Huang Lian Tang for Anxiety and Back Pain in a Male Patient in His Twenties: A Case Study

Huang Lian Tang for Anxiety and Musculoskeletal Pain Relief

Huang Lian Tang for anxiety & back pain

Introduction

Huang Lian Tang (HLT), also known as Coptis-Goldthread Decoction, is a traditional Asian medicinal formula with centuries of use for treating various conditions, including anxiety, back pain, and digestive disorders. HLT comprises a complex blend of herbs with distinct properties, working synergistically to clear heat and toxins from the body, reduce inflammation, and promote overall well-being. It is particularly effective in addressing:

  • Anxiety: characterized by restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
  • Musculoskeletal pain: typically in the lower back, radiating down the legs, and worsening with prolonged sitting or standing.

Recent studies have demonstrated HLT’s efficacy in reducing anxiety symptoms and improving back pain function, leading to growing interest in its use for these conditions.

This case study explores the successful treatment of anxiety and back pain in a young male patient using the Huang Lian Tang formula.

Case Study

The patient, a 28-year-old male, presented with chief complaints of anxiety and lower back pain that had started concurrently several months prior. He described his anxiety symptoms as restlessness, difficulty concentrating, and irritability. The back pain radiated down his legs and worsened with prolonged sitting or standing.

His medical history was unremarkable, with no other significant conditions or medication use. Physical examination revealed no abnormalities.

Treatment

Dr. Kihyon Sohn, a licensed acupuncturist and herbalist in Beaverton, Oregon, HLT prescribed herbal granules to the patient, with instructions to take 5g each twice daily with warm water daily in the morning, afternoon, or evening on an empty stomach for two weeks.

Daily dosages for bulk use are as follows. 

ban xia 12g  

da zao 8g

huang lian 6g

sheng jiang 6g (instead of gan jiang)

rou gui 6g (instead of gui zhi)

gan cao 6g

Outcomes

After two weeks of treatment, the patient reported a significant improvement in his anxiety symptoms and a substantial reduction in back pain severity. He could now sit and stand for prolonged periods without discomfort.

Treatment continued for another two weeks, and by the end of the four-week course, the patient was completely free of both anxiety and back pain. He successfully discontinued HLT without experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.

Discussion

This case study demonstrates the effectiveness of HLT in treating anxiety and back pain in a young male patient. The response was rapid, complete, and sustainable. Although the precise mechanism of action remains unclear, HLT is believed to exert its effects through anti-inflammatory properties and by reducing heat and toxins within the body.

Conclusion

HLT presents as a safe and effective treatment option for anxiety and back pain in young male patients. Its rapid and complete effect, good tolerability, and ease of discontinuation make it a promising avenue for managing these conditions.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment recommendations.

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