There is this Arthritis patch which uses a Traditional Chinese Medicine formula developed by the Shaolin Temple.

I just finished doing a literature search on all the ingredients. I tracked down all the most recent research on what their activity was and how they worked.

I'm sold: I think this guys were amazing. I'm reposting it in its entirety here. Western Medicine can learn a lot from Chinese herbalism!

The following is a list of medicinal herbs traditionally used by Shaolin monks from the northern Shaolin Temple in Henan to treat Arthritis, along with a brief explanation of their purpose and function from a Western Science perspective.

While doing this literature search, I was especially struck by the fact that many of these papers were published very recently: often within the past 5 years. Yet, the Shaolin have been using these medicines for centuries. Amazing!

Keep in mind that Shaolin medicine, as with all Traditional Chinese Medicine, was holistic in nature, as the various herbs were intended to work together. Some would create the primary healing effects, some would increase the action of the primary herbs, and some would decrease adverse reactions from the primary and secondary herbs. A good anology would be in Western herbal medicine, senna is often combined with another herb to calm the stomach such as anise or peppermint.

For example, note that many of herbs reduce inflammation. But they all do it in different ways, by affecting different biological pathways. Now, we know that anytime you inhibit a particular point on a pathway (i.e., the activity of one enzyme), this can potentially cause unintended side effects (crosstalk.) That's because pathways interact with each other in very complex ways that we do not totally understand. And the more you inhibit the pathway at some point, the greater the potential for an adverse drug reaction.

But look at how Chinese Medicine gets around this problem: the Shaolin's medicine reduces inflammation in multiple ways, but not so strongly in any one way. It hits NF-KappaB, COX-2, Nitric Oxide, TNF-alpha, etc., and in different ways. This is actually very clever, because by attacking the problem from so many different angles at once, they synergistically act to reduce inflammation very effectively, but they hopefully avoid causing any other problems at the same time.

Western medicines don't work that way: they cannot work that way, by design! Its much easier to research and test a new drug with a single, well defined effect on the body, which means that it hits exactly one target, and it hits it hard.

Is Chinese Medicine's approach the best one? You can make up your own mind about that. But, in my personal opinion, this approach needs to be better researched and understood. It may well be a safe, and more effective way to treat disease.

Radix Aconiti (Aconite Root) - Also known as Fu Zi , monkshood and wolfsbane
Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii (Wild Aconite Root) - also known as Cao Wu Tou

Aconite root contains three closely allied alkaloids: Aconitine, Picraconitine (benzoylaconine), and Aconine. When applied to the skin, Aconitine is an effective analgesic (pain killer) and is often used in both the West and China to treat neuralgia and rheumatism.

For the moment, I am grouping the Aconiti and Aconiti Kusnezoffii together, as they appear to have similar effect although the wild Aconite is said to be stronger.

Note: Aconite needs to be properly prepared by experienced herbalists (such as the Shaolin): the processing, several hours steaming or boiling is known as "PaoZhi".

Research papers:

1. Anesthesiology. 2007 July; 107(1): 82–90., Bulleyaconitine A isolated from Aconitum plant displays long-acting local anesthetic properties in vitro and in vivo, Chi-Fei Wang, MD, Peter Gerner, MD, Sho-Ya Wang, PhD, and Ging Kuo Wang, PhD

Radix Angelica Sinensis (Female Ginseng) - Also known as Dong Quai

Appears to function as a muscle relaxant, reduce pain and dialate blood vessels (hence locally increase blood flow.) Furthermore, research suggests that it may reduce inflammation, promote wound healing, collagen growth and bone regeneration, and promote regeneration of blood vessels.

Research papers:

1. Phytother Res. 2008 Jul;22(7):923-8. Effect of SBD.4A--a defined multicomponent preparation of Angelica sinensis--in periodontal regeneration models. Zhao H, Alexeev A, Sharma V, Guzman LD, Bojanowski K.

Here, for the first time, the bone-regenerative capabilities of a non-proteinaceous biological--SBD.4A--a novel, stable multicomponent growth factor isolated from a medicinal plant Angelica sinensis are reported. SBD.4A was tested in osteoblast proliferation and differentiation systems, as well as in a fibroblast-secreted hyaluronic acid assay. Furthermore, SBD.4A was formulated in a slow release matrix and tested in the rat calvarial defect model. Apart from the previously reported strong stimulation of angiogenesis, fibroblast growth and collagen synthesis--the activities needed for periodontal regeneration--SBD.4A enhanced the deposition of hyaluronic acid and proliferation of osteoblasts in vitro, as well as bone regeneration in the rat calvarial defect model. Together, these results indicate the beneficial effect of SBD.4 on periodontal ligament and bone regeneration making the case for further development of this botanical growth factor.

2. Oncol Rep. 2006 Jun;15(6):1429-36. Chinese medicine Angelica sinensis suppresses radiation-induced expression of TNF-alpha and TGF-beta1 in mice. Xie CH, Zhang MS, Zhou YF, Han G, Cao Z, Zhou FX, Zhang G, Luo ZG, Wu JP, Liu H, Chen J, Zhang WJ.

[note: TNF-a and TGF-b1 are proinflammatory cytokines]

3. J Cell Biochem. 2008 Jan 1;103(1):195-211. The angiogenic effects of Angelica sinensis extract on HUVEC in vitro and zebrafish in vivo. Lam HW, Lin HC, Lao SC, Gao JL, Hong SJ, Leong CW, Yue PY, Kwan YW, Leung AY, Wang YT, Lee SM.

Angiogenesis plays an important role in a wide range of physiological processes such as wound healing and fetal development. Many diseases are associated with imbalances in regulation of angiogenesis, in which it is either excessive or there is insufficient blood vessel formation. Angelica sinensis (AS), commonly used in the prescriptions of Chinese medicine, is a potential candidate for curing such diseases. However, biological effects of AS on angiogenesis and underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully elucidated. This investigation describes the angiogenic effects of AS extract on human endothelial cells (HUVEC) in vitro and zebrafish in vivo. The extract was demonstrated, by XTT assay and microscopic cell counting, to stimulate the proliferation of HUVEC; in addition, flow cytometry analysis indicated that the extract increased the percentage of HUVEC in the S phase. The wound healing migration assay illustrated that a dramatic increase in migration could be measured in AS extract-treated HUVEC. Meanwhile, the number of invaded cells and the mean tube length were significantly increased in AS extract treatment groups. The extract was also demonstrated to promote changes in subintestinal vessels (SIVs) in zebrafish, one feature of angiogenesis. In addition, AS extract was found by real-time PCR to enhance vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) mRNA expression. In a bead-based immunoassay, higher levels of p38 and JNK 1/2 expression were also observed in effusions compared with control cells. All results suggest that Angelica sinensis extract can promote angiogenesis, and that the angiogenic effects involve p38 and JNK 1/2 phosphorylation.

Radix Angelica Dahurica - Also known as Jiang Huo

Appears to act as a vasodialator (hence locally increase blood flow.) Furthermore, it contains coumarins, which seem to act as neuroprotective agents: in particular, furanocoumarins, which may have some protective effect against Alzheimer's disease.

Research papers:

1. Chin J Integr Med. 2009 Dec;15(6):442-7. Epub 2010 Jan 18. Imperatorin is responsible for the vasodilatation activity of Angelica Dahurica var. Formosana regulated by nitric oxide in an endothelium-dependent manner. Nie H, Meng LZ, Zhou JY, Fan XF, Luo- Y, Zhang GW.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the vasodilatation activity of the coumarin-containing Angelica dahurica var. formosana and to further analyze active components in the herb extracts.
CONCLUSIONS: The principal effective component of Angelica dahurica var. Formosana was found to be imperatorin. Imperatorin-induced vasodilatation is at least partially regulated by nitric oxide, and has no correlation to beta-receptor.

2. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2009 Oct;9(11):1262-71. Natural coumarins as a novel class of neuroprotective agents. Epifano F, Curini M, Menghini L, Genovese S.

Neurodegenerative disorders are a heterogeneous group of diseases and are among the most invaliding syndromes for humans. The aim of this manuscript is to review what has been reported so far in the literature about coumarins as a novel class of pharmacologically active compounds in chemoprevention and/or therapy of these diseases.

3. Phytother Res. 2009 Dec 29. [Epub ahead of print] beta-secretase inhibitory effects of furanocoumarins from the root of Angelica dahurica. Marumoto S, Miyazawa M.

Schizonepeta tenuifolia - Also known as Japanese Catnip or Jing Jie

Appears be anti-inflammatory by modulating the immune response and inhibiting COX-2 (locally, not systemically) It is also used in Chinese Medicine against cold and influenza.

Research papers:

1. Am J Chin Med. 2008;36(6):1145-58. Anti-inflammatory activity of Schizonepeta tenuifolia through the inhibition of MAPK phosphorylation in mouse peritoneal macrophages. Kim SJ, Kim JS, Choi IY, Kim DH, Kim MC, An HJ, Na HJ, Kim NH, Moon PD, Myung NY, Lee JY, Jeong HJ, Um JY, Shin TY, Kim HM, Hong SH.

Schizonepeta tenuifolia (ST) is a well-known herb to treat the cold and its associated headache. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanism of ST in mouse peritoneal macrophages is not clear. In this study, we demonstrated that ST inhibited lipopolysaccaride (LPS)-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 production. The maximal inhibition rate of TNF-alpha and IL-6 production by ST (2 mg/ml) was 48.01 +/- 2.8% and 56.45 +/- 2.8%, respectively. During the inflammatory process, cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were increased in mouse peritoneal macrophages. However, treated with ST decreased the protein level of COX-2 and iNOS, as well as the production of PGE(2) and NO in LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. In addition, ST inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPK. Taken together, the results of this study suggest an important molecular mechanism by which ST reduces inflammation, which may explain its beneficial effect in the regulation of inflammatory reactions.

2. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 1999 Nov;21(4):705-15. Effect of Schizonepeta tenuifolia extract on mast cell-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity in rats. Shin TY, Jeong HJ, Jun SM, Chae HJ, Kim HR, Baek SH, Kim HM.

We investigated the effect of an aqueous extract of Schizonepeta tenuifolia (STAE) on mast cell-mediated immediate-type hypersensitivity. STAE inhibited systemic allergic reaction induced by compound 48/80 in rats dose-dependently. STAE also inhibited plasma histamine levels induced by compound 48/80. STAE inhibited local allergic reaction activated by anti-dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. In addition, STAE does-dependently inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) activated by compound 48/80 or anti-DNP IgE. However, STAE had a significant enhancing effect on anti-DNP IgE-induced tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) production from RPMC. These results indicate that STAE inhibits immediate-type hypersensitivity and suggest that STAE can selectively activate the TNF-alpha production from RPMC.

3. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Sep;32(17):1777-9. [Effects of volatie oil of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq herb and Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischke root on proinflammatory cytokine expression and regulation] [Article in Chinese] Ge WH, Guo JY, Shen YJ, Chen ML, Shi SL, Han YH, Lin J.

Saposhnikovia Divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk - Also known as fang feng

Appears be anti-inflammatory by modulating the immune response (NF-kappaB, which is implicated in auto-immune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis ) and inhibiting nitric oxide synthase. It is also an analgesic (pain killer.)

Research papers:

1. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi. 2007 Sep;32(17):1777-9. [Effects of volatie oil of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq herb and Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischke root on proinflammatory cytokine expression and regulation] [Article in Chinese] Ge WH, Guo JY, Shen YJ, Chen ML, Shi SL, Han YH, Lin J.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of volatie oil of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq herb and Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischke root (OSS) on proinflammatory cytokine expression and regulation in rats.
METHOD: OA and LPS were injected intravenously to rats to develop acute lung injury (ALI). The rats were treated with OSS (45.19 microL kg(-1)). The pathological sections of lung tissue were prepared and observed in acute lung injury rats. The expression of nuclear factor-kappa B p65 (NF-kappaB p65), intercellar adhesion molecule CD54, and NF-kappaB p65 mRNA were determined in lung cells. RESULT: volatie oil of Schizonepeta tenuifolia Briq herb and Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischke root significantly inhibited the expression of CD54, the activation of NF-kappaB p65, and the transcription of NF-kappaB p65 mRNA.
CONCLUSION: OSS can reduce the expression of CD54 and NF-kappaB p65 protein synthesis, which may be its anti-inflammatory molecular mechanisms.

2. Arthritis Res. 2001;3(4):200-6. Epub 2001 Mar 26. NF-kappa B in Rheumatoid Arthritis : a pivotal regulator of inflammation, hyperplasia, and tissue destruction. Makarov SS.

The transcription factor NF-kappa B has been well recognized as a pivotal regulator of inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), but recent developments revealed a broad involvement of NF-kappa B in other aspects of RA pathology, including development of T helper 1 responses, activation, abnormal apoptosis and proliferation of RA fibroblast-like synovial cells, and differentiation and activation of bone resorbing activity of osteoclasts. In agreement with this, studies in animal models of RA have demonstrated the high therapeutic efficacy of specific inhibitors of NF-kappa B pathway, indicating the feasibility of anti-NF-kappa B therapy for human disease.

3. Cancer Lett. 1999 Oct 18;145(1-2):151-7. Inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor of the Chinese herb I. Saposhnikovia divaricata (Turcz.) Schischk. Wang CC, Chen LG, Yang LL.

L-Arginine derived nitric oxide (NO) and its derivatives, such as nitrogen dioxide and peroxynitrite, play a role in inflammation and also possibly in the multistage process of carcinogenesis. Four furanocoumarins and eight chromones isolated from the dried root of Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fang Feng in Chinese) and evaluated for their effects on the synthesis of NO induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. The inhibition of nitrite production, as an index for NO released from the macrophage cells, was quantitatively analyzed by Griess reaction. The results showed that imperatorin and deltoin are potential NO production inhibitor, and their IC50 values for inhibition of nitrite production were 17.3 and 11.6 microg/ml, respectively. Western-blot analysis demonstrated that iNOS enzyme activity was not inhibited by treatment with imperatorin or deltoin, but revealed that both compounds inhibited the expression of the iNOS protein.

4. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2001 Feb;49(2):154-60. Analgesic components of saposhnikovia root (Saposhnikovia divaricata). Okuyama E, Hasegawa T, Matsushita T, Fujimoto H, Ishibashi M, Yamazaki M.

By activity-oriented separation using the writhing method in mice, the analgesic components of Saposhnikovia root (Saposhnikovia divaricata Schischkin; Umbelliferae) were identified to be chromones, coumarins, polyacetylenes and 1-acylglycerols. Two new components, divaricatol and (3'S)-hydroxydeltoin, were also isolated. The most potent analgesia was observed in chromones such as divaricatol, ledebouriellol and hamaudol, which inhibited writhing inhibition at an oral dose of 1 mg/kg in mice. Acylglycerols also showed inhibition significantly at a dose of 5 mg/kg. In some pharmacological tests using sec-O-glucosylhamaudol, the compound showed analgesia by the tail pressure and the Randall & Selitto methods, and its writhing inhibition was not reversed by naloxone.

Rhizoma Sparganii - Also known as Burreed Tuber or San Leng

Used in Chinese Medicine to reduce blood stasis (improve circulation.) Did not find any published English research--yet.

Curcumae Rhizoma - Also known as turmeric root or Yu Jin

Well known anti-inflammatory inhibits NF-KappaB and COX-2.

1. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2009 Aug;1171:428-35. Interleukin-1beta-induced extracellular matrix degradation and glycosaminoglycan release is inhibited by curcumin in an explant model of cartilage inflammation. Clutterbuck AL, Mobasheri A, Shakibaei M, Allaway D, Harris P.

2. J Pharmacol Sci. 2009 Sep;111(1):13-21. Oral administration of curcumin suppresses production of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1 and MMP-3 to ameliorate collagen-induced arthritis: inhibition of the PKCdelta/JNK/c-Jun pathway. Mun SH, Kim HS, Kim JW, Ko NY, Kim do K, Lee BY, Kim B, Won HS, Shin HS, Han JW, Lee HY, Kim YM, Choi WS.

3. Inflamm Res. 2009 Dec;58(12):899-908. Epub 2009 Jul 5. Curcumin inhibits pro-inflammatory mediators and metalloproteinase-3 production by chondrocytes. Mathy-Hartert M, Jacquemond-Collet I, Priem F, Sanchez C, Lambert C, Henrotin Y.

CONCLUSIONS: Curcumin was a potent inhibitor of the production of inflammatory and catabolic mediators by chondrocytes, suggesting that this natural compound could be efficient in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

4. Int J Mol Med. 2007 Sep;20(3):365-72. Curcumin induces apoptosis and inhibits prostaglandin E(2) production in synovial fibroblasts of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Park C, Moon DO, Choi IW, Choi BT, Nam TJ, Rhu CH, Kwon TK, Lee WH, Kim GY, Choi YH.

etc. etc.

Myrrh - Also known as Commiphora myrrha and Mo Yao

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory, promotes healing.

1. Holist Nurs Pract. 2007 Nov-Dec;21(6):308-23. Myrrh: medical marvel or myth of the Magi?

Since antiquity, the genus Commiphora is composed of more than 200 species, and has been exploited as a natural drug to treat pain, skin infections, inflammatory conditions, diarrhea, and periodontal diseases. In more recent history, products derived from Commiphora myrrha and various other species of Commiphora are becoming recognized to possess significant antiseptic, anesthetic, and antitumor properties. Traditional practice and evidence-based research have supported that these properties are directly attributable to terpenoids (especially furanosesquiterpenes), the active compounds present in myrrh essential oil. More recently, current studies have focused on applying clinical trial methodologies to validate its use as an antineoplastic, an antiparasitic agent, and as an adjunct in healing wounds.

Frankincense - Also as known Indian Frankincense, Ru Xiang and Boswellia Serrata

Potent anti-inflammatory and protects collagen (joint cartilage).

1. Arthritis Res Ther. 2008;10(4):R85. Epub 2008 Jul 30. A double blind, randomized, placebo controlled study of the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin for treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee. Sengupta K, Alluri KV, Satish AR, Mishra S, Golakoti T, Sarma KV, Dey D, Raychaudhuri SP.

INTRODUCTION: 5-Loxin is a novel Boswellia serrata extract enriched with 30% 3-O-acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), which exhibits potential anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting the 5-lipoxygenase enzyme. A 90-day, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 5-Loxin in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee.
CONCLUSION: 5-Loxin reduces pain and improves physical functioning significantly in OA patients; and it is safe for human consumption. 5-Loxin may exert its beneficial effects by controlling inflammatory responses through reducing proinflammatory modulators, and it may improve joint health by reducing the enzymatic degradation of cartilage in OA patients.

2. Transplant Proc. 2001 Feb-Mar;33(1-2):539-41. Boswellic acid, a potent antiinflammatory drug, inhibits rejection to the same extent as high dose steroids. Dahmen U, Gu YL, Dirsch O, Fan LM, Li J, Shen K, Broelsch CE.

3. Phytother Res. 2009 Nov 26. [Epub ahead of print] Boswellia frereana (frankincense) suppresses cytokine-induced matrix metalloproteinase expression and production of pro-inflammatory molecules in articular cartilage. Blain EJ, Ali AY, Duance VC.

We have demonstrated that B. frereana prevents collagen degradation, and inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and MMPs. Due to its efficacy we propose that B. frereana should be examined further as a potential therapeutic agent for treating inflammatory symptoms

Clove - Also known as Ding Xiang and Eugenia caryophyllata

Analgesic (pain killer.)

1. Neurosci Lett. 2010 Feb 9. [Epub ahead of print] Eugenol modifies the excitability of rat sciatic nerve and superior cervical ganglion neurons. Moreira-Lobo DC, Linhares-Siqueira ED, Cruz GM, Cruz JS, Carvalho-de-Souza JL, Lahlou S, Coelho-de-Souza AN, Barbosa R, Magalhães PJ, Leal-Cardoso JH.

Eugenol is a phenylpropene obtained from the essential oils of plants such as clove and basil which has ample use in dentistry. Eugenol possesses analgesic effects that may be related to the inhibition of voltage-dependent Na(+) channels and/or to the activation of TRPV1 receptors or both.

Cinnamon - Also known as Gui Pi and Cinnamomum cassia

Anti-inflammatory, creates a pleasant warming sensation. Traditionally used as to relieve arthritic and rheumatic pains in the West and Asia.

1. Biochem Pharmacol. 2005 Mar 1;69(5):791-9. Epub 2005 Jan 16. Inhibitory effect of 2'-hydroxycinnamaldehyde on nitric oxide production through inhibition of NF-kappa B activation in RAW 264.7 cells. Lee SH, Lee SY, Son DJ, Lee H, Yoo HS, Song S, Oh KW, Han DC, Kwon BM, Hong JT.

2. Planta Med. 2004 Sep;70(9):823-7. Cinnamaldehyde and 2-methoxycinnamaldehyde as NF-kappaB inhibitors from Cinnamomum cassia. Reddy AM, Seo JH, Ryu SY, Kim YS, Kim YS, Min KR, Kim Y.

Ginger - Also known as Jiang and ginger zingiber officinale

Anti-inflammatory, creates a pleasant warming sensation, stimulates blood circulation.

1. Planta Med. 2007 Dec;73(15):1525-30. Epub 2007 Dec 3. Evaluation of the topical anti-inflammatory activity of ginger dry extracts from solutions and plasters. Minghetti P, Sosa S, Cilurzo F, Casiraghi A, Alberti E, Tubaro A, Loggia RD, Montanari L.

2. Oncogene. 2005 Apr 7;24(15):2558-67. [6]-Gingerol inhibits COX-2 expression by blocking the activation of p38 MAP kinase and NF-kappaB in phorbol ester-stimulated mouse skin. Kim SO, Kundu JK, Shin YK, Park JH, Cho MH, Kim TY, Surh YJ.

Borneol - Also known as Bin Pian

Said to relieve pain and reduce swelling. No English research found-yet.

Peppermint - Also known Bo He and Mentha piperita

Topical analgesic, creates cooling pleasant sensation.

1. Clin J Pain. 2002 May-Jun;18(3):200-2. A novel treatment of postherpetic neuralgia using peppermint oil. Davies SJ, Harding LM, Baranowski AP.

BACKGROUND: Postherpetic neuralgia remains a difficult problem to treat. A number of therapies have been shown to be effective, but some patients have intractable pain. PATIENT: The case of a 76-year-old woman whose pain had been resistant to standard therapies is described. The pattern of quantitative sensory testing results for this patient led the authors to believe that she had an "irritable nociceptor" type of pathophysiology.
INTERVENTION: The patient was instructed to apply neat peppermint oil (containing 10% menthol) to her skin, resulting in an almost immediate improvement in her pain. This pain relief persisted for 4-6 hours after application of the oil.
RESULTS: The patient was successfully treated with topical peppermint oil. During 2 months of follow-up she has had only a minor side effect, with continuing analgesia. The authors believe this is the first evidence of peppermint oil (or menthol) having a strong analgesic effect on neuropathic pain. The possible mechanisms of action of peppermint oil are discussed.

Carthamus Tinctorius - Also known Safflower and Hong Hua

Purpose Uknown.

Camphor - Also known Zhang Nao

Well known topical analgesic.

Methylsalicylate - Also known oil of wintergreen or Shui Yang Suan Jia Zhi

Well known rubefacient used in deep heating rubs: produces a warming effect and increases blood circulation.