Use of the formula according to Traditional Chinese Medicine:

• nourishes yin and Qi
• increases body fluids (Jin Ye)
• clears both empty and full heat
• harmonises glucose levels and reduces the likelihood of diabetes (Xiao Ke) progression

Description:

Have you ever wondered if there is an easy way other than a laboratory test to find out if your blood sugar level is too high? Probably not. Surprisingly, even in ancient times, Chinese doctors recognised this condition using a simple test: by urinating on a stone, they would check whether ants were attracted to the sweet urine... And not only that, Chinese doctors also noticed thirst as an accompanying symptom, and so they collectively named these symptoms the Xiao Ke syndrome (wasting and thirsting). Nowadays, this is a very insidious, serious and common disease. It is estimated that approximately 300 million people worldwide suffer from impaired glucose tolerance (IGT – a “pre-stage” of diabetes); 25% to 75% of them will develop type II diabetes within ten years. At the time of diagnosis, half of them will have tissue damage and all will have an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease.

From the perspective of TCM, most cases of Xiao Ke manifest as a deficiency of Qi and yin energy. For example, thirst is a consequence of yin insufficiently balancing yang energy, much like when there is not enough water to cool a fire, leading to excessive heat. This manifests as thirst in the upper burner, “voracious appetite” in the middle burner and increased urination in the lower burner.

Jiang Tang Wan is a formula that helps address this condition: it nourishes yin and Qi, generates body fluids and thus helps maintain glucose levels. Ginseng root is one of the most famous Chinese herbs and strongly replenishes Qi. In the formula, it is assisted by Astragalus root, which also provides immunomodulation and supports immune functions, Atractylodes, American Ginseng and Liquorice, which also strengthen and harmonise digestion. Furthermore, both types of Ginseng generate fluids in a “parched” organism. They are assisted in this by Ophiopogon and Stemona – they quench thirst and also clear heat. Polygonatum tonifies the kidneys, nourishes yin and moistens the lungs, Schisandra fruit simultaneously prevents the loss of what we have replenished, and Kudzu root generates fluids and also suppresses thirst. Rehmannia “replenishes fluids”; in addition, it is the most significant tonic for the kidneys – the source and root of all yin in the body. The two “yellows” – Coptis and Rhubarb – clear heat. Our composition of the formula is exceptional precisely because of the addition of American Ginseng, Stemona and Rehmannia, which has further deepened the effect of the formula and extended it to all three burners.

Indications:

• thirst, need to drink a lot of water
• dry mouth
• polyuria – frequent and abundant urination
• nocturnal urination
• voracious appetite and constant feeling of hunger
• weight changes – weight loss or weight gain
• tendency towards constipation
• fatigue, exhaustion
• afternoon, night or spontaneous sweating
• heat of the five hearts (heart area, palms and soles of the feet)
• dry skin, itchy skin

Modern use:

• impaired glucose tolerance
• compensated type II diabetes mellitus

Tongue:

• various
• mostly red
• may be without coating or with a small amount of coating

Pulse:

• usually xi
• xu
• ruo (fine, empty, weak)
• possibly shu
• hua (rapid, slippery) depending on the degree of heat

Contraindications:

• none known

Notes:

• Adherence to diet and lifestyle changes are essential for treatment!
• Never arbitrarily discontinue medication prescribed by a doctor!
• If you are taking other medicines, consult your therapist or doctor before use.
• Jian Tang Wan is a tonic, and therefore it usually takes some time (2 to 3 months) for its effects to be fully manifested.
• A meta-analysis of eight studies from 2009 showed that in individuals using Chinese herbal medicines in combination with lifestyle modifications, there was more than twice the probability that their fasting plasma glucose levels would return to normal values (i.e., fasting plasma glucose <7.8 mmol/l and 2-hour glycaemia <11.1 mmol/l) compared to lifestyle modification alone. Individuals who received Chinese herbs also had a lower probability of diabetes progression during the duration of the study.

Formula composition: