Xiao Xin Tang for Acne
Acne is a common dermatosis in adolescence. We have achieved good results using Xao Xin Tang from Jin Kui Yao Lue to treat this condition, and the following is presented.
Formula: Coptis 10g, Scutellaria 10g, Rhubarb 15g; add Scrophularia 15g and Red Peony 12g for papular type; add Dandelion 30g, Forsythia 20g for pustular type. Decoct and take orally, one dose every other day, continuous use for 7 days as one course of treatment. In recent years, this formula has been used to treat 68 cases of acne, with 39 cured and 27 improved. Most patients showed efficacy within 4–7 days, and were cured after 3–5 courses.
Acne is an inflammatory disorder of the hair follicles and sebaceous glands. Based on the theory in The Inner Canon that "all pain, itching, and sores are related to the heart" and "the heart governs blood vessels, and its luster appears on the face," I believe this condition arises due to excessive heart fire and lung heat with blood stasis. In Xao Xin Tang, Coptis clears heart fire, so the heart can nourish the face; Scutellaria clears lung fire, so the lungs can nourish the skin and hair; Rhubarb clears heat, promotes bowel movement, cools the blood, detoxifies, removes blood stasis, and unblocks meridians, thereby increasing pelvic organ congestion and lower limb blood flow, allowing upward heat to descend via blood, thus reducing facial inflammation. Combined, these herbs improve circulation, guide heat downward, reduce sebum secretion, and possess antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
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