CHINESE HERBAL PATENT MEDICINES
11B. diabetes
Diabetes as a disease entity has been recognized in the literature of Chinese herbal medicine at least as far back as the second century by Zhang Zhongjing (Bibliography, 4-7, chapter 13). The disease is known as xiao ke, “emaciation-thirst disease”, indicating two of the primary symptoms. Other symptoms include turbid urine, frequent urination, dry mouth and hunger.
Today, modern medicine divides diabetes into two types. Type I, or juvenile onset diabetes, usually appears before age 20. It is a constitutional illness that may be triggered by a respiratory virus. In this type pancreatic beta cells are irreversibly destroyed, and the patient requires insulin by injection for the rest of their life. Type II, or adult onset diabetes, usually attacks people in their middle years, and is thought to be brought about by mild obesity and sedentary lifestyle. In the west, type II diabetes is treated with oral insulin or other sugar regulating drugs, although it may be controlled by diet and exercise.
Traditional Chinese medicine sees diabetes as a disease of yin deficiency with excessive heat and dryness. It may be a constitutional illness, or aggravated by poor diet or excessive sexual activity. The illness affects the lung, stomach and kidney, involving both qi and yin. Prolonged diabetes can lead to blood stagnation and weakening of the blood vessels affecting the eyes and heart, and contributing to edema.
Type I diabetes requires pharmaceutical insulin, although insulin supplementation can be minimized following a low carbohydrate diet. Type II diabetes is treated in China without the need for insulin by the use of acupuncture, diet, and herbal medicine.
The herbal products offered in this chapter can be helpful for patients with type II diabetes. The herbs nourish yin and spleen qi, helping to restore the spleen (pancreas) to its normal functioning, and relieving symptoms of thirst and hunger. Further control is possible with a low carbohydrate diet (to reduce the need for insulin) and exercise.
A comprehensive Chinese medicine approach to diabetes and its complications can be found in TREATMENT OF DIABETES WITH TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINES. (Bibliography, 4-9).
YEUCHUNG PILLS
Szechuan Province United Pharmaceutical Manufactory; Sichuan
yu quan wan
“Jade Spring Pills”
Photo and Chinese characters, p.
Nourishes kidney yin, clears heat, generates fluid to stop thirst, tonifies spleen qi, contains jing. Use for emaciation-thirst syndrome (diabetes), with symptoms of thirst, frequent urination, excessive hunger, weight loss, fatigue or turbid urine.
Origin: Ye Tianshi, 1746.
Comments: The Yu Quan formulas (11B-1 to 7) are used in China for treating type II adult onset diabetes, and can reduce the need for insulin. “Jade Spring” refers to spring in the water sense, not the season. Jade is considered a preeminent source of yin, and a jade spring constantly provides yin and fluid, alleviating thirst, one of diabetes characteristic symptoms. All of the Yu Quan formulas tonify yin, replenish fluid and build qi while astringing qi and yin into the organs.
Caution: PROHIBITED DURING PREGNANCY. Caution in diabetes due to hepatitis. Not appropriate for juvenile diabetes (type I), with renal failure, or diabetes during pregnancy. Do not use with pharmaceutical glyburide (Glybenzycyclamide), which is used to treat type II diabetes. Patients with diabetes should be supervised by a qualified medical practitioner.
Laboratory Analysis: Two samples of this product were examined and no pharmaceutical or pesticide contaminants were found. One sample found no traces of metals. The other sample found lead at 1.4 ppm. (Bibliography, 7-2, p. 255; 7-3, #489.) This level is considered incidental, safe and acceptable. For toxic levels of heavy metals, see Note 13, p.
| Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang | 29.8 % | DC |
| Pueraria Ge Gen | 28.8 | BB |
|
Trichosanthes Tian Hua Fen |
23.0 | CB |
| Glycyrrhiza Gan Cao | 10.0 | AA |
| Schisandra Wu Wei Zi | 8.4 | L |
Bottles of 120 g. of pills.
Take 6 g. per dose (fill inner cap), 4 x day.
Also available in boxes of 20 vials of pills.
Take the contents of one bottle, 4 x day.
A Similar Formula is Available As:
11B-2
JADE SPRING TEAPILLS
YU QUAN WAN
Plum Flower Brand
yu quan wan
“Jade Spring Pills”
Photo and Chinese characters, p.
For description and applications, see 11B-1, above.
Comments: This version of Yu Quan Wan adds two spleen qi tonic herbs, Astragalus Huang Qi and Codonopsis Dang Shen.
Caution: PROHIBITED DURING PREGNANCY.
Purity: This product meets Australian GMP standards (Good Manufacturing Practice). See Note 17, p.
| Trichosanthes Tian Hua Fen | 13.5 % | CB |
| Pueraria Ge Gen | 13.5 | BB |
| Codonopsis Dang Shen | 10.0 | AA |
| Astragalus Huang Qi | 9.0 | AA |
| Poria Fu Ling | 9.0 | FC |
| Rehmannia Sheng Di Huang | 9.0 | DC |
| Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong | 9.0 | AD |
| Mume Wu Mei | 9.0 | L |
| Schisandra Wu Wei | 9.0 | L |
| Glycyrrhiza Gan Cao | 9.0 | AA |
Bottles of 200 pills.
Take 8 pills, 3 x day.
(Dosage can be increased to 12 pills, if needed.)
A Similar Formula is Available As:
11B-3
YU QUAN WAN
(JADE SPRING PILL)
Bio Essence Brand
yu quan wan
“Jade Spring Pills”
Photo and Chinese characters, p.
For description and applications, see 11B-1, above.
Purity: This product meets Australian GMP standards (Good Manufacturing Practice). See Note 17, p.
Ingredients
| Trichosanthes Tian Hua Fen | 17.6 % | CB |
| Pueraria Ge Gen | 17.6 | BB |
| Ophiopogon Mai Men Dong | 11.8 | AD |
| Poria Fu Ling | 11.8 | FC |
| Codonopsis Dang Shen | 11.8 | AA |
| Mume Wu Mei | 11.8 | L |
| Glycyrrhiza Gan Cao | 11.8 | AA |
| Astragalus Huang Qi | 5.9 | AA |
Packing and Dosage:
Bottles of 200 pills.
Take 6 to 8 pills, 2 to 3 x day.
Dosage may be increased to 11 pills, if needed.