🌿 Folk Prescriptions

Traditional Chinese medicine treats diabetes, including aspects such as lowering blood sugar, regulating lipid levels, reducing weight, and relieving symptoms. Diabetes is known in TCM as "Xiaoke," clinically divided into three stages: early stage called "Pidan" (pre-diabetes); middle stage called "Xiaoke" (onset phase of diabetes); late stage called "Xiaodan" (complication phase). This classification provides clear, well-structured understanding. The goal of diabetes treatment is to achieve long-term health and longevity. Basic measures include proper diet, moderate exercise, emotional stability, and quitting smoking and alcohol. On this foundation, patients should choose oral or injectable Chinese or Western drugs, acupuncture, massage therapy, etc., according to individual conditions. Here, based on my 40 years of clinical experience, I offer a brief introduction to several commonly used patent medicines for reference by diabetic patients.
Yiquan Wan (Jiuzhitang)
【Ingredients】Gegen (Kudzu root), Tianhua Fen (Trichosanthes root), Dihuang (Rehmannia root), Wuweizi (Schisandra fruit), Maidong (Ophiopogon tuber), Sheng Gancao (Raw licorice).
【Function & Indications】Nourishes yin, generates body fluids, relieves thirst, calms irritability, tonifies qi, harmonizes the middle energizer.
【Dosage & Administration】5 grams each time, four times daily.
Based on my clinical practice, this medicine improves symptoms in the Pidan and Xiaoke stages of Xiaoke disease, helps reduce blood glucose and regulate lipids. It is suitable for patients presenting dry mouth, excessive thirst, increased appetite with hunger, restlessness, insomnia, excessive sweating, fatigue, red tongue, and fine pulse. However, it must be emphasized that relying solely on this pill is insufficient to achieve therapeutic goals. Use with caution in the Xiaodan stage.
Xiaoke Wan
【Ingredients】Gegen, Tianhua Fen, Huangqi (Astragalus), Shengdi (Fresh Rehmannia), Yumi Xu (Corn silk), Nan Wuweizi (Southern Schisandra), Shan Yao (Chinese yam), Glibenclamide (Glibenclamide, known as Youjiangtang).
【Function & Indications】Tonifies qi, nourishes yin, nourishes kidney, generates body fluids, lowers blood sugar. Used for the Pidan and Xiaoke stages of Xiaoke disease, especially in cases with high blood sugar. Suitable for patients showing symptoms such as intense thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite with hunger, weight loss, fatigue, indicating deficiency of both qi and yin.
【Dosage & Administration】Take 1–3 times daily, 2–10 tablets each time, swallowed with warm water before meals.
【Specifications】Each 10 tablets contain 2.5 mg of Glibenclamide.
【Contraindications】Avoid use in the transition from Xiaoke to Xiaodan stage, in patients with poor liver or kidney function, or those allergic to Glibenclamide.
【Precautions】This medicine has strong hypoglycemic effects and is convenient to use. Start with low dosage, especially for elderly patients, to avoid hypoglycemia.
Kele Ning Capsules
【Ingredients】Huangqi (Astragalus), Huangjing (Polygonatum), Shengdi (Fresh Rehmannia), Taizi Shen (Prince Ginseng), Tianhua Fen (Trichosanthes root).
【Function & Indications】Tonifies qi, nourishes yin, nourishes kidney, generates body fluids. Used for the Pidan and Xiaoke stages of Xiaoke disease. Suitable for patients with fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, dry mouth, excessive sweating, increased appetite with hunger, and elevated blood glucose.
【Dosage & Administration】Three times daily, 4 capsules each time; one course lasts 3 months.
【Precautions】Recent studies suggest that Tianhua Fen may harm the kidneys. Long-term use requires regular urine and renal function checks. Avoid use in the Xiaodan stage.
Jin Qi Jiang Tang Tablets
【Ingredients】Huangqi (Astragalus), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle).
【Function & Indications】Tonifies qi, clears heat, with mild hypoglycemic effect. Used for Xiaoke disease with qi deficiency and heat, presenting symptoms such as dry mouth, excessive thirst, increased appetite with hunger, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Can serve as an auxiliary treatment.
【Dosage & Administration】Take 7–10 tablets before meals, one course lasting 2 months.
Xianling Gubao
【Ingredients】Mainly Epimedium, Duanxian, Danshen, Zhimu.
【Function & Indications】Nourishes liver and kidney, activates blood circulation, unblocks meridians, strengthens bones and tendons. Used for osteoporosis caused by liver-kidney deficiency and blood stasis. I often use this medicine to treat lower back and leg pain due to osteoporosis in elderly diabetic patients, achieving good results.
【Dosage & Administration】Oral administration: preventive dose: twice daily, 1–2 tablets each time. Therapeutic dose: twice daily, 3 tablets each time; one course lasts 4–6 weeks.