Western and Chinese medicine have different perspectives on the nature and presentation of abscesses, but they can both be useful in effectively helping patients.
In Chinese medicine, one of the primary ways that practitioners address abscesses is with medicinal herbs that fortify the body’s own abilities to heal the abscess. Two herbs important to this process are Pu Gong Ying and Zi Hua Di Ding.
Abscesses: Western and Chinese Medicine Perspectives
In western medicine, abscesses are the result of a bacterial infection, and this can occur anywhere in the body, from the skin to deep within the organs. In response to a progressing bacterial infection, the body creates a wall-like barrier around the infection site that traps the bacteria. While this isolates the pathogen, it also makes it difficult to treat the problem with antibiotics. In many cases, mechanical removal (surgery) of an abscess is required.
Chinese medicine has been around for thousands of years, long before the concept of bacteria was understood. However, practitioners have long recognized the presence of abscesses and ascribe them to the presence of toxic heat. In Chinese medicine, heat can act as a pathological state on the body, especially if there is an excess degree of heat. Toxic heat is worse, suggesting that the underlying heat state is resulting from another pathological factor.
How Can Chinese Herbs Like Pu Gong Ying and Zi Hua Di Ding Help With Abscesses?
Medicinal herbs are used to treat a variety of health conditions in Chinese medicine. For abscesses, various herbs are used to target pathogenic masses and clear them. Pu Gong Ying and Zi Hua Di Ding are considered two of the most effective in abscesses.
Pu Gong Ying is a cold herb that enters through the liver and stomach channels into the body. The herb is effective at reducing all types of abscesses but is especially effective in breast and intestinal abscesses.
Zi Hua Di Ding is another cold herb and one that enters through the liver channel. It is indicated for use in sores and abscesses arising from toxic heat and is thought to be a powerful detoxifying agent.
Together, these herbs can resolve the underlying pathogenic states leading to abscesses, including recurring abscesses that are not effectively treated with medication.