the Use and Effects of Niuhuang Wan for Insomnia and Sweaty Hands

Q: the Use and Effects of Niuhuang Wan for Insomnia and Sweaty Hands

Hello Bryan： 1. Some ingredients in Niuhuang Wan contain realgar and cinnabar. If not prepared according to traditional methods, they can have toxic side effects. It's advisable to consult your TCM practitioner for further guidance. However, if there are no ad

Dosage of Niuhuang Wan (Cattle Gallstone Pill)

Hello, doctor.
I originally had a condition similar to palmar hyperhidrosis, with dry hands that were slightly cracked and had a stinging sensation.
After seeing many dermatologists with no results, I consulted a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner and took several packets of herbal medicine.
My hands started to sweat, and I couldn't find the reason for it.
Naturally, I stopped visiting that TCM practitioner because he also said it was unlikely for my hands to start sweating.
I considered myself unlucky and began self-help measures.
Later, my insomnia worsened; I started with light sleep, waking easily, and having many dreams, and recently I've had difficulty falling asleep.
I feel very tired and lack sleep.
I consulted another TCM practitioner who recommended taking Niuhuang Wan, suggesting I take 2-3 pills a day.
Previously, it was effective in making me feel sleepy.
I took it for five days, one pill in the morning and one at night, and it worked well, but later I still had difficulty falling asleep and often woke up easily.
Recently, I took Niuhuang Wan again, but after taking three pills last night, I still couldn't sleep.
I've also been taking Suanzaoren Tang, a scientific herbal remedy.
Over the past six months, I've taken a lot of herbal medicine prescribed by TCM practitioners (to regulate my liver, heart, and gastrointestinal issues, and to address my sensitivity to cold; the doctor mentioned kidney deficiency).
My hand sweating has stabilized somewhat and is less frequent, and I've also been applying herbal topical solutions from another source.
My work is stressful, and I've been trying to manage it myself.
I would like to ask about Niuhuang Wan; the TCM practitioner said I could take 4-6 pills a day and that it could be used long-term depending on the situation.
Is that true? I really want to improve my health.
I feel that Suanzaoren Tang doesn't have much of a calming effect; could it be because I've been changing medications? Occasionally, the doctor has added to my prescription, and I've also bought a jar of Suanzaoren to try taking it for a month.
A year ago, I occasionally took Lorazepam 1-2 times a week if I couldn't sleep.
This week, I haven't been able to sleep almost every day.
I know my work is exhausting, and I've been trying to relax, but for 3-4 days this week, I've relied on Xanax to fall asleep.
This medication was given to me by my mother, but it makes me very tired during the day.
I switched to Lorazepam yesterday and finally managed to sleep.
The doctor said Lorazepam has almost no side effects; is that true? What should I do? I've been making an effort to exercise and practice abdominal breathing.
Sorry for talking too much; could you please advise me? My current issues are severe insomnia, but my hand sweating has improved a bit.
Thank you for your help!

Bryan, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/07/29

Dr. Yang Junkui reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Hello Bryan:
1.
Some ingredients in Niuhuang Wan contain realgar and cinnabar.
If not prepared according to traditional methods, they can have toxic side effects.
It's advisable to consult your TCM practitioner for further guidance.
However, if there are no adverse reactions from long-term use, it still needs to be confirmed by a TCM physician.
2.
For severe insomnia, in addition to self-adjustment efforts, it's important to seek help from a TCM practitioner to adjust your constitution.
The five internal organs can affect sleep, and it is necessary to consider the balance of yin and yang, deficiency and excess, as well as qi and blood circulation to thoroughly resolve the issue.
Additionally, abdominal breathing is a great technique; you can practice it before bed with your hands placed on your lower abdomen to guide qi and blood circulation.
If general exercise does not help with sleep, consider yoga to enhance relaxation, which can be beneficial for insomnia.
3.
Follow your Western physician's advice regarding the use of sleeping pills, and do not self-medicate to avoid strong side effects the next day.

Reply Date: 2012/07/29

More Info

The concerns you have regarding insomnia and excessive sweating, particularly in the context of using Niuhuang Wan and other medications, are quite common, especially among individuals dealing with stress and anxiety. Let's break down your situation and the medications involved.

Understanding Niuhuang Wan:
Niuhuang Wan is a traditional Chinese medicine that is often used for various conditions, including insomnia and anxiety. It is believed to have calming properties and is used to clear heat and toxins from the body. The ingredients typically include cow bile, which is thought to have a cooling effect on the body, potentially helping with symptoms like excessive sweating and anxiety.

Dosage and Long-term Use:
You mentioned that your practitioner suggested taking 4 to 6 pills of Niuhuang Wan daily. While traditional Chinese medicine often emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment, it's crucial to monitor how your body responds to any medication, especially when considering long-term use. Niuhuang Wan is generally considered safe for short-term use, but its long-term effects are less well-studied. Therefore, it's advisable to consult with your healthcare provider about the duration and dosage that would be appropriate for your specific condition.

Insomnia and Sleep Quality:
You noted that you have been experiencing difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, which can be exacerbated by stress and anxiety. The use of other herbal remedies like sour jujube seed (酸棗仁) is common in traditional Chinese medicine for promoting sleep. However, the effectiveness of these remedies can vary based on individual body constitution and the presence of other underlying health issues. If you find that the sour jujube seed is not providing the desired effect, it might be beneficial to discuss this with your practitioner to adjust the formulation or dosage.

Pharmaceuticals and Their Impact:
You also mentioned using Lorazepam and Xanax, both of which are benzodiazepines. While these medications can be effective for short-term management of anxiety and insomnia, they come with potential side effects, including daytime drowsiness, fatigue, and dependency. It's important to use these medications under strict medical supervision, especially if you find yourself relying on them frequently. Your experience of feeling tired and having weak legs could be related to the sedative effects of these medications.

Managing Stress and Anxiety:
Given that you are under significant stress at work, incorporating stress management techniques can be beneficial. Practices such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and regular physical exercise can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality. You mentioned that you are already engaging in abdominal breathing exercises, which is excellent. Continuing to develop these relaxation techniques can provide additional support alongside any herbal or pharmaceutical treatments.

Conclusion and Recommendations:
1. Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Before making any changes to your medication regimen, including the dosage of Niuhuang Wan or the use of benzodiazepines, consult with your healthcare provider. They can help you assess the risks and benefits based on your current health status.

2. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your sleep patterns, stress levels, and any side effects you experience from medications. This information can be valuable for your healthcare provider in tailoring your treatment plan.

3. Explore Alternative Therapies: Consider discussing other therapeutic options with your healthcare provider, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), which has proven effective for many individuals struggling with sleep issues.

4. Lifestyle Modifications: Continue to focus on stress management techniques and ensure you maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet and regular exercise.

By taking a comprehensive approach to your health, you can work towards alleviating your symptoms of insomnia and excessive sweating while minimizing the risks associated with long-term medication use.

Similar Q&A

Understanding the Use and Risks of Si Ni Tang in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Dr. Lin, I recently visited a traditional Chinese medicine clinic near my home to help regulate my kidney yin and yang functions. A while ago, I was told that my body had excessive coldness in the kidneys, so the practitioner prescribed a formula of Shen Qi Wan and Si Ni Ta...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Jeff, the online user: Hello, 1. "Si Ni Tang" is a warming herbal formula in Traditional Chinese Medicine, originating from the "Treatise on Cold Damage" (Shang Han Lun). It consists of three herbal ingredients: Aconite (Fu Zi), Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), and H...

Managing Excess Dampness in the Body: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Hello, doctor. Recently, I visited a nearby traditional Chinese medicine clinic to address my body's excessive dampness, facial oiliness, and scalp health. The doctor prescribed the following formulas: - Ganlu Xiaodu Dan 3g - Zhuye Shigao Tang 3g - Jingjie Lianqiao Tang 3g...

Dr. Zhang Weidong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello, A-Zheng. I have listed the main effects of various herbal formulas for you as follows: they primarily clear heat from the lungs, stomach, and kidneys, while also nourishing yin, moistening dryness, cooling the blood, and nourishing the blood. In simpler terms, this means r...

Improving Sleep Quality: Traditional Chinese Medicine Solutions

Frequent waking up after 2-3 hours of sleep, then falling asleep again for another 2-3 hours, and repeating this cycle every night can lead to poor daytime energy levels, pale complexion, and a yellowish tint to the skin. What over-the-counter medications, foods, or herbal remedi...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Li Huimin / 60 years old / Female, 1. Insomnia is a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, difficulty returning to sleep after waking, or even the inability to sleep through the night. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM...

Understanding the Benefits of Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan and Other Chinese Herbs

Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan, Di Long, and Chao Pu have various medicinal properties. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is traditionally used to promote blood circulation, alleviate pain, and reduce blood stasis. It is often prescribed for conditions related to gynecological issues, such as menstrual...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is a formula that promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis, as well as has anticoagulant properties. Di Long (Earthworm) has effects such as antipyretic, anticonvulsant, sedative, anticoagulant, antiarrhythmic, antiasthmatic, antihypertensive, and u...