Herbal remedies for chronic cholecystitis

Chronic cholecystitis is categorized as “coercive pain” (pain in the area of coercion and ribs) in Chinese medicine. This disease is mostly related to factors such as liver depression and stagnation of qi, blood stasis and obstruction of collaterals, etc. According to the diagnosis, we can choose formulas such as Chai Hu Shuo Liver Essence and Hematophagus and Blood Stasis Dispelling Soup for the treatment of this disease. 1. Chaihu Shu Hepatosan: This formula is composed of Chaihu, Paeoniae Alba, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, Citrus aurantium, Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, etc. It has the effect of dispersing the liver, regulating the qi and relieving pain, and can be used in the treatment of Liver Depression and Stagnation of Qi, which is characterized by distention and pain in the chest and hypochondrium, uncertainty of movement, fullness of the chest and abdomen, and belching (hiccups). When using this formula, it should be noted that it is pungent, warm and dry, easily injuring yin and depleting qi, and should not be taken for a long time. 2. Hematopoietic Stasis-Expelling Soup: This formula is composed of Angelica sinensis, Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata, peach kernel, safflower, Citrus aurantium dulcis, Cortex Pseudostellariae, Bupleurum Chinense, Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong, etc. It has the effect of activating blood circulation and removing blood stasis and clearing the channels to alleviate pain and can be used in treating stagnant blood and stasis obstruction, which is manifested as thoracic and hypochondriac stabbing pain, pain in a fixed place, and purple darkness and petechiae in tongue. It should be noted that this formula is contraindicated for pregnant women. Patients with chronic cholecystitis are advised to go to regular hospitals for treatment under the guidance of professional physicians.