Topical Skin Herbals

Isopropyl Alcohol

She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii Monnieri)

Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae)

Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis)

Bai Fan (Alumen)

Bing Pian (Borneol)

Apply to a small area first in order to assess each individual’s reaction. Peoples’ skin is highly variable in its reaction. As long as there are no side or unwanted effects, apply to larger areas as necessary.

 

Formula Rationale 

Within this formula, She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii Monnieri), Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae), and Bo He (Herba Menthae Haplocalycis) are all famous Chinese medicinals for stopping itching. She Chuang Zi dries dampness, kills worms,* and stops itching; Bai Bu kills worms especially when applied externally;* and Bo He clears heat and resolves the exterior, thus effusing wind evils depressed in the skin. Bing Pian (Borneol) is an aromatic substance which opens the orifices when taken internally. When used topically, it clears heat and resolves toxins as well as stops itching. However, it also thins or loosens the interstices so that the other medicinals can cross the barrier of the skin more easily. Ming Fan is an alternate name for Bai Fan (Alumen) or Ku Fan and comes from the category of substances specifically for topical application. It resolves toxins and dries dampness, kills worms and stops itching. It is particularly effective for itching when combined with Bai Bu and with She Chuang Zi. Ming Fan is an important ingredient in the practice of Chinese medical dermatology.

 

 

*Killing worms refers to the Chinese medical treatment principle. In Chinese medicine, "worms" can be visible or invisible and do not necessarily mean the worms of modern Western medicine. For instance, dermatomycoses can be categorized as invisible worms in Chinese medicine. 

This formula was created by Bob Flaws based on his extensive research of the Chinese gynecologic literature and three decades clinical experience as a gynecologic specialist.

 

Nourishes yin and moistens dryness. 

Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)

He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori)

Sheng Di (uncooked Radix Rehmanniae)

She Chuang Zi (Semen Cnidii)

Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae)

Ci Ji Li (Fructus Trictici)

Yin Yang Huo (Herba Epimedii)

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Hong Hua (Flos Carthami)

Sesame oil

Olive oil

 

Apply a small amount of this medicated oil to the fingertips and massage it into the external genitalia and the vaginal orifice. For best results, use warm. Apply 1-2 times per day until itching, inflammation, and dryness are relieved. Also for best results, take in combination with a liver blood-kidney yin supplementing formula internally, such as Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan (Anemarrhena & Phellodendron Rehmannia Pill) which also clears vacuity from the upper burner and/or damp heat from the lower burner. Avoid sugars and sweets as well as lots of fruit juice.

 

Within this formula, Dang Gui, He Shou Wu, Sheng Di, Gan Cao, sesame oil, and olive oil all supplement yin and engender fluids. Sheng Di also clears heat. Dang Gui, Hong Hua, and Sheng Di quicken the blood. She Chuang Zi, Fang Feng, and Ci Ji Li dispel wind and stop itching. Xian Ling Pi and She Chuang Zi nourish the blood and supplement yang. While these last two ingredients are empirically specific for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy and itching, they may also be rationalized as supplementing yang to engender yin. All these medicinals are commonly used ingredients in externally applied formulas for senile vaginitis ands vaginal atrophy due to liver blood-kidney yin vacuity. 

Functions 

Dispels wind and clears heat, eliminates dampness and resolves toxins, kills chong (or “parasites”) and stops itching

 

White Vinegar

Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae)

She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii)

Liu Huang (Sulfur)

Tu Jing Pi (Cortex Psuedolaricis)

Shi Gao (Gypsum)

Bai Fan (Alum)
Alcohol

 

Method of Use 

Apply as needed to the psoriatic lesions to stop itching.

 

Formula Rationale 

Bai Fan (Alum) and Shi Gao (Gypsum) clear heat, dry dampness, and resolve toxins. When applied externally, Tu Jing Pi (Cortex Psuedolaricis), She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii), Bai Bu (Radix Stemonae), and vinegar kill parasites, dispel dampness, and stop itching. Liu Huang (Sulfur) heals the skin and promotes the engenderment of new, healthy tissue.