INGREDIENTS

Each pill contains the equiv. to dry:

 

Sang Ji Shen, stem 35mg

Cordyalis, rhiz. 35mg

Rehmannia, root, prep. 28mg

Angelica, root 28mg

Hardy Rubber Tree, bark 28mg

Ox Knee, root 28mg

Large Leaf Gentian, root 28mg

Wolfporia, fruit 28mg

Dong Quai, root 28mg

Red Peony, root 28mg

Szechuan Lovage, root 21mg

Siler, root 21mg

Cassia, bark 21mg

Willowleaf Swallowwort root 21mg

 

 

Store below 30°C

Contains 200 x 200mg pills.

AUSTL 478641

Manufactured In Australia.

 

 

Indications: arthritis, chronic, rheumatic, of the large joints of the body. Sciatica.

Actions: strengthens the liver & kidneys, alleviates pain, reduces inflammation.

Dosage: 10 - 15 pills 2 - 3 times a day, with food, as symptoms arise. May use double dose in the first few weeks. Safe for long-term use.

Can use with Nerve Pain or Pain Killer.

Over use don’t under use. Treat sooner rather than later.

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Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang – "Large Joint Arthritis"

 

A classical Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to relieve chronic arthritis affecting the hips, knees and lower back while supporting long-term joint health, mobility and healthy ageing.

 

What is Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang?

As we get older, our largest joints work harder than ever.

Every step.

Every staircase.

Every time we stand from a chair.

The hips, knees and lower back carry the weight of a lifetime.

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Over time they may become:

• stiff

• painful

• swollen

• weak

• less mobile

 

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) recognised that arthritis is more than simply "wear and tear."

It reflects a combination of chronic inflammation, impaired circulation and gradual weakening of the tissues that support the joints.

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Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang (独活寄生汤) was developed specifically for this pattern.

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At Chiron Medical we call it "Large Joint Arthritis", because it is most commonly prescribed for chronic arthritis affecting the hips, knees, lower back and shoulders.

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Rather than simply relieving pain, the formula aims to improve circulation, reduce inflammation and nourish the tissues that keep large joints healthy.

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A Formula with Nearly 1,500 Years of History

 

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang was first recorded by the famous physician Sun Simiao in the Bei Ji Qian Jin Yao Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold Pieces) around 652 CE during the Tang Dynasty.

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For centuries it has been regarded as one of Chinese medicine's most important formulas for chronic arthritic disorders, particularly in older adults.

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It remains one of the cornerstone prescriptions for long-standing musculoskeletal pain.

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Why We Call It "Large Joint Arthritis"

 

Large joints are exposed to enormous mechanical stress.

 

As we age they often develop:

• osteoarthritis

• chronic stiffness

• reduced mobility

• aching in cold weather

• weakness when walking

• instability

 

Patients commonly report:

• knee pain

• hip pain

• lower back pain

• sciatica

• shoulder arthritis

• morning stiffness

• pain that worsens in cold or damp weather

 

Chinese medicine describes this as Chronic Bi Syndrome, where circulation through the joints gradually becomes impaired while the body's constitutional reserves decline.

 

What Is It Traditionally Used For?

Traditionally, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is prescribed for Chronic Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Syndrome with Liver and Kidney Deficiency.

 

Arthritis

• osteoarthritis

• degenerative joint disease

• chronic knee pain

• hip arthritis

• shoulder arthritis

• spinal arthritis

 

Lower Back Disorders

• chronic lower back pain

• lumbar stiffness

• age-related spinal degeneration

• sacroiliac discomfort

 

Mobility

Frequently prescribed for:

• reduced mobility

• weakness in the legs

• difficulty walking

• stiffness after inactivity

 

The Herbs That Make the Formula

 

Healthy joints are much like the great bridges that connect our cities. Every day they carry enormous loads, absorbing stress with every step we take. When they are well maintained, movement is effortless. But over time, wear accumulates. Inflammation damages the surface, circulation slows, muscles weaken and the supporting structures gradually lose their strength.

 

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a complete restoration team. Some herbs clear the inflammation that accelerates joint damage, others improve circulation, several rebuild bones, tendons and muscles, while the remainder restore the strength needed to keep the entire structure moving for years to come.

 

Du Huo (Angelica pubescens Root)

 

Traditional Role

Du Huo is the lead engineer of the restoration project. It specialises in relieving pain affecting the lower back, hips, knees and legs by removing the chronic stiffness and obstruction that develops within ageing joints. Traditionally it is prescribed when movement becomes difficult, particularly in cold, damp weather, allowing the joints to move more freely again.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern research demonstrates anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant activity together with reductions in joint inflammation and improvements in mobility.

 

Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus Herb)

 

Traditional Role

Sang Ji Sheng strengthens the bridge itself. It nourishes the bones, tendons and ligaments that support the joints, making it particularly valuable in chronic arthritis where years of wear have gradually weakened the body's structural framework. It is one of Chinese medicine's most important herbs for rebuilding long-term joint strength.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests support for bone metabolism, cartilage protection, antioxidant activity and modulation of inflammatory pathways involved in degenerative joint disease.

 

Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla)

 

Traditional Role

Qin Jiao restores flexibility. It relieves painful, stiff joints while helping movement return gradually without excessive force. Traditionally it is used when chronic inflammation has reduced mobility and joints feel increasingly restricted.

 

Biomedical Role

Studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immunomodulatory activity consistent with improved joint function.

 

Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root)

 

Traditional Role

Fang Feng keeps further damage at bay. Traditionally known for protecting the body against external influences, it relieves aching joints aggravated by wind, cold and weather changes while reducing muscular tension surrounding painful joints.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests analgesic, anti-inflammatory and cytokine regulating effects that complement the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

 

Xi Xin (Asarum)

 

Traditional Role

Xi Xin reaches the deepest aches. Even in very small amounts it penetrates stubborn, deep-seated pain that has become chronic, particularly when joints feel cold, stiff and difficult to loosen after rest.

 

Biomedical Role

Experimental studies demonstrate analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. Clinical use should be restricted to approved quality-controlled preparations that comply with Australian regulatory standards.

 

Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica Root)

 

Traditional Role

Dang Gui brings nourishment back to worn tissues. It replenishes Blood while improving circulation through muscles, tendons and joints, ensuring damaged tissues receive the nutrients needed for ongoing repair rather than simply temporary pain relief.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern research demonstrates improved microcirculation, anti-inflammatory activity and support for connective tissue repair.

 

Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage Rhizome)

 

Traditional Role

Chuan Xiong keeps the traffic flowing. Healthy joints depend upon healthy circulation. By improving movement through the small blood vessels surrounding the joints, it helps reduce stiffness while supporting the continuous repair of ageing tissues.

 

Biomedical Role

Research demonstrates vascular protection, improved microcirculation and anti-inflammatory activity.

 

Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

 

Traditional Role

Bai Shao softens what has become rigid. It nourishes the Blood while relaxing tight muscles and tendons that develop around painful joints. This reduces guarding, improves flexibility and allows movement to become more comfortable.

 

Biomedical Role

Studies suggest anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and smooth muscle relaxing properties together with connective tissue support.

 

Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root)

 

Traditional Role

Shu Di Huang replenishes the body's reserves. Long-standing joint disease gradually consumes the body's ability to repair itself. Shu Di Huang restores these deeper reserves, supporting healthy bones, marrow and connective tissues during long-term recovery.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and tissue regenerative activity together with support for bone metabolism and healthy ageing.

 

Ren Shen (or Dang Shen)

 

Traditional Role

Ren Shen rebuilds endurance. Chronic arthritis doesn't just affect the joints—it drains vitality. Ren Shen restores energy, improves recovery and provides the strength needed for damaged tissues to heal over time.

 

Biomedical Role

Modern studies demonstrate anti-fatigue effects, immune regulation and improved cellular energy metabolism.

 

Fu Ling (Poria Mushroom)

 

Traditional Role

Fu Ling restores balance beneath the surface. It strengthens digestion while helping regulate excess fluid that contributes to swelling and heaviness, ensuring the body continues producing the nourishment required for tissue repair.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and gut microbiome supporting effects.

 

Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)

 

Traditional Role

Bai Zhu supplies the building materials. Strong bones and healthy joints depend upon efficient digestion. Bai Zhu improves the body's ability to absorb nutrients while strengthening the digestive system during long-term treatment.

 

Biomedical Role

Studies demonstrate improved intestinal barrier function, gastrointestinal support and inflammatory regulation.

 

Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark)

 

Traditional Role

Rou Gui restores warmth to ageing joints. It improves circulation through chronically cold, stiff joints while helping muscles and connective tissues remain flexible. It is particularly valuable where pain improves with warmth and worsens during winter.

 

Biomedical Role

Research suggests improved peripheral circulation, anti-inflammatory activity and metabolic support.

 

Gan Cao (Liquorice Root)

 

Traditional Role

Gan Cao keeps the restoration team working together. It harmonises the prescription, protects digestion and ensures the stronger herbs can be taken comfortably over the long periods often required for chronic arthritis.

 

Biomedical Role

Liquorice demonstrates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, gastroprotective and immunomodulatory effects that improve both the safety and tolerability of the formula.

 

What Does Modern Research Say?

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang has become one of the most extensively studied classical formulas for osteoarthritis.

 

Osteoarthritis

Clinical studies have investigated:

• knee osteoarthritis

• hip osteoarthritis

• lumbar spondylosis

• cervical spondylosis

 

Pain and Mobility

Research suggests improvements in:

• joint pain

• sciatica

• walking ability

• joint stiffness

• physical function

• quality of life

 

Cartilage Protection

Experimental research has explored:

• inflammatory cytokine regulation

• cartilage preservation

• reduction of oxidative stress

• bone metabolism

Several systematic reviews suggest the formula may provide meaningful supportive benefits for osteoarthritis when used alongside conventional rehabilitation and exercise programmes.

 

Arthritis Is More Than Worn-Out Cartilage

 

For many years osteoarthritis was described as simple "wear and tear."

Today we know it is far more complex.

Inflammation.

Immune regulation.

Bone remodelling.

Muscle weakness.

Connective tissue health.

Chinese medicine recognised these interacting systems long before modern imaging or molecular biology.

 

Comparing the Chiron Medical Pain Formulas

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Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang - Large Joint Arthritis - Hips, knees, lower back and shoulders - Chronic degenerative arthritis with weakness

Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang - Small Joint Arthritis - Hands, wrists, feet and smaller joints - Arthritis with stiffness and impaired circulation

Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan - Sharp Stabbing Pain - Fixed, severe painBlood Stasis and chronic pain

Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang - Spasms & Cramps - Muscle spasm - Muscle relaxation and tendon support

 

Understanding the Difference

These formulas all treat pain—but for different reasons.

Large Joint Arthritis (Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang)

Best suited to chronic arthritis affecting the body's weight-bearing joints.

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Small Joint Arthritis (Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang)

Designed for arthritis affecting the hands, wrists and feet where circulation and flexibility are the primary concerns.

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Sharp Stabbing Pain (Huo Luo Xiao Ling Dan)

Used when pain is fixed, severe and associated with Blood Stasis.

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Spasms & Cramps (Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang)

Selected when muscular spasm rather than joint degeneration is the dominant problem.

Together these formulas allow treatment to be matched to the type of pain, not simply the location.

 

For Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioners

 

Classical Pattern

Chronic Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Syndrome with Liver and Kidney Deficiency

Typical presentation:

• chronic arthralgia

• lower back weakness

• knee pain

• stiffness worse with cold and damp

• weak pulse

• pale tongue

 

Formula Strategy

Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang:

• Expels Wind-Cold-Damp.

• Relieves painful obstruction.

• Tonifies Liver and Kidney.

• Nourishes Blood.

• Strengthens bones and tendons.

 

Common Clinical Modifications

Frequently adapted for:

• osteoarthritis

• lumbar spondylosis

• chronic knee pain

• hip arthritis

• degenerative spinal disorders

• elderly musculoskeletal weakness

 

For Medical Doctors

 

Proposed Biomedical Actions

Current research suggests the constituent herbs influence:

• inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α and IL-6)

• cartilage metabolism

• bone remodelling

• oxidative stress

• vascular function

• nociceptive pain pathways

• skeletal muscle recovery

 

Major bioactive compounds include:

• ligustilide

• paeoniflorin

• ferulic acid

• atractylenolides

• catalpol

• cinnamaldehyde

• flavonoids

• polysaccharides

 

Collectively these compounds demonstrate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, chondroprotective, antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties.

 

Potential Herb–Drug Considerations

Clinical monitoring is advisable in patients taking:

• NSAIDs

• anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications

• corticosteroids

• antihypertensive medications

• disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)

 

Patients with new joint swelling, fever, suspected septic arthritis, acute trauma or rapidly progressive neurological symptoms should undergo prompt medical assessment. This formula is intended for chronic degenerative musculoskeletal disorders and should complement, not replace, evidence-based medical care.

 

Supporting the Joints for the Long Journey

Large joints are designed to last a lifetime.

But they need more than pain relief.

They need healthy circulation.

Healthy connective tissue.

Healthy muscles.

And healthy movement.

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That is why we call this formula "Large Joint Arthritis."

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For nearly fifteen centuries, Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang has been helping people move more comfortably by addressing not only pain, but the underlying decline in strength, circulation and tissue health that so often accompanies chronic arthritis.

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Key Takeaways

• Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang is a classical Chinese herbal formula first recorded by Sun Simiao in the 7th century for chronic arthritic disorders.

• At Chiron Medical it is called "Large Joint Arthritis" because it is traditionally prescribed for osteoarthritis affecting the hips, knees, lower back and shoulders.

• Unlike short-term pain formulas, it combines anti-inflammatory herbs with herbs that nourish bones, tendons, Blood and constitutional vitality.

• Modern research supports actions on inflammation, cartilage preservation, bone metabolism, circulation and physical function.

• It should be prescribed by a qualified Chinese medicine practitioner as part of a comprehensive arthritis management plan that includes appropriate exercise, weight management and conventional medical care where required.