Smartfeed
Herbal paste eases breathing in COPD
A Chinese herbal paste may help to reduce winter exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to a Chinese study. Xiao Chuan (XCP), which contains Ma Huang (Ephedra vulgaris) Xi Xin (Asarum heterothropoides) and Shi Chang Pu (Acorus gramineus), has been used to prevent and treat breathing difficulties in China for more than a thousand years. In a multi-centre RCT, 142 patients received treatment with XCP or a placebo paste for two months during the summertime. Both pastes were applied four times at the same six acupoints, located on the back - Feishu BL-13, Xinshu BL-15 and Geshu BL-17. Treatment with XCP significantly reduced the frequency of winter exacerbation of the respiratory symptoms of COPD, compared with the placebo group. Statistically significant reductions in steroid use, dyspnoea scores, and benefits on quality of life were also seen in the XCP group. (Safety and efficacy of the external herb paste (Xiao Chuan Paste) in summer to prevent chronic obstructive lung disease winter exacerbation. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 183;2011 May:A3978).
Source: JCM