My shoulder has been aching for months. Which ointment should I try?

Chronic shoulder pain (frozen shoulder, rotator cuff strain) is suited for black herbal ointment (Wei Yi An). Its blood-activating formula improves local circulation and supports tissue repair over time. Apply 4-8 hours daily for several weeks. Free pharmacist consultation before purchase.

Can I use these ointments if I have arthritis?

During a flare with heat and swelling: yellow ointment (San Huang Gao). Between flares with chronic stiffness: black ointment (Wei Yi An). These complement but do not replace medical treatment for arthritis.

How long before I see results?

Acute conditions: green balm provides comfort within first few applications. Chronic conditions: black ointment (Wei Yi An) works cumulatively — most people notice improvement after 2-4 weeks of consistent daily use (4-8 hours per application).

Can I use herbal ointment after knee surgery?

Do not apply to surgical wounds, stitches or broken skin. Once wound is fully healed (typically 4-6 weeks post-surgery), herbal ointment may be used on surrounding soft tissue. Consult surgeon or physical therapist first.

Where can I buy Taiwanese herbal ointments internationally?

TAIYUN ships internationally to the US, Malaysia, Singapore and other countries. Not sold on retail platforms. Contact pharmacist via WhatsApp https://wa.me/message/IOR3XAXSPBKIA1 or Line @typhd for free pre-purchase consultation.

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Q: What are the three types of traditional Taiwanese herbal ointment?

Three types: Black Ointment (Hei Gao / Wei Yi An) for chronic soft tissue injuries and deep pain; Green Herbal Balm (Qing Cao Gao / Su Yi An) for acute sprains in recovery and muscle soreness; Yellow Ointment (San Huang Gao) for burns, bruises, insect bites and acute inflammation with redness.

Q: I twisted my ankle two days ago — can I use herbal ointment now?

After 48 hours when acute swelling and heat have started to subside, green herbal balm (Su Yi An) is appropriate. First 24-48 hours: RICE method first. See a doctor if fracture or ligament damage is suspected.

date:

03.2023.30

Understanding Traditional Taiwanese Herbal Ointments: A Natural Approach to Pain Relief

For many Americans over 40 experiencing persistent body pain, the quest for effective and gentle relief is ongoing. While Western medicine offers many solutions, traditional approaches can provide complementary or alternative options. In Taiwan, a rich history of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), particularly in orthopedic external applications, has led to the development of unique herbal ointments. These time-tested remedies, rooted in centuries of wisdom, offer a natural perspective on managing discomfort.

This article delves into the fascinating history and benefits of these distinctive Taiwanese herbal ointments, such as Black Ointment (Hei Gao), Green Herb Ointment (Qing Cao Gao), and Yellow Ointment (Huang Gao). They've been used for generations to address a variety of concerns, including fractures, sprains, and swelling. Our goal is to shed light on these traditional remedies in a way that's easy to understand and relevant to your everyday life.

The Evolution of Taiwanese Orthopedic Herbal Ointments

The story of orthopedic TCM in Taiwan stretches back to the late 17th century, during the Dutch colonial period. Even then, traditional healing practices held significant sway among the local population (Chen, 2006). As large numbers of Han Chinese immigrants arrived in Taiwan in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, a unique medical system began to flourish, giving rise to various external herbal applications. By the early 20th century, with Taiwan's economic growth, the study of orthopedic TCM gained more attention, further developing and preserving these valuable herbal ointments (Zheng, 2014).

Spotlight on Key Taiwanese Herbal Ointments

Let's explore some of the most prominent traditional Taiwanese herbal ointments and what makes them unique.

Black Ointment (Hei Gao)

Black Ointment is a cornerstone of Taiwanese orthopedic TCM. Its primary ingredients often include frankincense, myrrh, silkworm, divaricate saposhnikovia root, earthworm, and centipede. These ingredients are traditionally known for their properties that help invigorate blood circulation, reduce swelling, and alleviate pain (Zhang, 2008).

This ointment is widely used for conditions like bruises, sprains, arthritis, and nerve pain, offering notable therapeutic benefits (Wang, 2013). What truly sets Black Ointment apart is its ability to soothe localized pain, improve blood flow, and promote tissue repair. It's a highly valued tool in Taiwanese TCM orthopedic practice (Yang, 2015).

Green Herb Ointment (Qing Cao Gao)

Originating from Taiwanese folk medicine, Green Herb Ointment is a highly effective traditional herbal external application. Its main components typically include peppermint, agastache, mugwort, licorice, and scutellaria. These herbs are traditionally believed to clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and pain, and activate blood circulation in the channels and collaterals (Zhang, 2011).

Green Herb Ointment is broadly applied to treat sprains, muscle strains, and rheumatic arthritis, with significant effects in reducing swelling and pain (Liu, 2017). Since its active ingredients are largely derived from natural botanicals, it's considered to have fewer side effects, making it a widely promoted and utilized treatment in Taiwanese orthopedic TCM (Chen, 2019).

Yellow Ointment (Huang Gao)

Yellow Ointment is another distinctive Taiwanese orthopedic TCM external application. Its key ingredients often include gentian, phellodendron, white peony, ligusticum striatum, and cinnamon twig. These ingredients are traditionally associated with dispelling wind and dampness, invigorating channels and blood, and reducing swelling and pain (Gao, 2009).

Yellow Ointment is extensively used for conditions such as rheumatic arthritis, lumbar muscle strain, and gout, effectively easing pain symptoms and promoting the recovery of joint function (Li, 2015). Due to its remarkable efficacy and favorable safety profile, it is widely used and highly regarded in Taiwanese orthopedic TCM treatments (Wu, 2016).

The Future of Traditional Taiwanese Herbal Ointments

The unique regional characteristics and excellent therapeutic effects of Taiwanese orthopedic herbal ointments have garnered increasing attention from both scholars and patients worldwide. The research and application of Black Ointment, Green Herb Ointment, and Yellow Ointment have not only significantly contributed to the advancement of orthopedic TCM in Taiwan but also offer valuable insights and experiences for the global development of this field.

To ensure these external herbal applications can better serve a broader patient population, continued efforts in research and application are essential. Future studies should focus on exploring the therapeutic mechanisms and efficacy of these ointments to further optimize their formulations and application strategies.

What are the three types of traditional Taiwanese herbal ointment and what is each used for?

Taiwan's traditional TCM orthopedic ointments come in three main types, each for a different stage or type of pain: (1) Black Ointment (Hei Gao / Wei Yi An) — deep-penetrating, blood-activating formula for chronic soft tissue injuries, old sprains, tendonitis, and stubborn pain that doesn't respond to surface treatments. (2) Green Herbal Balm (Qing Cao Gao / Su Yi An) — cooling herbal formula for acute sprains in recovery, muscle soreness, and general aches. (3) Yellow Ointment (Huang Gao / San Huang Gao) — cooling, anti-inflammatory formula for burns, bruises, insect bites, and acute injuries with visible redness and swelling. Choosing the right type matters as much as choosing any pain product.

My shoulder has been aching for months and nothing seems to help. Which ointment should I try?

Chronic shoulder pain lasting months — particularly conditions like frozen shoulder, rotator cuff strain, or persistent soft tissue tightness — falls into the category that black herbal ointment (Wei Yi An) is specifically designed for. Standard cooling patches address surface sensations; they don't improve the underlying circulation and tissue environment in a chronically strained shoulder. Wei Yi An's blood-activating formula works to improve local circulation and support tissue repair over time. Apply for 4–8 hours daily over several weeks. Free pharmacist consultation available to confirm suitability before purchase.

I twisted my ankle two days ago — can I use herbal ointment now?

After 48 hours, if the acute swelling and heat have started to subside, you can begin using green herbal balm (Su Yi An). In the first 24–48 hours after an ankle sprain, the standard recommendation is RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) — not herbal ointment, as applying anything too early may increase circulation before the initial bleeding has fully stopped. Once the heat and visible swelling begin to reduce, green herbal balm is appropriate for the recovery phase, providing cooling comfort and supporting circulation recovery. If there is any concern about fracture or ligament damage, see a doctor first.

Can I use these ointments if I have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis?

Yes, but the right type depends on the current state of your joints. During a flare-up with visible heat and swelling, yellow ointment (San Huang Gao) is more appropriate — its anti-inflammatory direction is suited for the acute phase. Between flares, when joints are chronically stiff and achy without active swelling, black ointment (Wei Yi An) may be better suited for supporting local circulation and reducing chronic stagnation. These ointments complement — but do not replace — medical treatment for arthritis. Consult our pharmacist for guidance specific to your situation.

Are TAIYUN herbal ointments regulated? How do I know they are safe?

All TAIYUN products are licensed pharmaceutical products approved by Taiwan's government health authority (Department of Health / Ministry of Health and Welfare), manufactured under pharmaceutical GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards. Each product has a government-issued approval number, complete ingredient disclosure, and is supervised by a licensed pharmacist. This is a significantly higher regulatory standard than most herbal wellness products sold as supplements or cosmetics in Western markets.

How long do I need to use the ointment before I see results?

For acute conditions (recent sprain, muscle soreness), green herbal balm typically provides noticeable comfort within the first few applications. For chronic conditions (long-term soft tissue injuries, tendonitis, chronic back or shoulder pain), black herbal ointment (Wei Yi An) works cumulatively — most people report meaningful improvement after 2–4 weeks of consistent daily use (4–8 hours per application). It is not designed for immediate one-time relief. The more consistently you apply it, the more the local tissue environment improves. Think of it like physiotherapy — results build over time.

Can I use herbal ointment on my knee after surgery or an injury?

Post-surgical use depends on the stage of recovery and whether the wound is fully closed. Do not apply any herbal ointment to a surgical wound, stitches, or broken skin. Once the surgical wound is fully healed (typically 4–6 weeks post-surgery, depending on the procedure), herbal ointment may be used on the surrounding soft tissue to support the chronic recovery phase. Always consult your surgeon or physical therapist before introducing any topical product post-surgery. Contact our pharmacist for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

Where can I buy these Taiwanese herbal ointments internationally?

TAIYUN Pharmaceutical ships internationally to the United States, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries. Products are not sold through retail platforms or online marketplaces due to Taiwan pharmaceutical regulations. To purchase, contact our pharmacist directly via WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/IOR3XAXSPBKIA1 or Line: @typhd. We provide a free pre-purchase consultation to help you identify the right product for your specific condition before you order.

About the Author — TAIYUN Pharmaceutical, Pharmacist Supervised

This article is written and reviewed by TAIYUN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based company specializing in traditional TCM topical ointments. All products are pharmacist supervised, Made in Taiwan, GMP-certified, with complete ingredient disclosure. Free pharmacist consultation before purchase.

■ Free Pre-Purchase Pharmacist Consultation

WhatsApp: Click to consult | Line: Click to consult | Tel: +886-37-867197

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