Rheumatoid Arthritis — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

A traditional Chinese medicine perspective on Rheumatoid Arthritis, combining dietary therapy with syndrome differentiation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

In TCM, this condition is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:

Migratory Arthralgia

Treatment principle: Dispel Wind and Free the Collaterals, Dispel Cold and Remove Damp

Formula: Fangfeng Tang (Ledebouriella Decoction) — from *Xuan Ming Lun Fang*

Painful Arthralgia

Treatment principle: Warm the Channels and Dispel Cold, Dispel Wind and Remove Damp

Formula: Wutou Tang (Aconite Decoction) — from *Synopsis of the Golden Chamber*

Fixed Arthralgia

Treatment principle: Remove Damp and Free the Collaterals, Dispel Wind and Dispel Cold

Formula: Yiyiren Tang (Coix Seed Decoction) — from *Lei Zheng Zhi Cai*

Wind-Damp-Heat Arthralgia

Treatment principle: Clear Heat and Free the Collaterals, Dispel Wind and Remove Damp

Formula: Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) — from *Treatise on Cold Damage*

Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blockage

Treatment principle: Resolve Phlegm and Dispel Stasis, Relieve Arthralgia and Free the Collaterals

Formula:

Deficiency of Both Liver and Kidney

Treatment principle: Supplement the Liver and Kidney, Relax the Sinews and Free the Collaterals

Formula: Duhuo Jisheng Tang (Angelica Pubescens and Loranthus Decoction) — from *Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies*

These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Food Therapy & Diet

Dietary Therapy Recipes

Ginger and Brown Sugar Tea: Steep 5 slices of fresh ginger and an appropriate amount of brown sugar in boiling water, cover and steep for 10 minutes; drink at any time as tea. Unblocks the channels and dispels cold.
Ginger and Scallion Congee: Cook 5 slices of fresh ginger, 3 sections of scallion white and 60g glutinous rice in water into congee and take hot. Dispels cold, drains dampness, expels wind and unblocks the collaterals.
Saposhnikovia and Coix Drink: Decoct 30g coix seeds, 10g saposhnikovia root (fangfeng) and 3 slices of fresh ginger in water, discard the dregs and drink the juice; one dose daily.
Eel Soup: Cut 200g eel meat into shreds and stew in water with 3 slices of fresh ginger, 2 sections of scallion white and 2 spoonfuls of yellow rice wine; season and eat with meals.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.