The invention discloses a traditional Chinese medicine formula for treating rheumatoid arthritis. The formula is prepared from the following raw materials in parts by weight: 0.2 to 0.8 part of musk, 1 to 3 parts of aconitum kusnezoffii, 0.5 to 1 parts of scorpion, 1 to 3 parts of dahurian angelica root, 0.5 to 1 part of ground beetle, 2 to 3 parts of taxillus chinensis, 2 to 3 parts of fructus xanthii, 2 to 3 parts of helwingia japonica, 2 to 4 parts of honeysuckle flower, 1 to 3 parts of rubia maillardi, 2 to 4 parts of bark of cercis chinensis, 2 to 3 parts of rhizoma dioscoreae nipponicae, 2 to 4 parts of caesalpinia cucullata, 4 to 6 parts of corydalis amabilis, 2 to 3 parts of cortex periplocae, 2 to 3 parts of cortex acanthopanacis, 30 to 40 parts of plant oil, and 15 to 20 parts of yellow lead. The traditional Chinese medicine formula has the functions of dispelling wind, removing dampness, soothing muscle, freeing collaterals, relieving exterior syndrome, dissipating cold, removing stasis, relieving pain, restoring yang, activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and strengthening bones and muscles, can be made into plaster, which can be pasted on the affected part, and has a good and quick effect on treating rheumatoid arthritis.