External traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating arthralgia with syndrome of cold-dampness obstruction

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicines, and discloses an external traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating arthralgia with syndrome of cold-dampness obstruction, which comprises the following ingredients: 10g of cassia twig, 6g of dried ginger, 12g of lycopodium clavatum, 12g of herba lycopi, 10g of notopterygium root, 10g of radix angelicae pubescentis, 9g of loose knot, 9g of semen brassicae, 10g of rhizoma corydalis, 15g of caulis spatholobi and 10g of cortex acanthopanacis. According to the external traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating the cold-dampness arthralgia, through accurate compatibility of medicinal materials with effects of warming and dispelling cold and dampness, promoting blood circulation to remove meridian obstruction and strengthening tendons and bones, a synergistic treatment system of warming and dredging, eliminating dampness, dredging collaterals and protecting bones is formed, so that symptoms such as joint crymodynia, stiffness and the like can be quickly relieved, cold-dampness evil can be eliminated from the pathogenesis level, and qi and blood circulation of joints can be improved; by adopting a standard processing technology and an optimized preparation method, the transdermal efficiency is improved while the irritation of the medicinal materials is reduced, the medicine can directly reach the focus, the gastrointestinal tract side effect caused by oral administration is avoided, and the traditional Chinese medicine composition is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly people and cold-dampness blockage type arthralgia patients with poor liver and kidney functions and sensitive skin.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of traditional Chinese medicine, in particular to a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating arthralgia caused by cold-dampness blockage. BACKGROUND

[0002] Arthralgia is a common clinical symptom, especially in the elderly, and has a high incidence, which seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Arthralgia caused by cold-dampness blockage is a common type of arthralgia, which is usually caused by external wind-cold-dampness evil or long-term residence in yang deficiency, leading to internal generation of cold-dampness evil, blockage of joints and meridians, and poor blood circulation. The main symptoms are severe cold pain, aggravation of symptoms in cold weather, and relief of symptoms in hot weather. Arthralgia is often accompanied by local cold, stiffness, and is particularly obvious in cold and rainy weather.

[0003] At present, there are various treatment methods for arthralgia caused by cold-dampness blockage, including oral drugs, external patches, and physiotherapy. Although oral drugs can relieve pain to some extent, they may irritate the gastrointestinal tract and pose a certain risk to patients with poor liver and kidney function. In existing external drugs, western medicines mainly have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and short-term effects are acceptable, but long-term use may cause skin allergies and other adverse reactions, and it is difficult to fundamentally eliminate cold-dampness evil. Traditional Chinese medicine external formulations have problems such as lack of targeting, inaccurate compatibility, and insufficient drug efficacy. Some formulations do not fully consider the multiple effects of warming and dispelling cold-dampness, promoting blood circulation and unblocking meridians, strengthening muscles and bones, etc., resulting in poor treatment effect and difficulty in meeting clinical needs. SUMMARY

[0004] (I) Technical problems solved In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present application provides an external traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating arthralgia caused by cold-dampness blockage, which has the advantages of strong targeting, multi-dimensional evil elimination, high safety, and good transdermal absorption, and solves the problems of insufficient targeting of existing external drugs for cold-dampness blockage pathogenesis, simple single, easy to cause skin irritation or gastrointestinal discomfort, and difficulty of drugs to play a role in joint lesions.

[0005] (II) Technical solutions In order to achieve the purpose of strong targeting, multi-dimensional evil elimination, high safety, and good transdermal absorption, the present application provides the following technical solutions: an external traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating arthralgia caused by cold-dampness blockage, comprising the following ingredients: cassia twig 10g, dried ginger 6g, sinisen 12g, lycopene 12g, qianghuo 10g, dahuang 10g, pine knot 9g, white mustard seed 9g, yuanhu 10g, jixueteng 15g, and wujiaopi 10g. The cassia twig is pungent and warm, which can warm and unblock meridians, assist yang qi movement, and dispel cold evil, so that the joint qi and blood of cold-dampness blockage are unobstructed. The dried ginger mentioned above: It is hot in nature, warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold and dampness, strengthening the power to disperse deep cold and dampness in joints, and relieving pain and spasm caused by cold. The lycopodium clavatum mentioned above: It is good at relaxing muscles and activating collaterals, relaxing cramped joints, improving restricted flexion and extension, and helping joints blocked by cold and dampness to restore mobility. The lygodium japonicum mentioned above: Promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling, it can improve the swelling of joints caused by cold and damp stasis, and promote the metabolism of qi, blood and body fluid. The notopterygium incisum and angelica pubescens mentioned above: The notopterygium incisum is good at dispelling cold and dampness in the upper part, while the angelica pubescens is good at removing cold and dampness in the lower part. With their synergistic effect, they can comprehensively disperse cold and dampness in the joint meridians. The ardisia japonica mentioned above: Expelling wind and dampness, dredging collaterals and relieving pain, aiming at the pain and restricted flexion and extension of joints blocked by cold and dampness, it enhances the effect of relieving pain and dredging collaterals. The semen sinapis mentioned above: Warming and resolving cold phlegm, promoting qi and dissipating nodules, it resolves the phlegm turbidity condensed by cold and dampness in the local joints, and reduces the heaviness and swelling of joints. The rhizoma corydalis mentioned above: Promoting blood circulation, activating qi and relieving pain, it significantly relieves the pain of joints blocked by cold and dampness, and is helpful for both stabbing pain and dull pain. The millettia reticulata mentioned above: Promoting blood circulation and nourishing blood, relaxing muscles and activating collaterals, while warming and dredging cold and dampness, it nourishes the joint meridians, prevents cold and dampness from damaging blood, and makes qi and blood abundant to dredge obstruction. The cortex acanthopanacis mentioned above: Expelling wind-dampness, tonifying liver and kidney, strengthening muscles and bones, while dispelling cold and dampness, it enhances the strength of joint muscles and bones, and prevents joints from becoming weak due to damage by cold and dampness.

[0006] Furthermore, all the medicinal materials in the formula are processed according to the specifications of genuine regional slices. For example, the cassia twig is selected from the current-year tender branches produced in Guiping City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and after being dried in the shade, removing the leaf tips and then cut into sections; the dried ginger is taken from Qianwei, Sichuan and processed into prepared ginger to enhance the power of warming the middle-jiao to dispel cold; the lycopodium clavatum is subjected to cleaning, cutting into sections and drying to ensure the stability of the efficacy of relaxing muscles and activating collaterals. Through standardized processing, the synergistic effect of each medicinal material against the syndrome type of cold and damp obstruction is enhanced.

[0007] Furthermore, the formula follows the ternary compatibility logic of "warming and dredging + promoting blood circulation + removing dampness". The cassia twig and dried ginger are the core compatibility pair for warming and dredging, using their pungent-warm nature to open obstruction; the combination of lycopodium clavatum and lygodium japonicum realizes "relaxing muscles to dredge collaterals, promoting blood circulation to disperse dampness", the notopterygium incisum and angelica pubescens dispel cold and dampness from top to bottom, the ardisia japonica and semen sinapis eliminate phlegm nodules and benefit joints, the rhizoma corydalis and millettia reticulata promote blood circulation, nourish blood and relieve pain, and the cortex acanthopanacis strengthens muscles and provides protection. Multiple compatibility pairs progress layer by layer to construct a three-dimensional treatment network for the pain of joints blocked by cold and dampness.

[0008] Furthermore, when preparing the formula, the "double-extraction concentration method" is adopted. First, soak the medicinal materials with 8 times the amount of clear water for 1 hour, bring to a boil over high heat and then turn to low heat and decoct for 40 minutes, and filter to obtain the first decoction; then decoct with 6 times the amount of clear water for 30 minutes for the second decoction, combine the decoctions and concentrate under reduced pressure to make the density of the medicinal liquid reach 1.2 (measured at 60 °C). This not only retains the warming and dredging effect of volatile components such as the volatile oil of cassia twig, but also enriches water-soluble active substances, improving the transdermal absorption efficiency for external use.

[0009] Furthermore, the formula is particularly suitable for the scenario of "joint pain due to cold and dampness - worsening in the morning". Because the cold and dampness worsen at night, the cold and dampness stagnate in the joints, and patients feel heaviness in their joints and have significant difficulty in flexion and extension when they wake up in the morning. After warming the medicinal liquid of this formula (40-45℃), apply it to the joints once after washing up in the morning and once before going to bed. Each time, cover the joints and keep the medicinal liquid moist for 20 minutes. The warming and unblocking properties can break the state of cold and dampness stagnation at night and improve the morning stiffness cycle. At the same time, for the scenario of "joint pain aggravated by rainy weather", applying it 2 hours in advance can predictively dispel the invasion of damp and cold in the environment and block the pain triggering mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the formula can be adjusted for "mild cases of cold-dampness obstruction with blood deficiency": when patients experience joint pain accompanied by pale nails and a sallow complexion (signs of blood deficiency but not severe anemia), add 10g of Angelica sinensis (processed with wine to enhance blood circulation and nourishment) to the formula, working synergistically with Spatholobus suberectus to maintain the main principle of warming and dispelling dampness while supplementing blood deficiency and avoiding simple warming and drying that could damage the blood; for "patients with sensitive skin", adjust the dosage of Lycopus lucidus to 9g (to reduce the potential irritation of promoting blood circulation and diuresis), and add stir-fried white mustard seed after it turns yellow (to moderate its pungent and dispersing properties). Through the processing of medicinal ingredients and slight adjustments to the dosage, it can be safely used by people with special constitutions.

[0011] Furthermore, the formula can be used in combination with "acupoint application therapy" for enhanced effect. Select local Ashi points, Dazhui, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan, soak gauze (2-3mm thick) with the formula solution, cover the acupoints, heat to 40-45℃, and then apply to the joints or acupoints, covering with heat-insulating material. Alternatively, it can be used in conjunction with "moxibustion sequential therapy". First, apply the formula solution to the joint for 15 minutes. After the medicine has initially penetrated, use moxibustion sticks to perform moxibustion on 3 key acupoints around the joint (5 minutes per acupoint, with the temperature adjusted to local redness). The warmth of moxibustion and the medicinal power of traditional Chinese medicine work synergistically to enhance the effects of dispelling cold and dampness, clearing the meridians and relieving pain. It is especially suitable for severe patients during the winter cold and dampness obstruction attack period.

[0012] Furthermore, the formula has been verified by modern pharmacological research. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon twigs can dilate local blood vessels in joints, promote blood circulation, and relieve blood stasis caused by cold coagulation; gingerol in dried ginger can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6) in the synovial membrane, reducing synovial swelling caused by cold and dampness; the alcohol extract of Lycopodium clavatum can improve the metabolism of articular chondrocytes and delay cartilage degeneration caused by cold and dampness obstruction. The synergistic effect of multiple components provides modern pharmacological support for joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction from multiple aspects, including improving microcirculation, anti-inflammation, and protecting joint structure, realizing the integration and verification of traditional theory and modern research.

[0013] (III) Beneficial Effects Compared with the prior art, the present invention provides a topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction, which has the following beneficial effects: 1. This topical Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction utilizes a precise combination of herbs that warm and dispel cold-dampness, promote blood circulation, and strengthen tendons and bones. This forms a synergistic treatment system of "warming and dispersing + removing dampness + unblocking meridians + protecting bones," which can quickly relieve symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, and also remove the pathogenic factors of cold-dampness and improve the flow of qi and blood in the joints from the pathogenesis level. By adopting standardized processing techniques and optimized preparation methods, the transdermal efficiency is improved while reducing the irritation of the herbs, allowing the medicine to directly reach the lesion and avoiding the gastrointestinal side effects of oral administration. It is especially suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients, those with poor liver and kidney function, and those with sensitive skin suffering from joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction.

[0014] 2. This topical Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction follows the three-element combination logic of "warming and unblocking + promoting blood circulation + removing dampness" to construct a multi-layered and progressive three-dimensional treatment network. With cinnamon twig and dried ginger as the core for warming and unblocking, and herbs such as Lycopodium clavatum for soothing the meridians, promoting blood circulation and removing dampness, multiple drug pairs attack the cold and dampness obstruction layer by layer. It works synergistically from multiple dimensions of warming and unblocking, promoting blood circulation and removing dampness to precisely target joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction, construct a three-dimensional treatment system, and comprehensively improve joint symptoms.

[0015] 3. This topical Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction employs a "double extraction and concentration method." First, the medicine is soaked and decocted in 8 times the amount of water, then decocted again in 6 times the amount of water. The two decoctions are combined and concentrated under reduced pressure. This method retains the warming and invigorating components such as cinnamon twig volatile oil, while also enriching water-soluble active substances. This enhances the transdermal absorption rate of the medicine, allowing it to better exert its effects of dispelling cold and dampness, clearing the meridians, and relieving pain, thus meeting the treatment needs of joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic representation of the formulation of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0018] Please see Figure 1 A topical Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold and dampness includes the following ingredients: 10g cinnamon twig, 6g dried ginger, 12g Lycopodium clavatum, 12g Lycopus lucidus, 10g Notopterygium incisum, 10g Angelica pubescens, 9g pine resin, 9g white mustard seed, 10g Corydalis yanhusuo, 15g Spatholobus suberectus, and 10g Acanthopanax senticosus. Cinnamon twig: It is pungent and warm, and can warm and unblock the meridians, help the yang qi to circulate, dispel cold evil, and make the qi and blood flow smoothly in the joints that are blocked by cold and dampness. Dried ginger: It is warm in nature, warms the middle and dispels cold, strengthens the ability to dispel deep cold and dampness in the joints, and relieves pain and spasms caused by cold. Shenjincao (a type of herb): It is good at relaxing muscles and tendons, relieving joint spasms, improving flexion and extension difficulties, and helping joints with cold and dampness obstruction to restore mobility; Ze Lan: It can promote blood circulation, remove blood stasis, and reduce swelling. It can improve joint swelling caused by cold and dampness stagnation and promote the metabolism of qi, blood and fluids. Notopterygium root and Angelica pubescens root: Notopterygium root is good at dispelling cold and dampness in the upper part of the body, while Angelica pubescens root is good at removing cold and dampness in the lower part of the body. Together, they work synergistically to completely dispel cold and dampness in the joints and meridians. Turpentine: dispels wind and dampness, unblocks meridians and relieves pain. It is effective in relieving joint pain and difficulty in flexion and extension caused by cold and dampness obstruction, and enhances the pain relief and meridian unblocking effects. White mustard seed: warms and transforms cold phlegm, promotes qi circulation and disperses stagnation, resolves phlegm and dampness accumulating in the joints due to cold and dampness, and reduces joint heaviness and swelling; Corydalis: It invigorates blood circulation, promotes qi circulation, and relieves pain. It significantly alleviates joint pain caused by cold and dampness, whether it is stabbing or dull pain. Chicken blood vine: promotes blood circulation and replenishes blood, relaxes muscles and tendons, warms and dispels cold while nourishing joints and meridians, prevents cold and dampness from damaging blood, and allows qi and blood to be abundant to relieve pain. Acanthopanax bark: dispels wind and dampness, nourishes the liver and kidneys, and strengthens tendons and bones. While dispelling cold and dampness, it enhances the strength of joints and tendons, and prevents joints from becoming weak due to damage caused by cold and dampness.

[0019] In the implementation of the case, all medicinal materials in the formula were processed according to the standard of authentic medicinal slices. For example, the cinnamon twigs were selected from the tender branches of the current year produced in Guiping City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and were dried in the shade, the leaves and tips were removed and then cut into sections; the dried ginger was made from dried ginger from Jianwei, Sichuan, and processed into roasted ginger to enhance the warming and dispelling cold effect; the lycopodium was cleaned, cut into sections and dried to ensure the stability of the muscle-relaxing and meridian-clearing effects. The standardized processing enhanced the synergistic effect of each medicinal material on the cold-dampness obstruction syndrome. Among them, cinnamon twigs are meticulously processed in sections, retaining only the tender twigs while removing old branches and impurities to ensure sufficient content of their effective components for warming and unblocking the meridians. The shade-drying process avoids the loss of effective components due to direct sunlight, maximizing the retention of volatile oils and other active substances, laying a material foundation for subsequent meridian warming and unblocking. Prepared ginger is processed using the traditional sand-frying method, strictly controlling the heat and time, so that components such as gingerol undergo transformation during the processing of dried ginger, significantly enhancing its warming and dispelling cold effects, while reducing its drying properties, making it more suitable for the need for warming without drying in cold-dampness obstruction syndrome. In the cleaning process, impurities, moldy and rotten parts of the lycopodium are removed, and the length of the cut sections is precisely controlled to 3-5 cm, which facilitates the full dissolution of effective components during subsequent decoction. Low-temperature drying is used to avoid high-temperature damage to its alkaloids, flavonoids and other active components for relaxing muscles and unblocking the meridians, ensuring the stable performance of its soothing effect on contracted joints.

[0020] In the implementation of the case, the formula follows the three-element combination logic of "warming and unblocking + blood circulation + dampness removal". Cinnamon twig and dried ginger are the core medicine pair for warming and unblocking, using their pungent and warm properties to open up the obstruction; the combination of lycopodium and eupatorium achieves "relaxing muscles and unblocking collaterals, and promoting blood circulation to dispel dampness"; notopterygium and angelica pubescens eliminate cold and dampness in different ways; pine resin and white mustard seed eliminate phlegm and benefit the joints; corydalis and chicken blood vine promote blood circulation, nourish blood and relieve pain; eleutherococcus bark strengthens tendons and protects the body. Multiple medicine pairs work in layers to build a three-dimensional treatment network for joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction. In this combination, cinnamon twig and dried ginger are paired in precise proportions. Cinnamon twig, being pungent and warming, guides the medicine to the joints and meridians, while dried ginger, being more stabilizing, warms the middle and dispels cold. Together, they provide both the dynamic effect of dispersing cold and dampness outwards and the stable effect of continuously warming the joints, creating a "warm protective layer" for joints obstructed by cold and dampness, gradually dispelling deep-seated cold pathogens. The combination of *Lycopodium clavatum* and *Lycopodium clavatum* further enhances this effect. *Lycopodium clavatum* focuses on relaxing muscles and relieving joint contractures and stiffness, while *Lycopodium clavatum* invigorates blood and promotes fluid circulation, dispersing blood stasis and dampness stagnating in the joints due to cold and dampness. One herb soothes, the other disperses, precisely addressing the key pathogenesis of "muscle spasms, blood stasis, and dampness obstruction." Although both Qianghuo and Duhuo are cold-dampness dispelling herbs, their functions are distinct. Qianghuo primarily targets the upper body, especially the shoulder, neck, and upper limb joints, using its ascending and dispersing properties to "lift and disperse" the cold-dampness in the head, neck, shoulders, and back. Duhuo focuses on the lower body, targeting the waist, hips, and lower limb joints, using its descending properties to "draw down and transform" the cold-dampness in the lower abdomen. This coordinated approach comprehensively clears cold-dampness from the joints and the entire body. The combination of Songjie and Baijiezi, with Songjie excelling at expelling... Cold and dampness accumulate between muscles and bones. White mustard seed specifically eliminates phlegm stagnation under the skin and membranes. In joints, phlegm and blood stasis caused by cold and dampness combine. Through the synergistic effect of both, the loosening agent first "loosens" the cold and dampness in the muscles and bones, and then the white mustard seed "dissolves" the phlegm and disperses the stagnation, gradually breaking down the phlegm and blood stasis in the joints and restoring joint flexibility. Corydalis rhizome and chicken blood vine are respectively powerful in promoting blood circulation and relieving pain, and excellent in nourishing blood and unblocking meridians. The components of Corydalis rhizome, such as corydalis acetylcholine, are quickly effective for joint pain, both sharp and dull, providing immediate relief. Chicken blood vine, based on nourishing blood, slowly nourishes the joint meridians, making them more flexible. Blood does not harm the body's vital energy; nourishing blood can unblock the meridians and continuously improve the flow of qi and blood in the joints. Acanthopanax bark acts as a "joint guardian" in the formula. Its effects of strengthening tendons and bones repair joint and bone damage caused by cold and dampness invasion on the one hand, and strengthen the joint barrier on the other hand, reducing the chance of cold and dampness invading again. When combined with other herbal pairs, it not only eliminates pathogens but also strengthens the body's vital energy, so that joint function not only relieves pain after treatment but also gradually recovers its strength. It builds a complete treatment chain of "eliminating pathogens - unblocking meridians - nourishing blood - strengthening bones", realizing a three-dimensional intervention for joint pain caused by cold and dampness.

[0021] In the case implementation, the "double extraction and concentration method" was used in the preparation of the formula. First, the medicinal materials were soaked in 8 times the amount of water for 1 hour, brought to a boil over high heat, and then simmered over low heat for 40 minutes. The first decoction was filtered out. Then, the decoction was simmered again in 6 times the amount of water for 30 minutes. The decoctions were combined and concentrated under reduced pressure to make the density of the medicinal liquid reach 1.2 (measured at 60℃). This method not only retains the warming effect of volatile components such as cinnamon twig volatile oil, but also enriches water-soluble active substances, thereby improving the transdermal absorption efficiency of external application. The soaking process involves strict control over water quality and soaking time. Purified water meeting pharmaceutical standards is used, with eight times the volume of water precisely weighed to ensure the herbs fully absorb water. During the one-hour soaking, the herbs are stirred regularly to ensure even water absorption by all parts, creating conditions for the subsequent dissolution of active ingredients. This ensures that volatile components such as cinnamon twig oil remain more stably within the herb tissue before decoction. In the decoction stage, the high heat is strictly controlled, and the process is completed within 1-2 minutes of boiling, followed by a simmer. During the simmering, a gentle boil is maintained. The first decoction is 40 minutes long, and the second decoction is 30 minutes long, with different durations adapted to the dissolution patterns of active ingredients in different parts of the herb. The first decoction focuses on dissolving cinnamon twig volatile oil and alkaloids, while the second decoction... The extraction of water-soluble flavonoids and glycosides is enhanced, and the medicinal value is maximized through two decoctions. Vacuum concentration is achieved using vacuum concentration equipment, with precise temperature control at around 60℃. At this temperature, water can be effectively evaporated while avoiding the destruction of heat-sensitive components such as volatile oils of cinnamon twig and alkaloids of *Lycopodium clavatum*. This results in a stable concentration of 1.2, producing a thick liquid that stays on the skin for a longer time when applied externally. The volatile components continue to exert a warming effect, while the water-soluble components fully penetrate the skin, significantly improving transdermal absorption efficiency. This allows the drug to be better applied to the affected joints after transdermal administration, exerting its effects of dispelling cold and dampness, clearing the meridians, and relieving pain.

[0022] In case implementation, the formula is particularly suitable for the scenario of "joint pain due to cold and dampness - worsening morning stiffness". Because the cold and dampness worsen at night, the cold and dampness stagnates in the joints, and patients feel heaviness in their joints and have significant difficulty in flexion and extension when they wake up in the morning. After warming the medicine liquid of this formula (40-45℃), apply it to the joints once after washing up in the morning and once before going to bed. Each time, cover the joints and keep the medicine liquid moist for 20 minutes. The warming and unblocking properties can break the state of cold and dampness stagnation at night and improve the morning stiffness cycle. At the same time, for the scenario of "joint pain aggravated by rainy weather", applying it 2 hours in advance can predictively dispel the invasion of damp and cold in the environment and block the pain triggering mechanism. The warm medicinal liquid is a key intervention step. The temperature setting of 40-45℃, repeatedly verified in clinical practice, not only matches the skin's tolerance but also maximizes the activity of the warming and invigorating components in the liquid, such as cinnamon twig volatile oil and gingerol. In the morning, the accumulation of cold and dampness overnight causes the blood and qi circulation in the joints to become almost stagnant. When the warm medicinal liquid comes into contact with the skin, it acts like a "hot key," quickly opening pores and meridian channels. The muscle-relaxing and blood-activating components of the herbal extracts, such as *Lycopodium clavatum* and *Eupatorium fortunei*, penetrate rapidly with the help of warmth, breaking down the "stiffness" caused by the accumulation of cold and dampness in the joints. The 20-minute moisturizing duration ensures the effective components are retained. With continuous action, it gradually restores blood and qi circulation in the joints, transforming "morning stiffness and difficulty in movement" into "gradual flexibility and the ability to stretch." Applying the medicine two hours in advance, especially during rainy weather, utilizes the concept of "prevention before disease." The cold-dampness-dispelling herbs in the liquid, such as Qianghuo and Duhuo, build a "protective net" around the joints before the cold and dampness of the environment invades the body. The warming properties of Guizhi and Ganjiang continuously dispel the "cold and dampness" attempting to invade, cutting off the path of cold and dampness stimulating the joint meridians at the source, preventing joint pain from worsening and breaking the vicious cycle of "pain inevitable in rainy weather."

[0023] In the implementation of the case, the formula can be adjusted for "mild cases of cold-dampness obstruction with blood deficiency": When the patient has joint pain accompanied by pale nails and a pale complexion (signs of blood deficiency but not severe anemia), 10g of Angelica sinensis (processed with wine to enhance blood circulation and nourishment) is added to the formula, working synergistically with Spatholobus suberectus to maintain the main theme of warming and dispelling dampness while supplementing blood deficiency and avoiding simple warming and drying that damages blood; For "patients with sensitive skin", the dosage of Lycopus lucidus is adjusted to 9g (to reduce the possible irritation of blood circulation and diuresis), and white mustard seed is stir-fried until yellow before being added to the medicine (to moderate its pungent and dispersing properties). Through the processing of medicinal ingredients and slight adjustments to the dosage, it can be safely used for people with special constitutions. Among them, the wine-processed angelica is a precise formulation adjustment. The wine-processing technique makes the blood-nourishing components such as ferulic acid in angelica more easily dissolved. Combined with chicken blood vine, chicken blood vine "invigorates blood and nourishes blood, soothes the meridians and unblocks collaterals," while angelica "tonifies blood and harmonizes blood, warms and moistens tendons and vessels." The two work synergistically to replenish "qi and blood nutrients" for blood-deficient joints without interfering with the warming and dampness-removing effects of cinnamon twig and dried ginger. Originally, the joints were "painful due to lack of nourishment, and worsened by cold" because of blood deficiency. After replenishing qi and blood, the joints and tendons are nourished. When warming and dampness-removing medicines are used, there is no longer a rebound pain due to "blood deficiency and intolerance to attack," thus achieving "dampness removal without harming the body's vital energy, nourishing blood and promoting blood circulation." For patients with sensitive skin, the dosage of Ze Lan was reduced to 9g because its blood-activating and water-regulating effects might cause slight irritation to sensitive skin. After reducing the dosage, the irritation is reduced while retaining the blood-activating and dampness-dispelling effects. White mustard seeds are stir-fried until yellow. After high-temperature stir-frying, their pungent and irritating "dryness" is weakened, and the properties of components such as sinigrin become milder. The skin redness and itching that might have been caused by the original pungent and dispersing properties are greatly reduced. This dual optimization of "fine-tuning of processing + appropriate dosage" allows patients with special constitutions to enjoy the effects of the formula in dispelling cold and dampness and promoting joint health, while also using the medicine safely, solving the clinical pain point of "wanting to treat but not daring to use it".

[0024] In case implementation, the formula can be used in combination with "acupoint application therapy" to enhance its effect. Select local Ashi points, Dazhui, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan. Soak gauze (2-3mm thick) with the formula solution, cover the acupoints, heat it to 40-45℃, and then apply it to the joints or acupoints. Cover with heat-insulating material. Alternatively, it can be used in conjunction with "moxibustion sequential therapy". First, apply the formula solution to the joint for 15 minutes. After the medicine has initially penetrated, use moxibustion sticks to perform moxibustion on 3 key acupoints around the joint (5 minutes per acupoint, with the temperature reaching the point of local redness). The warmth of moxibustion and the medicinal power of Chinese medicine work synergistically to enhance the effects of dispelling cold and dampness, clearing the meridians and relieving pain. It is especially suitable for severe patients in the winter cold and dampness obstruction period. Among them, the hot compress therapy, through the dual effects of warmth and medicine, is especially suitable for cold and dampness-type pain; it can maintain the temperature for a long time, enhancing the absorption of volatile components of the medicine; it is suitable for patients whose morning stiffness worsens on rainy days, and can be applied in the morning or before bedtime, or used in advance before rainy weather. When combined with moxibustion, a 15-minute wet compress of medicinal liquid is the "base", allowing the meridians of the joints to be "unblocked and awakened" by the medicinal power of traditional Chinese medicine. The warmth of subsequent moxibustion is like "adding fuel to the fire", allowing the cold and dampness-dispelling components of the medicinal materials, such as Qianghuo and Duhuo, to penetrate the joint fascia more efficiently with the pure yang energy of moxibustion. For patients with severe symptoms in winter, where cold evil is deeply lurking and joints are stiff and painful, this "medicine and moxibustion synergy" can quickly break the "frozen" state of cold and dampness, allowing the joints to gradually recover from "severe pain and stiffness" to "blood circulation and flexibility". It deeply integrates traditional external treatment methods with Chinese medicine formulas, amplifying the effects of dispelling cold and dampness, unblocking meridians and relieving pain.

[0025] In the implementation of the case, the formula was verified by modern pharmacological research. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon twig can dilate local blood vessels in the joint, promote blood circulation, and relieve blood stasis caused by cold coagulation; gingerol in dried ginger can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6) in the synovial membrane of the joint, and reduce synovial swelling caused by cold and dampness; the alcohol extract of Lycopodium clavatum can improve the metabolism of articular chondrocytes and delay the degeneration of cartilage caused by cold and dampness obstruction. The synergistic effect of multiple components provides modern pharmacological support for joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction from multiple aspects such as improving microcirculation, anti-inflammation, and protecting joint structure, and realizes the integration and verification of traditional theory and modern research. Among them, multiple components synergistically construct a "three-dimensional pharmacological network." Cinnamaldehyde from cinnamon twig dilates blood vessels, revitalizing blood flow in the joint area that was previously "blocked" by cold stagnation, creating a "transport channel" for subsequent anti-inflammatory and repairing components. Gingerol from dried ginger precisely targets inflammatory factors such as TNF-α and IL-6, which are the "culprits" behind synovial swelling and pain caused by cold and dampness. Inhibiting them can quickly reduce joint redness, swelling, heat, and pain. The alcohol extract of *Lycopodium clavatum* targets articular cartilage. Long-term obstruction by cold and dampness can lead to "malnutrition and accelerated wear" of cartilage. The alcohol extract can regulate cartilage cell metabolism and promote cartilage regeneration. Bone matrix synthesis delays the vicious cycle of "cartilage degeneration-joint deformity." These three factors do not act in isolation, but rather work in a chain: "first improving blood circulation, then reducing inflammation, and finally repairing." Modern pharmacological experiments, through cell models and animal experiments, have clearly verified the target sites and synergistic mechanisms of each component. This allows the traditional Chinese medicine theory of "warming and dispelling dampness, clearing the meridians and relieving pain" in the formula to be interpreted in a modern scientific way as "vasodilation, inhibition of anti-inflammatory factors, and cartilage protection." This represents a leap from "empirical medication" to "dual verification of theory and pharmacology," providing a solid modern scientific basis for the promotion and application of the formula and further research and innovation.

[0026] When implementing the formula, the standard procedure for external application (preparation + application) is as follows: 1) First, prepare and process the medicinal materials: Accurately weigh the following medicinal materials according to the formula: cinnamon twigs (tender branches of the current year from Guiping City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, dried in the shade, leaves and tips removed and cut into sections), dried ginger (dried ginger from Qianwei, Sichuan, processed into prepared ginger), and lycopodium clavatum (cleaned, cut into sections and dried), etc., and prepare them according to the standard. 2) Then, the double extraction and concentration method is used to prepare the medicine: Take the processed medicinal materials, add 8 times the amount of water, soak for 1 hour, bring to a boil over high heat, then simmer over low heat for 40 minutes, filter the first decoction, add 6 times the amount of water, decoct for 30 minutes, combine the first and second decoctions, and concentrate under reduced pressure to make the density of the medicine solution reach 1.2 (measured at 60℃) to obtain the formula medicine solution; 3) Reheating and preparation for application: If the morning stiffness is aggravated, warm the medicine solution to 40-45℃; take a clean gauze, fold it into an appropriate size (to cover the joint), and soak it in the medicine solution until it is moist. 4) Final application and finishing touches: After washing up in the morning and before going to bed, cover the painful joint with gauze soaked in the medicine and keep the medicine moist for 20 minutes; after removing the gauze, clean the skin, observe the joint pain and flexion and extension, and record the effect and skin reaction.

[0027] In summary, this topical Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction utilizes a precise combination of herbs that warm and dispel cold-dampness, promote blood circulation, and strengthen tendons and bones. This forms a synergistic treatment system of "warming and dispersing + removing dampness + unblocking meridians + protecting bones," which can quickly relieve symptoms such as joint pain and stiffness, while also eliminating cold-dampness pathogens and improving blood circulation in the joints at the pathogenesis level. The standardized processing techniques and optimized preparation methods reduce the irritation of the herbs while improving transdermal efficiency, allowing the medicine to directly reach the lesion and avoiding gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral administration. It is particularly suitable for middle-aged and elderly patients, those with poor liver and kidney function, and those with sensitive skin suffering from joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction. The "double extraction and concentration method" involves first soaking and decocting the herbs in 8 times the amount of water, then decocting them again in 6 times the amount of water, combining the decompression and concentration. This retains the warming and dispersing components such as cinnamon twig volatile oil and enriches water-soluble active substances, improving the transdermal absorption rate and allowing the medicine to better exert its effects of dispelling cold-dampness, unblocking meridians, and relieving pain, thus meeting the treatment needs of joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction.

[0028] Furthermore, by following the three-element combination logic of "warming and unblocking + promoting blood circulation + removing dampness", a multi-layered and progressive three-dimensional treatment network is constructed. With cinnamon twig and dried ginger as the core for warming and unblocking, and herbs such as *Lycopodium clavatum* for soothing the meridians, promoting blood circulation and removing dampness, multiple drug pairs attack in layers to overcome cold and dampness obstruction. It works synergistically from multiple dimensions of warming and unblocking, promoting blood circulation and removing dampness, precisely targeting joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction, constructing a three-dimensional treatment system to comprehensively improve joint symptoms. By adopting the "double extraction and concentration method", it is first soaked and decocted with 8 times the amount of water, and then decocted again with 6 times the amount of water. After combining and depressurizing, it retains the warming and unblocking components such as cinnamon twig volatile oil, and enriches water-soluble active substances, improving the transdermal absorption rate of external application, allowing the drug to better exert its effects of dispelling cold and dampness, unblocking the meridians and relieving pain, and is suitable for the treatment needs of joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction.

[0029] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0030] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction, characterized in that: It includes the following ingredients: 10g of Ramulus Cinnamomi, 6g of Rhizoma Zingiberis, 12g of Herba Lycopodii, 12g of Herba Eupatorii, 10g of Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii, 10g of Radix Angelicae Pubescentis, 9g of Lignum Pini Nodi, 9g of Semen Sinapis Albae, 10g of Rhizoma Corydalis, 15g of Caulis Spatholobi and 10g of Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis; The Ramulus Cinnamomi: pungent and warm in nature, capable of warming and dredging the meridians, assisting the operation of yang qi, dispelling cold pathogens, and making the qi and blood in the joints blocked by cold-dampness unobstructed; The Rhizoma Zingiberis: hot in nature, warming the middle-jiao and dispelling cold, strengthening the power of dispelling deep-layer cold-dampness in the joints, and relieving pain and spasm caused by cold; The Herba Lycopodii: good at relaxing muscles and activating collaterals, relaxing cramped joints, improving limitation of flexion and extension, and helping the joints blocked by cold-dampness to recover mobility; The Herba Eupatorii: promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis and promoting diuresis to reduce swelling, capable of improving the swelling of joints caused by cold-damp stasis, and promoting the metabolism of qi, blood and body fluid; The Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii and the Radix Angelicae Pubescentis: the Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii is good at dispelling upper-layer cold-dampness, and the Radix Angelicae Pubescentis is good at removing lower-layer cold-dampness. With their synergistic effect, they can comprehensively dispel cold-dampness in the joint meridians; The Lignum Pini Nodi: expelling wind, removing dampness, dredging collaterals and relieving pain, aiming at the pain and limitation of flexion and extension of joints blocked by cold-dampness, and enhancing the effect of relieving pain and dredging collaterals; The Semen Sinapis Albae: warming and resolving cold phlegm, promoting qi and dissipating nodules, resolving the phlegm turbidity condensed locally in the joints due to cold-dampness, and reducing the heaviness and swelling of joints; The Rhizoma Corydalis: promoting blood circulation, activating qi and relieving pain, significantly relieving the pain of joints blocked by cold-dampness, and helpful for both stabbing pain and dull pain; The Caulis Spatholobi: promoting blood circulation and nourishing blood, relaxing muscles and activating collaterals. While warming and dredging cold, it nourishes the joint meridians, prevents cold-dampness from damaging blood, and makes qi and blood abundant to dredge arthralgia; The Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis: expelling wind-dampness, tonifying the liver and kidney, strengthening tendons and bones. When dispelling cold-dampness, it enhances the strength of joint tendons and bones, and prevents the joints from becoming weak due to damage by cold-dampness.

2. The topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: All the medicinal materials in the formula are processed according to the standard of genuine regional slices. For example, the Ramulus Cinnamomi is selected from the current-year tender branches produced in Guiping City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and after being dried in the shade, removing the leaf tips and then cut into sections; the Rhizoma Zingiberis is taken from the dried ginger produced in Qianwei, Sichuan and processed into prepared ginger to enhance the power of warming the middle-jiao and dispelling cold; the Herba Lycopodii is purified, cut into sections and dried to ensure the stable efficacy of relaxing muscles and activating collaterals. Through standardized processing, the synergistic effect of each medicinal material against the syndrome type of cold-dampness blocking arthralgia is enhanced.

3. The topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The formula follows the ternary compatibility logic of "warming and dredging + promoting blood circulation + removing dampness". Ramulus Cinnamomi and Rhizoma Zingiberis are the core medicinal pair for warming and dredging, using their pungent and warm nature to open the blocked arthralgia; the combination of Herba Lycopodii and Herba Eupatorii realizes "relaxing muscles to dredge collaterals, promoting blood circulation to disperse dampness", Rhizoma seu Radix Notopterygii and Radix Angelicae Pubescentis dispel upper and lower cold-dampness respectively, Lignum Pini Nodi and Semen Sinapis Albae dissipate phlegm nodules and benefit joints, Rhizoma Corydalis and Caulis Spatholobi promote blood circulation, nourish blood and relieve pain, Cortex Acanthopanacis Radicis strengthens tendons and provides protection. Multiple medicinal pairs progress step by step to construct a three-dimensional treatment network for the pain of joints blocked by cold-dampness.

4. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: When preparing the formula, the "double-extraction concentration method" is adopted. First, soak the medicinal materials with 8 times the amount of clear water for 1 hour, bring to a boil over high heat and then simmer for 40 minutes, and filter to obtain the first decoction; then decoct with 6 times the amount of clear water for 30 minutes for the second decoction, combine the decoctions and concentrate under reduced pressure to make the density of the medicinal liquid reach 1.2 (measured at 60 °C). This not only retains the warming and dredging effect of volatile components such as the volatile oil of Ramulus Cinnamomi, but also enriches water-soluble active substances, improving the transdermal absorption efficiency for external use.

5. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The formula is particularly suitable for the scenario of "joint pain due to cold and dampness - worsening in the morning". Because the cold and dampness worsen at night, the cold and dampness stagnate in the joints, and patients feel heaviness in their joints and have significant difficulty in flexion and extension when they wake up in the morning. After warming the medicinal liquid of this formula (40-45℃), apply it to the joints once in the morning after washing up and once before going to bed. Each time, cover the joints and keep the medicinal liquid moist for 20 minutes. The warming and unblocking properties can break the state of cold and dampness stagnation at night and improve the cycle of morning stiffness. At the same time, for the scenario of "joint pain aggravated by rainy weather", applying it 2 hours in advance can predictively dispel the invasion of damp and cold in the environment and block the pain triggering mechanism.

6. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The formula can be adjusted for "mild cases of cold-dampness obstruction with blood deficiency": When patients experience joint pain accompanied by pale nails and a sallow complexion (signs of blood deficiency but not severe anemia), add 10g of Angelica sinensis (processed with wine to enhance blood circulation and nourishment) to the formula. This works synergistically with Spatholobus suberectus to maintain the main principle of warming and dispelling dampness while replenishing blood deficiency, avoiding simple warming and drying that could damage the blood. For "patients with sensitive skin", adjust the dosage of Lycopus lucidus to 9g (to reduce the potential irritation from promoting blood circulation and diuresis), and add stir-fried white mustard seed after it turns yellow (to moderate its pungent and dispersing properties). Through the processing of the herbs and slight adjustments to the dosage, it can be safely used for people with special constitutions.

7. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The formula can be used in combination with "acupoint application therapy" for enhanced effect. Select local Ashi points, Dazhui, Zusanli, and Yanglingquan. Soak gauze (2-3mm thick) with the formula solution, cover the acupoints, heat to 40-45℃, and apply to the joints or acupoints. Cover with heat-insulating material. Alternatively, it can be used in conjunction with "moxibustion sequential therapy". First, apply the formula solution to the joint for 15 minutes. After the medicine has initially penetrated, use moxibustion sticks to perform moxibustion on 3 key acupoints around the joint (5 minutes per acupoint, with the temperature reaching the point of local redness). The heat of moxibustion and the medicinal power of traditional Chinese medicine work synergistically to enhance the effects of dispelling cold and dampness, clearing the meridians and relieving pain. It is especially suitable for severe patients during the winter cold and dampness obstruction period.

8. A topical traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating joint pain due to cold-dampness obstruction according to claim 1, characterized in that: The formula has been verified by modern pharmacological research. Cinnamaldehyde in cinnamon twigs can dilate local blood vessels in joints, promote blood circulation, and relieve blood stasis caused by cold coagulation; gingerol in dried ginger can inhibit the release of inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α and IL-6) in the synovial membrane, reducing synovial swelling caused by cold and dampness; the alcohol extract of Lycopodium clavatum can improve the metabolism of articular chondrocytes and delay cartilage degeneration caused by cold and dampness obstruction. The synergistic effect of multiple components provides modern pharmacological support for joint pain caused by cold and dampness obstruction from multiple aspects, including improving microcirculation, anti-inflammation, and protecting joint structure, realizing the integration and verification of traditional theory and modern research.

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