruising and swelling and speed healing. The herbal capsules come in a sheet with a small red pill that can be easily swallowed in an emergency or before surgery.
California acupuncturist, Michel Czehatowski, owner of East Earth Trade Winds, a company that sells Chinese herbal medicines, says:
Yunnan Baiyao can be used internally or externally. When you have a
serious wound the first thing you should do is swallow several capsules.
If you are attending someone who cannot swallow, for example someone
gravely injured who is unconscious but bleeding profusely, you can pour it
directly into the wounds and apply pressure to the wound. In an emergency
situation don’t worry about cleaning out the wound first. However, if the
bleeding is not a life or death situation then clean the wound out before
sprinkling the Yunnan Baiyao in it. In most cases, you’ll be amazed at how
fast the bleeding stops. Yunnan Baiyao can also be used for nosebleeds, recovery after dental procedures or surgery, and gynecological problems such as heavy periods or a prolonged menstrual cycle. The little red pill that comes with Yunnan Baiyao is useful in case where the person is going into Shock.
If police and ambulance doctors carried Yunnan Paiyao capsules–as the Chinese Army does—they may be able to save more lives. The problem of nutcases shooting-up classrooms, buses, nightclubs, and supermarkets will not go away. Neither the local health authorities, police, nor government agencies will be able to help you to save your life. You need to be prepared to care for yourself.
I am going to have dental surgery next week. I would be glad to try this herb. This herb also sounds like a great item to have in a medical kit which should be carried in the car as well as the home.
Thanks!
I agree totally. I think police and ambulence personnel should also use it to save lives.
I always use if for dental cleaning too and other surgery.
The only contra indication may be pregnancy.
L.
Is this pill safe to take before surgery for someone with a clotting defieciency such as a factor defieciency or Von Willebrands? Are there any know side effects?
Lastly, where could I find information on this pill to give to my doctors?
Thank you!
I appreciate your question concerning Yunnan Paiyao. Unfortunately, since it is a combination of several herbs, little western research is available on it. It is widely used throughout Asia and made by one of the largest Chinese drug/herb companies owned by the government. That will not help to answer individual questions concerning its use, nor furnish the type of testing that western-trained MD appreciate. The best thing I can say about the ingredients is that Dr. Andrew Weil told me that at Univ. Calif. Davis, they are testing its main ingredient tienchi ginseng.
As far as I know it is not contraindicated in the diseases you mention.
Letha, thank you for your response. Could you kindly explain the little red pill, is it the same ingredients as the orange capsules? I see in your book you recommend taking the red pill prior to surgery, but is this the right pill to reduce surgical bleeding or is it the orange capsules? The package does not talk about the red pill. Thanks again!
Hello
Previously printed directions and dosage were on the outside of the box of Yunnan Paiyao. The ingredients were not listed. They were kept secret because it was used during war time. Asian herbalists have a long tradition of secrecy and patents that date hundreds of years.
The pill was described as useful in emergency, for deep wounds and serious injuries – like gun shot wounds. ONe herbalist I quote in my recent article says the red pill is for shock.
I take the red pill before the dentist or surgery and capsules afterwards. The normal dose is about 4 – 6 capsules daily.
That can vary according to the person’s size. If it upsets the stomach, take the capsules with food.
The original instructions were to avoid eating fish, fava beans (broad beans) and salad while taking Yunnan Paiyao. I think that is because they are cooling moistening and possibly laxative (salad) and they may inhibit the action of Yunnan Paiyao.
The herbs work to normalize circulation, heal broken blood vessels, and reabsorb escaped blood to reduce bruises and swelling.
I know that cannot help your medical professionals. There can be no western medical “trust” of herbal remedies until they are laboratory tested. That means until their actions are predictable for everyone. That broad application of drugs is not in keeping with the individualized approach used in Asian medicine. The centuries of safe use of Chinese herbs has failed to convince certain western researchers. Others – in England, Sweden, and the US are testing chinese herbs and combinations.
I am not a researcher.
After reading your Chinese Health Secrets wehave kept some in our first aide kit and had very good luck with it. Most often we have used it for deep cuts. I would like to ask an unrelated question; if this is inappropriate please forgive the inquiry. I have stress agraivated bouts with shingles which over time the physical symptoms have become less but about day three after the first sign I can have about 18 hours of severe depression; are there any tcm ideas to help cope?
I can understand from an enegetic point of view how pain can lead to depression.
Shingles is especially nerve related. So anxiety, stress, caffeine, sugar – anything that increases a nervous response can make shingles worse. Those same things can also aggrivate depression for many people.
ONe chinse formula recommended for shingles is a liver/galbladder cleanser – Lung Tan Xie Gan Wan pills. But they can be overused. They reduce headache, anger, inflammation – styes in the eyes, fever blisters in the mouth, herpes, all sorts of problems resulting from acids irritating the liver and backing up in the blood.
But long term use is not advised because it could slow thyroid action.
A more balance apprach would be Lung Tan Xie Gan Wan and Xiao Yao Wan together. That would cleanse and regulate liver function.
Speaking English and recommending western remedies:
Homeopathic iron – ferrum phos. if useful for reducing inflammation and pain of shingles.
Calms Forte, a combination of iron and herbs is very quietng.
Nat. phos – Natrum phospate reduces acids and acid related pain. See homeopathic remedies in the pharmacy.
To cleanse the liver and blood increase chlorophyll. Add the liquid to water or take chlorophyll concentrate caps.
Reduce acids in spicy foods, caffeine etc. That Should help.
Siberian ginseng also reduces nerve pains.
That’s enough to start for now.
L.
Dear Letha,
I have had afew years away from chinese medicine. I used to order chinese herbs online from san fran, however I lost that connection and am hopeful that you have a good link to order Yunnan Paiyao.
thanks so much!
Blessings to you!
Cecilia Dietze
Hi Cecilia
You can order Yunnan Paiyao from eastearthherb.com – East Earth Trading Company
They are in Calif. and ship anywhere.
all best, L.
Dear Letha:
First, thank you for this wonderful site and all of the useful information.
Over a month ago, I developed a huge hematoma on my shin after a horseback riding accident while on vacation in Argentina. When I returned home I went to the Orthopedics & Sports Injury Dept at St Vincent’s in NYC. My doctor took x-rays and nothing was broken, however the sweilling was huge and quite painful. He prescribed a course of Naproxen (2 pills a day) and said to return in 2 weeks. The pain was so intense I could not stand for long periods and I kept my shin iced for a whole week. When I returned to the doctor, the swelling was down a bit but the hematoma was still very large and painful. The doctor then said it might never go down and I might have to consult a plastic surgeon. Needless to say I was not a happy camper. He renewed my rx and told me to return in 6 weeks.
Anyhow to make a long story short, I remembered I had your “Asian Health Secrets” book and found your website and low and behold I found all the information on Yunnan Paiyau. I flew into Chinatown yesterday and got the pills and the powder. I started to take the pills and made a mask of the powder and put it on my shin.
All nite long I could feel the area drawing and the pills seemd to act like a diuretic. In the morning my swelling was much much smaller!!!! I feel in my heart it will go down totally and I will not be left with a hard bump as the doctor said. Thank you so much.
One question: can you recommend something for stiff feet in the morning and bunions? I was scheduled for bunion surgery but had to cancel due to the accident. Now I am wondering if any herbs can help.
Thanks so much,
Jan
Hi Jan
Nice to hear your success story with Yunnan Paiyao. I have collected quite a few such stories on this site.
Bunions seem to be a result of placing weight on the ball of the feet.–heels that are high or shoes that are tight. I think it would be hard to dissolve them once they have formed.
You might be able to reduce inflammatory pain and swelling and redness of bunions with homeopathic apis mel. but do not mix homeopathic remedies with Yunnan Paiyao.
For now I would let your injury heal before treating other problems.
Thanks again for writing.
best, Letha
Hello Letha -
I have another Yunnan Piayao success story. I was playing catcher on a softball team, and had a hard throw jam a knuckle inside the glove. When I got home, the knuckle was already purple and swollen.
I took two capsules of Yunnan Piayao, and dissolved several others in wine, as suggested on the package for topical application. I soaked the finger in the solution, and at bedtime wrapped it in gauze, poured the solution on it, and put the finger into a plastic finger cot.
I hoped the finger would be a bit better, because I had a game the next day. But, when I unwrapped everything, I was very surprised to see that the bruising was completely gone! The knuckle was still a bit sore, but I could play effectively without much pain.
I have had plenty of injuries like this in sports, but never have I seen bruising dissappear overnight like this. It was simply amazing.
Katherine
My question is rather personal, so please reply privately or change my name and leave off my addresses. I am interested in how Yunnan Paiyao can work for heavy postpartum hemorrages in the home. What mode is it given, dose, and how quickly can it stanch a heavy uterine bleed? Does it work also for bleeders in or around the vagina or perineum? Will it interact w/pharmaceudicals like pitocin, cytotec, hemabate, methergine or ergotrate? Herbal tinctures like Angelica or Shepherd’s purse?
Thanks for you attention to my questions.
I would not use Yunnan Paiyao professionally unless you read about it further. As you know everyone’s body is different. It is used to slow or stop excess bleeding from injuries and I have recommended its use in preparation for and after surgery. It comes as capsules or powder both packed with 1 small red pill used for acute problems or shock. IT works for anywhere in the body.
Please see an entire chapter on its use in my book Asian Health Secrets. IT is the best source of information on the product in English. The ingredients were kept secret for many years. In Asian Health Secrets you will find information on its use, ingredients, dosage, and what to avoid when using it. Also there is a chapter on child birth and commonly used remedies to improve post-partum depression, exhaustion and healing.
best, L.
Thanks Katherine for your nice Yunnan Paiyao story.
L.
Good Day,
Can Yunnan Paiyao be used to cure a Fistulla in Ano? Or has it been used for such things like that?
Hi
Yunnan Paiyao capsules stop internal bleeding, reduces swelling and pain when taken by mouth. The powder may also be applied with a Q TIP internally and to rectum area. It may not cure fistulla completely but it cannot hurt the condition. It may reduce bleeding symptoms and discomfort. Check with your doctor about its use in conjunction with other treatments.
LETHA- I market natural pet products nation wide. The yunnan paiyao product (powder)stops bleeding.My question is…has anyone mentioned it’s use on dogs for bleeding from too close clipping on toenails? Do you have any idea how long before the bleeding stops? Some time the groomer also will nick an ear, this would be a great item for resale,although there is a styptic product on the market for blood stop. But more people are wanting “natural”.How does 4 grams compare with an ounce measure? Thamks…John
Hi John
I think Yunnan PaiYao would work nicely for pet injuries like cuts. Just wash the wound with water and sprinkle Yunnan Paiyao on the open wound daily. It stops oozing, swelling, pain and reduces infection. Don’t know how soon it stops the bleeding – that may vary. But a plastic surgeon once told me in amazement that he watched his incision “heal before his eyes.”
4 grams is .14 ounce in US weights.
good sources include eastearthherb.com, health concerns and other online chinese herb shops.
The ingredients are safe for external and internal use in most cases. i have used it for injured dogs.
all best, Letha
THANKS,LETHA…I FOUND MY INQUIRY HERE QUITE BY ACCIDENT.I ORDERED THE YUANAN PAIYA TODAY AND WANTED TO REVIEW SOME OF YOUR READERS COMMENTS AND…. HERE YOU ARE. I JUST FINISHED TALKING TO MICHAEL(THE OWNER OF EAST EARTH) HE WAS EXTREMELY HELPFUL,AND I REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR INFORMATION ON APPLICATION TO PETS…THANKS -JOHN
Letha,
My dog has been diagnosed with Hemangiosarcoma and has bled twice, each time requiring a drain of his heart sac. One of his Vets (Western, but obviously open to Eastern medicine) suggested I look into Yunnan Paiyao as a natural clotting agent. Can you tell me if you have any experience or suggestions about how to administer it and what dosage for a 55 pound dog to help prevent him from bleeding again? His prognosis is very poor, so long term side effects would not come into consideration. Can he be on a maintenance schedule with Yunnan Paiyao? I just want to let him enjoy his life fully and without pain until his cancer takes him, without succombing to heart failure due to the bleeding. I don’t want to put him through surgery.
Thank you for taking my questions.
Ida
Dear Ida
I am very sorry to hear about your dog. I am sure you are comforting your pet, which means a lot to you both.
I have no direct experience with your dog’s condition and Yunnan Paiyao, as you may know, can spread the cancer.
I think that an extract of cordyceps medicinal fungi might help to reduce heart stress for him. I would find the capsules or liquid extract and add the recommended dose to his food. it raises immunity and energy and during stress, dilates the aorta to reduce heart pain and anxiety.
If you want to try the Yunnan Paiyao- recommended to stop excess bleeding and pain from swelling, I would add one capsule to his food to see if he can tolerate it ok. You can use both remedies long term as long as he has no bad side-effects.
all best wishes, Letha
Hi Letha,
I’ve been reading up on Yunnan Paiyao and heard that it could also be used for injured blood vessels. I have broken capillaries on my face caused by shower water and sports that involve air hitting the face and damaging them.
Do you know if I could turn this powder into a topical cream to remove the broken capillaries? Has anyone ever used Yunnan Paiyao for an application such as this before?
They’re really embarassing and get worse if I get warm (a hot room, dancing, etc.)
So far the only thing I’ve heard works is using a laser to remove them. If I could use a natural remedy that would be optimal.
Thanks
The fragile complexion may be rosacea.
For that I recommend a more cooling herbal pill called Skin Balance made by Health Concerns.
You can order from them, Call 1 800 233 9355 and use the password LETHA when ordering.
You can follow directions on the bottle.
Avoid hot spices, honey, orange or strongly spicy foods like chili or cayenne
I used yunnan paiyao for bruised ribs and it cured my hay fever.Doctors had said for years I had inflammed nose and ears Now it is gone
Hi Karl
I love those Yunnan Paiyao stories. Thanks, Letha
I was curious about Yunnan Paiyao as a preventative use. My dog Chewy was diagnosed with factor VIII deficiency also known as classic hemophilia which is largely an inherited disorder in which one of the proteins needed to form blood clots is missing or lacking. My dog was diagnosed with moderate to severe hemophilia, I realize it is a genetic disease with no cyure but I was wondering if Yunnan Paiyo might be used for my 12lbs dog as supplement to help speed the healing or reabsorbtion of the small to medium sized hematomas that my dog has a tendancy to get. His hematomas always heal and has only had to be transfused when he was neutered. I was just looking at preventative options or natural options to promote the healing. Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Hi Lisa
That is a good question for a holistic Vet. not me.
I have received a number of emails from dog-owners who have used Yunnan Paiyao for injuries, but not for genetic conditions.
Since other pet owners have used it successfully, you might try it with some confidence when Chewy has a hematoma. For prevention—it might be a bit too scattering, ie. make him needlessly dizzy from long term use. I do not know.
all best, L.
I recently got drunk and being stupid burned two circular spots on my arm with a cigarette…I have used Yunnan Paiyo for cuts and wonder if it would be good for this burn or if you would recomend anything else.
Thankyou
Dear Neranjan
Sorry to hear about your injury.
Yunnan Pai yao works best for new fresh wounds that are oozing or bleeding.
For a burn – now a week old – apply
aloe vera jel often
cold very strong black tea
vasoline so that the new skin can develop under the vasoline
If you dry out the skin the scar will wrinkle and be unevern
Some scar creams contain extract of onion for help develop new skin
Take homeopathic arnica 30c for injury and bruising or pain
take homeopathic calc sulph to help the body to heal.
best, L.
Letha,
I have seen different information about how much Yunnan Baiyao to take before surgery, and how long before surgery to take it. What would you recommend: how many pills, and how long before/after surgery?
I know that you’re not supposed to eat for 12 hours before surgery, but is it still okay to take the red capsule?
I hope to hear from you soon. I am asking for a friend who is going into surgery next week.
Thank you!
Aidan
Hi Aidan
My book Asian Health Secrets has a chapter on the use of Yunnan Paiyao.
You can take it the same day as surgery. I have swallowed the red pill just before a dental visit or minor surgery.
Some people like taking it for 2 – 4 weeks after surgery to speed healing. capsule amounts depend on size , age, and digestion of the individual person.
Start with 2 cap s. daily. Increase to 4 , 6 as needed.
best, L
Dear Letha, please let me know what clear soul/reg. heater capsules are for I am being treated in chinese medicine,when do I take them how many and is retiring a good time or after last meal.do I swallow them with water .please inform.new to all this medicine thank you Marey.p.s. I am from the United Kingdom LONDON
Dear Marey
Somehow I missed your question until now. I do not know the herbal pill you are referring to – its ingredients or use. Many have alternate names. I would certainly ask the Chinese doctor or herbal store that sold you the product about its use.
In general if herbal ingredients are calming, they may be best used in the evening and not with meals. Usually digestive herbs or cleansing herbs are stirring. They may keep you awake at night. You would also feel the full benefits by not mixing them with foods.
I hope that helps.
L.
I have boils in my armpits. I’ve taken Huuna Pai Yao orally but will
the boils go away faster if I apply it topically to the affected areas?
I’ d appreciate your reply
Dear Elizabeth
Please do not use Yunnan Paiyao for anything except for injury – cuts, open wounds, bleeding, surgery. It is not meant for boils. Boils require bitter, cleansing herbs that reduce inflammation and toxins.
For example Skin Balance pills from Health Concerns.
Skin Balance is used for skin problems ranging from acne and itchy skin to boils.
To order it call 1 800 233 9355 and tell them Letha recommended it. Otherwise they cannot sell it to you because you are not an acupuncturist. Otherwise, your local health food store can order it for you.
At the same time, reduce your hot, spicy foods, sugar, oranges, honey and ginger. They tend to bring out rashes and other inflammatory skin problems.
best, L.
I dont usually comment, but after reading through so much info I had to say thanks
Dear Letha,
I had a LEEP procedure two weeks ago, and because I had not bled that first week I did not start the Yu Nan Bai Yao. But after the first week my menses started, and I gave it six days and started the YNBY. (My period usually is 3-days tops). It has been one week since the onset of the cycle, and I know the bleeding is from the LEEP. It is not hemorrhagic to call the doctor. I am currently taking two pills 3x-4x daily. Just wondering if you think it would be helpful to take the little emergency tablet. I think this would be great information for the many women going through this. I also apply moxa to SP 1 and Sp7 3x/daily. It is slowing the bleeding down, but still trickles with occassional clot. I apologize if that is too much information, and hope I am not out of line to ask your advice on this. Oh yeah! And I am taking 2 multivitamins daily, and massage the inner thighs daily for lymphatic support. Also keeping up on veggies and protein for nutrition.
I have been a fan for many years, thank you for your suggestions.
Hello Virginia
I would feel better if you assured us the LEEP procedure results were good – no cancer cells left behind. IT is only a test.
Make sure you check with your doctor to see if the bleeding is normal or excessive. Below is information
I found about the LEEP procedure online from a reputable woman’s health website. Then after that I will answer
your questions:
If your doctor has told you that you need to have a LEEP procedure, it’s because your annual Pap smear indicated the presence of abnormal cervical cells, or cervical dysplasia. While the loop electrosurgical excision procedure, or LEEP procedure, may make you wonder if your doctor wants you to jump. The LEEP procedure has nothing to do with jumping. The LEEP procedure is one of several procedures your doctor has available to help diagnose and treat abnormal cervical cells. Other procedures your doctor may want you to have either before or during the LEEP procedure include, a colposcopy and / or a cone biopsy.
LEEP uses a thin wire loop electrode which is attached to an electrosurgical generator. The generator transmits a painless electrical current that quickly cuts away the affected cervical tissue in the immediate area of the loop wire. This causes the abnormal cells to rapidly heat and burst, and separates the tissue as the loop wire moves through the cervix.
This technique allows your physician to send the excised tissue to the lab for further evaluation which insures that the lesion was completely removed, as well as allowing for a more accurate assessment of the abnormal area.
You may want to ask your doctor if it’s OK to take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as ibuprofen before your procedure to help minimize any pain. Never take any drug before any medical procedure without explicitly asking your doctor about it. Always follow your doctors instructions for preparation for the LEEP.
What happens during the LEEP procedure?
The LEEP procedure takes about 20-30 minutes and is usually performed in your physician’s office. In some ways it may seem much like a normal pelvic exam because you will lie on the exam table with your feet in the stirrups. A colposcope will be used to guide your doctor to the abnormal area. Unlike a normal colposcopy, a tube will be attached to the speculum to remove the small amount of smoke caused by the procedure.
An electrosurgical dispersive pad will be placed on your thigh. The pad is a gel-covered adhesive electrode which provides a safe return path for the electrosurgical current. A single-use, disposable loop electrode will be attached to the generator hand piece by your physician. Your cervix will be prepared with acetic acid and iodine solutions that enable your physician to more easily see the extent of the abnormal area. Next a local anesthetic will be injected into the cervix; the electroloop will be generated and the wire loop will pass through the surface of your cervix.
After the lesion is removed your physician will use a ball electrode to stop any bleeding that occurs; he may also use a topical solution to prevent further bleeding. You can leave your physician’s office soon after the procedure.
Are there any complications associated with the LEEP?
Complications are usually mild but can include:
* mild pain or discomfort
* bleeding
You should call your physician if you experience bleeding that is heavier than a normal period, or if pain is severe. Other symptoms that should be reported to your physician include any heavy vaginal discharge or strong vaginal odor.
After the LEEP you should not:
Have sexual intercourse for as long as recommended by your physician
Lift heavy objects
Use tampons
Douche
Take tub baths–take showers only to prevent infection
It’s important for you to remember that having cervical dysplasia does not mean that you have cervical cancer. However, treatment of the abnormal area is imperative to prevent abnormal cervical cells from developing into cervical cancer
After the LEEP procedure, make sure to follow your doctor’s instructions precisely. Your doctor will tell you when to return for follow up Pap smears, and / or colposcopies. Keeping these follow up appointments is necessary to verify that all of the abnormal cervical tissues have been removed, as well as to make sure that if abnormal cervical cells redevelop they are caught early and treated appropriately.
_____
Virginia:
I would stop the moxa just in case it is aggravating the bleeding. It can cause clots, which may cause problems with PMS or the menstrual flow later on. As long as your physician says the bleeding is normal and he/she says it is”ok to ignore it” or “It will stop by itself” then you can continue with Yunnan Paiyao. We want to know if the bleeding is in some way related to the LEEP or to the underlying condition that necessitated the test. Make sure the results of the LEEP are good. If cancer cells exist, you should stop Yunnan Paiyao and continue with anticancer herbs, foods, etc. If things are progressing “normally” then you can speed natural healing with Yunnan Paiyao. The capsules you mention should be enough. If bleeding were very heavy you could take the red pill. OK? Hope that helps. Sounds like you are mending well and have the problem well in hand.
best, L.
Well, thank you for your reply! I just wanted to assure you that there is no cancer, it was cervical dysplasia, and according to the doc the report says it has been removed completely at this time. I think the Yunnan Paiyao, this is helping, and hope more women see an acupuncturist too because it has been so much better than doing ‘nothing’ during this process. It helps with the anxiety also.
Dear Letha,
Just a quick question. Currently I am taking Lipitor to lower my cholesterol levels. Could I use Cortex Eucommiae to replace Lipitor?
I appreciate your time and advice.
Kind regards
Alex
Hi Alex
I think you can add Eucommia bark in addition to your medication, then gradually under the care of your doctor slow the drug. Don’t stop cold turkey. Your body will give you a tough withdrawal reaction – may make more cholesterol than before – if you stop suddenly. Tell your MD you want to reduce the dose. He/she won’t know about eucommia, but it does reduce cholesterol. Also consider adding cordyceps (available in healthfood store capsules) It has been shown to reduce cholesterol in the aorta, which is a common condition for people over age 50. It can lead to painful legs and poor circulation for someone with a sedentary lifestyle.
best, L.
Hello Letha,
Thank you for your fast reply and advice!
Kind regards
Alex
Dear Letha,
I have a friend (33 years old) who admires so much what you do. Your book became a bible to her and her family. By following your advices she ordered a lot of items from your site except she now feels confused: using Xiao yao wan for about a month and a half made a big change to her health. She is so grateful to you. Then the Alopec herb was added since she was losing a lot of hair caused by anemia. However, after 2 weeks using both herbs she feels kind of cloudy in her head. The Xiao yao wan was changed for Long dan xie gan wan. Nothing changed. She feels still the same way. Maybe the humidity of Miami has to do with it. Suffering from poor circulation and capillary she would like to try using Yunnan paiyao. I convinced her that she could really benefit from your advice. You are a real idol to her.
Thank you so much in advance.
Alex
Hi Alex
I really appreciate hearing when and how my advice helps people. Thanks.
It is important to know when to use herbs. Here is a general rule:
If you have digestive problems, use digestive herbs around meal time. Don’t mix them with every other kind of herb.
If you have problems affecting the skin, hair, or circulation, or colds and flu or sinus congestion –take the herbs you need for them Between Meals. They are not digestive. Many times they contain ingredients that increase sweating or are laxative or may otherwise disrupt digestion.
Her dizziness may be a health problem .I cannot tell from here. Usually if a person has a side-effect from herbs, they should temporarily stop taking them. Then add one herb or combination of herbs back at a time. For example. take only the xiao yao wan with meals. That should help clear her mind if she has hypoyglycemia or anxiety that is causing her to be off balance.
IF she has a pale, puffy tongue showing water retention and low energy, an herb for hair loss that is moistening is going to make her feel spacey. She should use it with warming herbs like ginseng. She may have to combine it carefully or use it only when she feels thirsty and dry.
Use Yunnan Paiyao only for injury or surgery. It is not a circulation tonic, but an injury remedy that stops excess bleeding, bruising, and swelling from injury or bug bites.
She ought to see which Energy Type corresponds best to her body and eneryg/weight management needs. That will help her choose the best diet and herbs for her.
best wishes, Letha
A Chinese friend recommended Yunnan Paiyao for a chronic, non healing wound I have on my right foot, the result of an amputation resulting from peripheral vascular disease affecting circulation in my feet. I had amputation of the third toe of my right foot, as well as two angioplasties for my right leg. My doctor wants to do more surgery to try to improve circulation (angioplasty) and healing (further debridement and cutting).
Since the problem seems to be calcified small blood vessels in my feet, could a remedy like Yunnan Paiyao be useful in healing the wound? Is there something else I could do to improve healing and reduce the pvd? What course of treatment would you suggest?
Thank you for your thoughts,
Richard
Hello Richard
Yunnan Paiyao works to heal surgery by increasing circulation. That may not necessarily affect the health of blood vessels.
It reduces swelling and pain. But I believe you need to consult with a nutritionist to find the nutrients you are lacking. Calcification in the body is not necessarily from an excess of calcium but often from poor calcium absorption. Think of the longer term benefits of increasing essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, and iodine for example. IT will work slowly, but more thoroughly than an injury remedy.
If bleeding, bruising exists, you might be advised to use Yunnan Paiyao to speed healing from surgery, but also consider adding helpful foods and supplements to enhance the health of blood vessels in order to insure good health. For example, baring allergies, many people benefit from increasing seaweeds as a source of minerals. Natural sodium for better calcium absorption is also found in celery, okra, and goat whey.
Question: I’m told 2 Chinese herbs are good for diarrhea re: a slight relapse of colitis with some blood in stool. Which would you recommend? Please advise if another herb mixture will help with my U-Colitis? I would like to get off of all meds for this problem, now taking asacol 400 mg tabs.
Herbs are > Jianpiling or Yunnan Paiyao
Thanks for your time & a very informative site.
Hi Gary
Yunnan Paiyao is not specific for colitis. It retards internal bleeding and reduces swelling, pain, bruising from injuries. Usually used for wounds or surgery.
Here is a professional article on jianpiling by a chinese herbal research instititue ITM Inst. for Traditional Medcine:
http://www.itmonline.org/arts/jianpiling.htm
Jianpiling contains: Jianpiling (literally: the effective remedy for supporting the function of the spleen), is a modern prescription for treatment of ulcerative colitis. Its ingredients are:
Astragalus Astragalus membranaceous)
Codonopsis (Codonopsis pilosula)
Atractylodes (Atractylodes macrocephala)
Tang-kuei (Angelica sinensis)
Ginger, roasted (Zingiberis officinalis)
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis)
Peony (Paeonia lactiflora)
Saussurea (Jurinea souliei)
Mume (Prunus mume)
Catechu (Acacia catechu)
Corydalis (Corydalis bulbosa)
The formula can be varied according to your specific needs by an herbalist who knows chinese medicine. IT requires some diagnosis. From the article:
“Thus, according to the claims of Chen Zhishui, administration of a modest dosage of herbs for about two months can lead to a cure of colitis (symptoms and signs disappear, colonoscopy reveals normal mucosal membrane) in nearly 2/3 of cases, with a very low rate of recurrence, and in three months it can cure about half of intractable cases. He has stated that there is greater safety, less toxicity, and fewer adverse side-effects when using Jianpiling Tablets than when using drug therapies. These findings should be further evaluated by additional clinical testing, though the research center where Chen Zhishui works reported in 1997 that altogether about 10,000 patients have been treated with this formula.” Several other formulas have also been used. They
support the function of spleen to reduce diarrhea and are astringent for the colon to reduce diarrhea.
Aovid dairy, spices, alcohol or any food that might weaken digestion or increase mucus.
If you can’t find Jianpiling, other American made herbal products recommended for colitis are from
Health Concerns: Colostroplex (colostrum)
Isatis cooling (antiflammatory antibiotic herbal formual)
Formula H for lifting prolapse and treating chronic diarrhea and hemorrhoids.
To order from Health Concerns in Calif;. Call 1 800 233 9355, use my name LETHA as password.
Letha,
Thank you for the much needed info. & I’m so glad I found your site. I’ll continue to read about your suggestions as I’m somewhat a health-nut & find all of it very interesting.
I overcame a cancer problem in 1984 after being told I had maybe 3 yrs. to live if I refused to be cut on. I choose the Holistic approach & I’m still here with it only coming out of remission twice. I did the same diet & vitamin protocol advised by my Holistic doctor & sent it back where it belonged. In any health problem I wish to find a cure in natures offerings, not a treatment.
I’ve been warned about some Chinese sites selling herbs that have little to no value, so, I hope to find a trusting one for this herb.
I’ll try to locate the Jianpiling first as I’ve read in the past few hours of many success stories from all around the world re: this Herb & U.C..
Thank you again, Gary
Hello again Letha,
Needing help asap I went to Everman’s health food store a chain operation to purchase (S.Boiulardii + mos) probiotic hoping to keep my diarrhea somewhat under control until I can place an order for a U.C herb mix. I could find little info on the supplement re: my problem other than it helps, but in 24 hrs. I’ve found little cut-back on diarrhea after the first dose. I did find many studies are being made re: probiotic supplements & U.C..
Jianpiling, I’ve found may cause a liver prob., not sure, so, I’ve about decided to try Colostroplex & Formula H as you suggested.
I’ll most likely order today & hope it will arrive soon!
I’ve tried so many different herb protocols, worm-wood combo being one which helped a little, but no true remission along with apple cider vin., coconut oil & of course, vites that are proven to help my problem.
I hope Colostroplex will be the last, but not sure if I should back-off on taking Asacol 400mg altogether! Can’t find any ref: discontinuing it or not while taking Colostroplex!
Thank you, Gary
Colostroplex is a nutritional supplement given to people who have had chronic diarrhea for some time. It is a source of a vitamin supplement, not a drug. I can have no opinion about your medicines – not my training. Colostroplex can do no harm and may help you to feel stronger. I would not stop taking your medications without speaking to your MD. Some drugs are dangerous to stop.
Letha,
Thanks again for the info & I’m going to see if I find it local today, if not order it later today.
Looked for hours on the net, could not find Jianpiling to purchase on any Chinese sites or in USA.
I truly don’t know how you keep up with all the questions.
Thanks, Gary
Hello Letha,
Ordered & received Colostroplex, results after 3 days, not very successful thus far re: diarrhea! Followed dosage & instructions on label. Any idea’s ?
Thank you, Gary
Gary:
Colostroplex does not stop diarrhea but helps correct the resulting nutritional deficiency. For Colitis I recommend Formula H and Isatis Cooling pills from Health Concerns; call 1 800 233 9355 use LETHA as password.
Avoid coffee, dairy, and acupuncture may help raise your energy.
best, L.
Thanks for the info!
My thoughts & understandings re: most herbs, are, most all herbal protocols will interact with most meds. I was reading ITMs info on same.
Hope u enjoyed a nice Thanksgiving, Gary
Hi Letha,
I have written about my experience with U.C. on my blog, and what has helped in the past and currently. I had been in remission for 8 years until this past March, with no need for any herbs or meds. After an increase in dairy I got a horrendous flareup that I am just only over with. A long hard 9 months slog. Was on allopathic meds but what has helped me most is AP and Chinese herbals. I had stopped all bleeding for a long while until I weaned of prednisone, which I would never, ever recommend to anyone, but I was forced to take it for a particular reason. Yunnan Baiyao is miraculous. If taken full dose initially, it’s almost instantaneous. However, not all are vegetarian. The one my A.P. gave me has a gel cap, plus it has Bai Niu Dan which is Ox Gallbladder. Although am a veggie, and very anemic, stopping the bleeding was very important.
Though I don’t recall which chinese herbs my AP gave me for diarrhea, I do know that initially they did not work, but in my case it was because I had a parasite (Blastocystis hominis). Got rid of that with some herbs and then the chinese herbal formula worked. Perhaps Gary should check into parasites, if he already hasn’t.
Gary could also try Boswellia, 500mg 3 x day. It has a better remission rate than mesalamine, though not by much, there are less side effects. I have had terrible hair loss with the mesalamine.
I currently have no diarrhea and no bleeding.. and am weaning myself off of the Pentasa (UC med).
Main thing for UC is to stay away from any food that triggers it… in my case dairy.
Hi Letha,
I recently suffered a back injury due to improper technique of heavy lifting. Currently I am unable to bend forward without feeling acute pain. Most of the time I feel aching pain at my lower back area. Went for a MRI and thankfully it is not slipdisc case. However the doctor was also unable to fully diagnosis my problem saying it is just back ache that most people will come across soon or later in their life.
The pain has been going on for 3 months now. I am just wondering if this chinese medicine (yunnan baiyao) is useful in my situation cos I believed there is a blood stagnation at that area due to poor blood circulation on the injured ligaments and muscle.
One more thing, can Yunnan Baiyao be taken on a long-term basis without any ill side effects? I saw it online that the suggested dosage does not recommend internal intake for more than 1-2 weeks. How true is it? This may be the key to the end of my suffering of sleepless nights. Hopefully you will address my dilemma soon.
Thanks and god bless you
So sorry to hear about your back pain Low.
Please see a chiropractor. Show your Xrays. You should be hurting so long. That may be
more than old age backache! besides that can be cured/improved.
yunnan paiyao works best for bleeding injuries. It stops hemmorrage.
Health Concerns makes pills called BACKBONE for backaches and muscle stiffness.
call 1 800 233 9355 use my name LETHA as password.
It may not be the only or best answer (depends on diagnosis of your chiropractor) but it cannot
do harm and may quickly ease pain.
Hello Leatha,
Someone left a question in 2007 about giving their dog with hemangiosarcoma Yunnan Paiyao. That doggie is certainly long with the angels, however I want give my experience with this disease. My 14 year old Shepherd was diagnosed the last of Dec 2008 because of a very low blood count. An ultrasound revealed masses, which were bleeding, on her spleen. The spleen was removed on the 31st and she is recovering well from surgery. The well respected hospital sent us home with Yunnan Paiyao, along with antibiotics, etc. I spoke to one of the veterinary oncologists about the spread of cancer, etc, because I had researched it on the net. She said in hemangiosarcoma, a cancer arising from the blood vessels, it has already been spread because it is circulating in the blood and that is not a concern. The concern is further bleeding in other areas and the Yunnan Paiyao is to help counteract future hemmorage. My girl takes two per day, one every twelve hours. This vet is also certified in Chinese therapy and I am going to start taking my dog to her for treatment and acupunture. I have decided against chemotherapy because I cannot afford it but hope the herbs and good food give her a good life quality as long as possible. Thanks for your good information, I think you help a lot of people.
Letha,
I’ new to you site but your info on Yunnan Paiyao was very helpful. I had been suffering with a bleeding ulcer for weeks and a friend gave me some capsules. The bleeding stopped after the fourth pill. My question is that my husband has CHF (from having chemo years ago) – what is a safe dose that would be helpful to him and are there any other Chinese herbs that would benefit the function of his heart.
Thank you
Hi Jan
Please see my articles at this website on ABANA (AKA HeartCare) an ayurvedic herbal combination that I recommend for heart health. I like to combine it with arjuna and hawthorn berry for CHF prevention. They work well together along with a safe (low sodium diet.)
L.
Thank you Mary. We appreciate hearing your positive experiences with Yunnan Paiyao.
L.
my ND prescribed yunnan baiyan for a broken radius an dislocated wrist. The swelling and bruising improved almost overnight. does it help heal the bones also?
I believe that improving circulation –the role of Yunnan Paiyao– can improve most injuries. Blood (containing oxygen and growth factors are brought to the site of injury. Yunnan Paiyao has been used to stop excess bleeding. It contains tienchi gingseng – a heart tonic that tones blood vessels. It contains myrrh to speed healing, and dragon’s blood an astringent herb that helps to improve/reduce bruises.
This morning I had a wave of dizziness come over me as i was standing at the sink. I may be holding congested energy in my left ear. It really frightened me since I didn’t have before I started the yunnan paiyao. Is dizziness a side effect? I stopped taking it..Thanks…
Susan
Yunnan Paiyao is recommended for stopping excess bleeding from injury or surgery. It is very effective and strong. Use if for those purposes. If it makes you feel weak, take it with food. Avoid cold raw foods and fish while you are using it. See an entire chapter on its use in my book ASIAN HEALTH SECRETS.
I bought your book. My arm is doing much better. The dizziness was from swimmer’s ear that I got washing my hair in the tub with my cast. My arm is rehabilitating now. Any suggestions for when a cast comes off? Thanks…