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"Kochia 13 was devised after a detailed examination of traditional and modern Chinese strategies for treatment of skin ailments, particularly psoriasis and eczema. An example of a traditional formula for chronic skin ailments is Tang-kuei and Arctium Combination (Xiaofeng San; Wind Reducing Formula). It has the basic functions of nourishing the blood (which settles internal wind) and clearing wind-heat at the surface. An example of a modern therapeutic formula is Tang-kuei and Mume Combination (Dang Gui Wume Tang), which includes the ingredients salvia, sophora flower, smilax, kochia, siler, and licorice; this formula was designed for treatment of psoriasis and is reported to be highly effective. Modern research suggests that both psoriasis and eczema may involve auto-immune processes, and that the conditions may be exacerbated by allergens and stress hormones. Several of the herbs in Kochia 13 have been shown to alleviate inflammation. Further, many of these herbs are reported to be useful when applied topically to the affected portion of the skin, suggesting that they have a direct inhibitory action on the pathological process in the skin. Some of these herbs have antibiotic activity, so that the formula can be used for skin eruptions due to bacterial infection, especially when combined with other formulas that are directed to that purpose (e.g., Coix Tablets, Forsythia 18). Kochia 13 and Lonicera 13 have similar functions; the former is more closely allied to the prescriptions used in China for psoriasis; the latter for eczema. For long-standing psoriasis with blood stasis, try Zedoaria Tablets." |
