Da Huang |Radix et Rhizoma Rhei | Rhubarb root
Properties: Bitter, cold
Channels entered: heart, large intestine, liver, stomach, and spleen
Da Huang is a purgative and acts as a downward-draining herb. Da Huang has many actions, when it comes to its use and function for skin conditions it can have the following main indications: drain excess type of heat, purge accumulations, drain fire toxin sores at the Xue (blood) level, clear heat, transform dampness, and reduces fire toxicity. It can be used topically or internally for burns or skin lesions due to heat. Properties of Da Huang can be combined with herbs such as Shi Gao or Jin Yin Hua to be used topically for the relief of skin conditions due to excess heat, dampness/phlegm, fire toxicity, and heat in the blood.¹
Studies have shown that Da Huang is effective at treating acne vulgaris, one isolated property of Da Huang called Rhein has antimicrobial actions on microbes found in acne vulgaris. ²
Psoriasis Vulgaris is the most common clinical manifestation of psoriasis, affecting 80-90% of psoriasis patients. In a systemic review, co-interventions to Chinese Herbal Medicine bath and Phototherapy were used in five studies that included the herb Da Huang in Bing Huang Fu Lu ointment effective for the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris²
Da Huang can be included in a topical to help with the relief of symptoms associated with dermatological conditions such as acne vulgaris and psoriasis vulgaris. Da Huang is an ingredient that can be found in our Clarify Skin Wash.
References:
1. Individual herbs. Da Huang - 大簧 - Radix et Rhizoma Rhei - Chinese Herbs - Chinese Medicine - American Dragon - Dr Joel Penner OMD, LAc. (2017). https://www.americandragon.com/Individualherbsupdate/DaHuang.html
2. Yu, J. J., Zhang, C. S., Zhang, A. L., May, B., Xue, C. C., & Lu, C. (2013). Add-on effect of Chinese herbal medicine bath to phototherapy for psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine: eCAM, 2013, 673078. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/673078