News

Ancient Wisdom for Modern Pain: The Enduring Power of Herbal Plasters

Do you remember those aches and pains from your younger days? Maybe a sprained ankle from a pick-up basketball game, or a strained muscle from lifting something heavy. For many of us, growing up meant occasional trips to the doctor for these common mishaps. I vividly recall the throbbing pain of a twisted ankle after a particularly enthusiastic game of basketball. My parents would often take me to a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic, where a thick, dark herbal plaster would be applied to my ankle, then tightly wrapped with a bandage. The moment that cool plaster touched my skin, it brought immediate relief. And surprisingly, walking became much less painful. This mysterious dark patch sparked my curiosity about its effectiveness.

The Rich History of Herbal Plasters in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Herbal plasters, or Gao Yao (pronounced "gow-yow"), are a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, especially in treating musculoskeletal injuries. These dark plasters are more than just a remedy; they symbolize over 2,000 years of Chinese medical civilization, embodying the essence of various TCM formulations. Modern pharmacological research even suggests that herbal plasters offer superior absorption and therapeutic effects compared to other forms of medicine, particularly for conditions like neck, shoulder, back, and leg pain.

In TCM, plasters are one of the five major dosage forms, alongside pills, powders, pastes, elixirs, and decoctions. The term "Gao" literally refers to a viscous substance. Essentially, plasters are topical preparations that are solid, semi-solid, or semi-fluid at room temperature. They consist of medicinal ingredients combined with a base (though some traditional forms don't use a base). Ancient texts describe Gao as a thick, boiled paste or a glue-like substance, both accurately reflecting their unique texture.

The origins of these ancient topical remedies can be traced back thousands of years. Early records, like those found in the Classic of Mountains and Seas, describe using animal fats to protect skin from chapping – arguably the earliest form of a topical application. Later medical texts from the Warring States and Qin-Han dynasties, such as The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic and Shennong Ben Cao Jing, include detailed accounts of plasters. The Yellow Emperor's Inner Classic mentions using "pig fat" for treating boils, suggesting its application directly to the affected area for healing. These early plasters were typically soft ointments made with pig fat as a base.

As dynasties changed and daily life presented its share of aches and pains, along with injuries from conflicts, the use of herbal remedies became widespread. The production of plasters also grew. By the Wei-Jin period, with the rise of alchemy, dark herbal plasters began to appear. During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, these preparations were known as "Gao Fang" or "Bo," and by the Tang Dynasty, the term "Mo Gao" (rubbing plaster) was also used. Historical accounts from the Tang Dynasty describe a high-ranking official's wife successfully treating a carbuncle with an herbal plaster.

The preparation of dark herbal plasters continued to improve throughout the Tang and Song dynasties, leading to their widespread adoption. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the Tang Dynasty's "Jian" (decoction) evolved into "Gao Zi" or "Gao," encompassing a wider range of plaster types and making them a common form of medication. This period saw a significant increase in the variety of plasters available. Over time, the application of plasters expanded beyond external ailments to include internal conditions as well. The Qing Dynasty physician Wu Shiji, in his Theoretical Compendium, provided extensive discussions on the formulations, applications, and preparation techniques of plasters, even introducing new types like white plasters and rosin plasters.

In earlier times in Taiwan, fueled by a societal need for self-defense, martial arts schools flourished. These martial arts masters often doubled as healers, with dark herbal plasters being their go-to remedy for injuries. While numerous methods existed for making these plasters, there was no unified standard.

Herbal plasters offer a broad range of applications due to their unique consistency. They boast several advantages: a high concentration of active ingredients, slow release, long-lasting effects, and targeted local efficacy. As the renowned physician Xu Lingtai noted, "The plasters used today, which the ancients called 'Bo Tie' (thin patches), primarily serve two purposes: one for treating superficial conditions, and another for internal conditions. For superficial conditions, such as drawing out pus, reducing pain, promoting tissue regeneration, and protecting wounds, thin plasters that are changed daily are recommended. For internal conditions, such as expelling wind and cold, harmonizing qi and blood, resolving phlegm and stagnation, or strengthening muscles and bones, the formulas are highly effective, and the herbs are adjusted according to the illness. These plasters should be thicker and applied for longer durations."

In recent years, the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) guidelines has standardized the production of dark herbal plasters. This means strict adherence to regulations for raw material screening, manufacturing process control, and quality assurance. Under GMP, the quality of these traditional plasters has significantly improved, providing both practitioners and patients with greater confidence and peace of mind.

Discover the TAIYUN PHARMACEUTICAL Difference

TAIYUN PHARMACEUTICAL is dedicated to bringing the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine to you. Our products, including RejuveEase, Pain Relief Patches, External Herbal Plasters, and Herbal Balms, are crafted with your well-being in mind. We are committed to providing high-quality, effective solutions for your aches and pains.

Interested in Partnering with TAIYUN PHARMACEUTICAL?

TAIYUN PHARMACEUTICAL is actively seeking agents and distributors across the United States. If you are a U.S.-based individual or company interested in offering premium, GMP-certified Traditional Chinese Medicine products to your customers, we invite you to learn more about our innovative product lines and partnership opportunities. We believe in the power of these ancient remedies, backed by modern quality standards, and are eager to expand our reach with dedicated partners.

Contact TAIYUN PHARMACEUTICAL today to explore how you can join us in bringing effective, natural pain relief to communities nationwide.