In the joints, cartilage normally protects the joints, absorbs shock from movement and allows the joints to move smoothly. Cartilage may wear away as a result of aging, overuse, or other reasons. Without the normal amount of cartilage, bones may rub together and cause discomfort and stiffness in the joint area.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these joint complaints are referred as "Bi Zheng" or obstruction syndrome, which can be caused and/or aggravated by Wind, Cold, Damp or Heat. It may also be caused or aggravated by Blood stagnation. Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian is a warming formula best used in cases of Wind-Cold-Damp type obstruction syndrome which is further complicated by Blood stagnation. This herbal formula disperses Wind, Cold and Damp, moves the Blood, and strengthens the sinews and bones. Possible applications include joint stiffness, lower back soreness or stiffness, sensation of cold in the joints, difficulty walking, and weakness of the legs.

Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian is composed of a number of herbs which work together to dispel Wind, Cold and Damp, and strengthen the tendons and bones.

Hai Feng Teng (Kadsura stem) dispels Wind-Damp for Bi Zheng. Mo Yao (Myrrh) and Ru Xiang (Boswellia) are used together to activate Blood and relax the tendons. This pair of herbs is combined here with Niu Xi (Achyranthes) and Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica root) to strengthen their effect. Niu Xi tonifies the Kidneys and Liver, strengthens tendons and bones. Dang Gui has the ability to both invigorate and tonify the Blood. Dang Gui is often paired with Gui Zhi (Cinnamon twigs) and Bai Shao (White Peony root) for sensation of cold in the extremities. Bai Shao nourishes the Blood, softens the Liver and relieves numbness and spasms. Gui Zhi is an important guiding herb here used to warm and open the channels as well as disperse Wind-Cold. Mu Gua (Papaya) relaxes the sinews, opens the channels, and relieves stiffness especially when used in combination with Ru Xiang, Mo Yao, Dang Gui and Bai Shao as it is here.

Gui Zhi, Mo Yao and Ru Xiang are best for joints when combined with Qiang Huo (Notopterygium root) and Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica root). Qiang Huo and Du Huo both release the exterior, dispel Cold, and eliminate Dampness. Fang Feng (Siler) is also added to further dispel Wind, Cold and Damp and release the exterior. Qian Nian Jian (Homalomena) dispels Wind and Damp too, but also strengthens the tendons and bones and is good at supporting the joints, particularly when used in combination with Du Huo and Niu Xi as it is here.

Du Zhong (Eucommia bark) is a Yang tonic used to tonify both the Liver and Kidneys, strengthen tendons and bones and support the back and joint functions. Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis) activates Qi and Blood circulation to relieve tension of muscles and nerves. Jiang Huang (Turmeric) also activates Blood circulation and opens the channels. Chi Shao (Red Peony root) modestly clears heat and dispels Blood stasis. A slight degree of heat clearing is useful to balance the effects of the other herbs which are mostly warm in nature. Gan Cao (Licorice root) harmonizes the formula.

References

Pubescent angelica root	Angelica pubescens	(Du Huo)
Kadsura pepper vine	Piper kadsura	(Hai Feng Teng)
Flowering quince fruit	Chaenomeles speciosa	(Mu Gua)
Siler root	Saposhnikovia divaricata	(Fang Feng)
Cassia twig	Cinnamomum cassia	(Gui Zhi)
Notopterygium root & rhizome	Notopterygium incisum	(Qiang Huo)
Achyranthes root	Achyranthes bidentata	(Niu Xi)
Eucommia stem bark	Eucommia ulmoides	(Du Zhong)
Corydalis yanhusuo tuber	Corydalis yanhusuo	(Yan Hu Suo)
Turmeric rhizome	Curcuma longa	(Jiang Huang)
Dong quai root	Angelica sinensis	(Dang Gui)
Chinese peony root with bark	Paeonia lactiflora	(Chi Shao)
Chinese peony root without bark	Paeonia lactiflora	(Bai Shao)
Homalomena rhizome	Homalomena occulta	(Qian Nian Jian)
Myrrh oleo-gum-resin	Commiphora myrrha	(Mo Yao)
Frankincense oleo-gum-resin	Boswellia carterii	(Ru Xiang)
Chinese licorice root & rhizome	Glycyrrhiza uralensis	(Gan Cao)

Guang Ci Tang® Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian (EzJoint™) 40 grams in 200 mg 200 tablets @ 5:1 strength.

At a true 5:1 concentration, this product represents the most potent form of Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian (Wan) on the market. One tablet is equal to 1 gram of raw herb.

Please note that Guang Ci Tang® Feng Shi Xiao Tong Wan in the pill form, which has the same formulation as the tablet, is discontinued.

EzJoint™ is a Guang Ci Tang signature formula.

Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian tablets are made with 100% natural herbs that are tested for authenticity, quality, and potency. A traditional water decoction is prepared with the herbs to reproduce the time-tested efficacy of the formula, and this water decoction is concentrated with our proprietary technology to form a potent extract that is made into easily absorbed tablets, which are remarkably effective, easy to use, and safe. The tablets are produced by Guang Ci Tang® in our state of the art cGMP-certified facility and imported in accordance with U.S. FDA guidelines. When you choose Guang Ci Tang® products, you are taking advantage of a wonderful fusion of science and tradition that incorporates the highest standards in the field of Chinese medicine today.

Check for an independent US lab test report.

The standard dosage for EzJoint™ is 7 tablets or pills each time, taken 2 to 3 times daily with or before meals. One bottle lasts users 10 to 14 days.

The dose may be doubled for a quicker and stronger response as needed. Consult your practitioner for precise dosage recommendations based on body weight and other factors.

EzJoint™ has a mild action and therefore it usually takes time before its effects become apparent.

Side effects

Feng Shi Xiao Tong Pian (Wan) has been safely used with few adverse effects when used as directed.

Warning

1. Not for use during pregnancy.

Allergy

EzJoint™ is gluten free

Precaution