Posted by Hombre on May 8, 2010, at 1:56:35
In reply to Re: Chinese herbs » Hombre, posted by janejane on May 7, 2010, at 12:16:11
> Thanks for the that informative post, Hombre. Do you happen to have any more info on or experience with Xiao Yao Pian? Does it work for plain old unipolar depression in addition to PMS?
I have not personally taken Xiao Yao Pian. I was going to get it for my girlfriend since she was suffering from severe anxiety, depression, and almost paranoid symptoms when she was fatigued and under stress (esp. the week before her period). She ended up responding well to nightly magnesium, B6 and zinc.
Back in the states I had a Chinese doctor trained in mainland China. He had several years of western medical training and worked and taught at a hospital. In Taiwan, the hospitals had a Chinese medical division and the doctors could order regular tests like blood work. I think the key would be to find a Chinese doctor who has received the more rigorous training required in China or Taiwan. They would have more training in drug/herb interactions and would be familiar with western and eastern medicine practiced side-by-side. While there are undoubtedly some talented practitioners of traditional chinese medicine in the US, the training is not as rigorous. Even worse, MDs can practice acupuncture with minimal training. But the herbal medicine is where it's at as far as I'm concerned. Like a good chef, the experience herbalist can work with traditional formulas and adjust as needed to your own "taste". It's a damn shame that in the US, western medicine has an almost adversarial stance toward any sort of complementary or alternative treatment. It seems like the only studies done are to take Chinese medical treatments out of context and try to disprove them. It's like saying that a size 8 shoes doesn't fit everyone (western paradigm). The chinese doctor measures your foot and builds a shoe for you. End rant! Sorry!
Here is what the cached version of a page at acupuncture.com says:
"In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xiao Yao Wan is believed to ease symptoms of stress. It also helps treat menstrual disorders, such as irregular menses, PMS and late menses. It can soothe symptoms (which are aggravated by stress or emotional upset) including irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, depression, tension and stiffness in neck and shoulders, tension headaches, frequent sighing and water retention. This formula can also be used to treat general stress and chronic hepatitis."
This page is also quite informative:
http://www.heavenearthchineseherbs.com/plum-flower-free-and-easy-wanderer-teapills-p-32.html
"The Liver and Spleen Organ Systems can be associated with a plethora of disharmonies such as: emotional outburst or anxiety, cold hands/feet, PMS, migraines, weak digestion/bloating, menstrual irregularities, stomach/back/rib pain [from Blood/Liver stagnation], loss of appetite, low energy, eye problems, irregular elimination, decreased flexibility, headaches and neck and back tension just to list a few. "
poster:Hombre
thread:942933
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100322/msgs/946744.html