Quickly Feel Better: An Updated Herbal Remedy for Prostatitis
Mr. Wang, a 58-year-old male, came in with symptoms including difficulty urinating, frequent and painful urination, and a persistent sensation of incomplete urination. He experienced a burning feeling in the urethra and noted yellowish urine that had persisted for over a month. A B-mode ultrasound at a local hospital confirmed a diagnosis of prostatitis. He was initially prescribed common medications including Qian Lie Xin and Qian Lie Kang, but these had limited effect.
Based on tongue and pulse observations — red tongue, slightly greasy yellow coating, and a soft, rapid pulse — his condition was diagnosed as “damp-heat sinking into the lower burner.” The treatment principle focused on clearing damp-heat, reducing inflammation, and promoting urine flow.
A Personalized Ba Zheng San Formula That Delivered Results
The physician adapted the classic formula known as Ba Zheng San for Wang’s specific symptoms. Below are the ingredients used:
- **Plantago Seed (Che Qian Zi, 10g)**
- **Akebia Stem (Mu Tong, 6g)**
- **Knotweed (Bian Xu, 10g)**
- **Talc (Hua Shi, 10g)**
- **Dianthus (Qu Mai, 10g)**
- **Gardenia Fruit (Zhi Zi, 10g)**
- **Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai, 10g)**
- **Smilax Glabra (Tu Fu Ling, 10g)**
- **Pyrrosia Leaf (Shi Wei, 10g)**
- **Imperata Root (Bai Mao Gen, 30g)**
- **Honeysuckle Flower (Jin Yin Hua, 15g)**
- **Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying, 30g)**
- **Houttuynia (Yu Xing Cao, 30g)**
- **Licorice Root (Gan Cao, 6g)**
*Note: When using **Ginkgo biloba seeds (Bai Guo)** in any formula, make sure to **remove the inner germ** (embryo) and avoid **long-term or excessive consumption**, due to potential toxicity.*
This updated Ba Zheng San formula was prescribed as one decoction daily. Mr. Wang also avoided spicy foods during treatment.
Visible Improvements in Just 8 Treatments
After taking 8 doses, Wang reported significant relief: his burning pain during urination greatly reduced, the urine became lighter in color, and he could urinate more smoothly. With slight adjustments to the formula, an additional 6 doses resolved the remaining symptoms completely.
Why Ba Zheng San Works So Well for Damp-Heat Conditions
Ba Zheng San is a classical formula originating from the
Formulary of the Bureau of People’s Welfare Pharmacy during the Song Dynasty. Traditionally composed of Bian Xu, Qu Mai, Che Qian Zi, Hua Shi, Zhi Zi, Da Huang, Gan Cao, and Deng Xin Cao, its action centers on clearing heat, draining dampness from the bladder, and relieving difficult urination (Ref: The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic, translated version, p. 227).
In modern clinical use, customized modifications of Ba Zheng San have shown significant benefit in treating urological conditions driven by damp-heat syndromes (PubMed, PMID:
34123618).
Expert Insight: Modern Application, Proven Tradition
Clinicians often adapt Ba Zheng San to the patient's unique symptoms to target underlying causes like inflammation and urinary tract discomfort. In Mr. Wang’s case and many similar ones, it’s not just about treating the symptoms—it’s about rebalancing internal conditions holistically. This adaptogenic approach has produced high clinical success rates across multiple case studies (PubMed, PMID:
34509843).
Safety Note
Please make sure to follow your licensed TCM practitioner’s dosage instructions. While these herbs are natural, their effects can be potent. Some ingredients, like Ginkgo biloba seeds or Mu Tong, require careful sourcing and dosing to avoid side effects or long-term risks (PubMed, PMID:
32649831).
The Smart Takeaway
Combining millennia-old herbal wisdom with modern clinical insights, a personalized Ba Zheng San formula can offer targeted relief for prostatitis symptoms—especially those driven by the common Chinese medicine pattern of damp-heat in the lower body.
(PMID: 34123618) – "Adapted Ba Zheng San formula improves lower urinary tract symptoms linked to inflammation."
(PMID: 34509843) – "Traditional formulas modified by symptom pattern show significant improvements in chronic prostatitis cases."
(PMID: 32649831) – "Herbal ingredient safety in TCM urinary tract treatments: parameters for safe use."
Quick Self-Test & Fast Fix
If you're experiencing: burning urination →
immediately avoid spicy foods.
If: urine feels hot or incomplete →
brew 1 cup of corn silk + 5g dandelion as a temporary support.
If: symptoms persist for more than 3 days →
consult a licensed TCM practitioner and consider a tailored Ba Zheng San variation.
For informational purposes only. Please consult a qualified practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) before use.
