Western Use of Chinese Herbs for Common Urologie Conditions.

Chinese herbal options for urinary-tract infections (UTIs), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and chronic prostatitis are reviewed. Chinese equivalents of these conditions are described, and various Chinese herbs and formulas used to treat the conditions are discussed. Two Marvel Powder (Èr Miäo Sän) and its components, Phellodendron amurense (Amur corktree, huáng bäi) and Atractylodes lancea (black atractylodes, cängzhü) are discussed with respect to treating infectious cystitis. Eight Herb Powder for Rectification (Bâ Zhèng Sän) is also discussed for helping patients who have UTIs. Ephedra, Aconite, and Asarum Formula (Má huáng fa zïxï xïn täng; mao-bushi-sasishin-tö in Japanese) is also mentioned for addressing antibiotic-resistant UTIs. Enrich the Kidneys and Open the Gates Pill (ZI Shèn Töng Guän Wán), Saxífraga stolonifera (strawberry saxifrage), and Ganoderma lucidum (língzhl, reishi, mannentake) are discussed with respect to their roles in helping patients who have BPH. Particular attention is given to differentiating subtypes of chronic prostatitis, and some evidence is provided showing that this helps to choose the proper therapy, at least as far as Chinese herbal formulas are concerned. Four formulas (two traditional and two modern) are discussed in detail for various types of chronic prostatitis: (1) Eight Treasure Powder or Decoction (Bei Zhën Sän); (2) Reaping Mixture (Ai Kë Hé Jï); (3) Bupleurum Powder to Dredge the Liver (Chái Hú Shü Gän Sän); and (4) Black Colt Capsule (Xuán Jü Jiäo Náng). Finally, Rehmannia Eight (Bâ Wèi Di Huáng Wán; Hachimi-jio-gan in Japanese) is discussed as an adjunct to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]