Property of Wu Tou is pungent, bitter and warming, Wu Tou has functions to dispel wind, eliminate cold and stop pain, so it is commonly used for wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome in clinic. Because Wu Tou is toxic, some doctors fear to use it, but if we can properly apply, we can obtain good effect.
1. Getting good effect for treatment of wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome given by Wu Tou
Diseases in west medicine including rheumatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hyperplasia, sciatic pain can be differentiated into wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome in TCM; we can use Wu Tou especially for cold bi syndrome.
2. Combination of Wu Tou with other herbs
According to different differentiations, we should modify Wu Tou with other herbs. Adding Ma Huang and Gui Zhi for warming and dispersing; adding Fu Zi, Gan Jiang to warm interior and eliminate cold; adding insect herbs such as Wu Shao She and Wu Gong; adding Xi Xin to eliminate cold and stop pain; adding Jiu Ru Xiang, Jiu Mo Yao to activate blood circulation and stop pain; adding Fang Feng, Qiang Du Huo to dispel wind; adding Fang Ji, raw Yi Yi Ren to remove dampness.
3. Stressing on preparation and decoction of Wu Tou
Toxicity of Wu Tou refers to aconitine. According to experiment, aconitine can be hydrolyzed after 3 to 4 hours of decoction, then toxicity of Wu Tou can be much lowered, so it is suitable to decoct Wu Tou until we can not feel numbness on the tongue after we taste.
4. Using Wu Tou from small to large in dosage
Someone said that adults begin from 3g-5g a day gradually to 10-15g. According to ancient literature, daily dosage of raw Wu Tou is limited below 2g. Personally I apply Wu Tou from small dosage to gradually more and then gradually reduce dosage after good effect is obtained.
5. Intake of Wu Tou
I mix Wu Tou after two times of decoction, and then divide into two equal parts for prevention of toxicity.
6: Preference of decoction
Because toxicity of aconitine can be hydrolyzed into two-fat alkaloids, decoction is safe. When we apply pill or powder, we should reduce dosage.
Key words: Wu Tou, wind-cold-dampness bi syndrome
Writer: Qiaotian Yang, Meimei Yuan, Chunyan Yang
TCM Hospital in Jin Zhou Area of Shan Xi Province (034000)
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