Common Herbal Formulas for Trauma by Robert Chu, L. Ac. Throughout the years in my sports and martial arts training, I have often come across many trauma (also known as "dit da", literally "fall and strike") prescriptions for herbal liniments, powders, plasters, and decoctions. Many Chinese are familiar with herbal liniments that are used for bruises, sprains, strains, fractures and other trauma, due to a blow or fall. These formulas can all be used by weekend athletes and others who have to visit their sports medicine doctor. Beware of claims, "My secret formula is the best!" In the past, I stared with amazement and almost revered the brown, smelly liniment as I rubbed it into my bruises and training aches and pains. After studying Chinese medicine and learning the fundamental principles, eitiology of disease, methods of diagnosis, herbology, tui na, acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping, I learned that a Chinese medicine practitioner must tailor treatments to the individual, and no set method is used to cure everyone. One liniment I used regularly for bruises always made me break out in a rash! It healed my bruises quickly in a few days, but always made me have a rash that lasted for two weeks! It always seemed to me that the cure was almost as bad as the injury or worse! I later analyzed the prescription's individual ingredients and through diagnosis, found my personal constitution had a lot of heat. Although the traditional formula has some very toxic and warm herbs in it, based on my constitution, these herbs were not for me! The result of having a warm constitution, living in a warm climate (Los Angeles), plus warm herbs was inflammation - a rash! Tradition or not, this prescription was not for me. Instead, I substituted the prepared versions of the above herbs and the effect was more agreeable for my constitution. Most experienced herbalists take a base formula and customize it for the individual. The result is what you see out there - all of the variations of "secret" trauma formulas. So in essence, there is not one true, secret, ultimate trauma prescription! Generally speaking, commercial forms of Chinese herbal trauma formulas like xiao huo luo dan (small invigorate collaterals pill), bai hua yu (white flower oil), tian qi jiu (First Aid Antiseptic), yunnan bai yao (Yunnan White Powder), and zheng gu shui (Correct the bone liniment) are safe and effective for most everyday injuries. Many Chinese would rather use these herbal formulas first for a minor injury. I would certainly advise readers to seek proper medical attention in case of serious injury. Xiao Huo Luo Dan is taken as a pill, and generally used for backaches, muscle strains, and broken bones. This is available prepackaged with directions for use. Like all herbal medicines, it is best to use as directed on the package. Bai Hua Yu is a fragrant analgesic oil, used for stiff muscles and strains as a result of over doing it. I usually refer to it as "Chinese Ben Gay". Avoid getting the oil on your face, as it can irritate the eyes. Tian Qi Jiu is an herbal liniment for bruises. Usually, the person using it rubs it on topically into bruises or contusions . Yunnan Bai Yao is a powder that stops bleeding immediately and is used when you have minor cuts or scrapes, or if you cut yourself shaving. During the Vietnam War, soldiers were given a supply of this powder for firearm wounds. It was so precious that soldier referred to it as a "gold they wouldn't trade". Dramatically, this powder can stop bleeding instantly and promote healing with little to no scarring. Finally, Zheng Gu Shui is a fine liniment for minor bruises, strains and minor fractures to the fingers or toes. It also helps stop the pain that may occur due to minor sports injuries. It is also best to avoid on the face as it can irritate the eyes. All of these commercial patents are available at your local Chinatown or Chinese herbalist. If your goal is hard training, or you have sustained a more severe injury, it is better to visit a Chinese herbalist to create a formula based on your constitution, climate, and type of training or injury. Just because herbal formulas are natural, does not mean they are not dangerous medicine when used incorrectly. Many immuno-comprised individuals and pregnant women should avoid herbal trauma prescriptions as the herbs may be somewhat toxic or have affects regarding blood flow and may lead to miscarriage.

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