Ancient Herbal Formula Treats Migraines, Modern Studies Show Why

Various Chinese herbs are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to treat a patient's ailments. uckyo/Fotolia

Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological disorders worldwide, affecting over a billion people. Goreisan, a formula from a traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classic “Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases,” is a known diuretic and widely used clinically with significant beneficial effects. Researchers in Japan have found it effective in treating migraines caused by low atmospheric pressure.

Migraine is characterized by severe headaches and is associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Notably, some patients who have migraines seem to be more sensitive to changes in the weather such as atmospheric pressure and humidity.

Goreisan Reduces Cerebral Blood Flow

The new study found that when the atmospheric pressure drops, blood flow to the brain increases, and this can trigger a headache.

When the mice were given Goreisan, it reversed the increased cerebral blood flow during low atmospheric pressure. Although cerebral blood flow gradually recovered to baseline after returning to normal atmospheric pressure, Goreisan lowered the participants’ cerebral blood flow below baseline.

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These results indicate that the Goreisan may have a curative effect on headaches through actively reducing cerebral blood flow. Results of this study were presented at the 94th Annual Meeting of the Japanese Pharmacological Society on March 10, 2021.

Goreisan Suppresses Brain Swelling

Another study also found that Goreisan suppresses chronic cerebral oedema, or brain swelling, from increased pressure that disrupts the blood-brain barrier, and increases aquaporin 4 (AQP4) expression in a rodent model of acute cerebral ischaemia. AQP4, a water channel expressed in astrocytes in the brain, is involved in water transfer across the blood–brain barrier, regulation of cerebrospinal fluid volume, and hormone secretion. Therefore, the effect of Goreisan on headaches may also involve control of water dynamics.

Natsuko Morimoto, a Japanese pharmacist, said that Goreisan can improve water circulation in the body by removing excess fluid through diuresis. It can also improve symptoms such as headache, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, and hangovers from drinking alcohol.

The main ingredients of Goreisan are alismatis tuber, atractylodis lanceae rhizoma, polyporus, poria, and cinnamomi cortex. In TCM, the five herbs work together to transform qi, promote fluid circulation, and strengthen the spleen.

Goreisan Can Treat Phlegm Retention

In TCM, qi, blood, and body fluids are the essential substances for life activities. Ensuring these essential substances are sufficient and circulating throughout the body is very important for health and wellbeing. Illnesses or other conditions are caused by the stagnation or lack of these substances.

One of the functions of qi is to “transform and transport.” This includes fluids as well as food.

If the qi or the spleen (which is the main organ connected with the production of qi) are weak, fluids don’t get properly transformed and transported, and “dampness” accumulates. The dampness congeals into phlegm when it sticks around too long. In TCM, dampness is a pathogenic factor, associated with what is sticky, heavy, downward moving, and slowing things down. It’s associated with conditions onset from being in damp environments, resulting in issues in first the legs and pelvic area, then loss of appetite and heaviness in the body and head.

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The TCM medical classic “Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber” mentioned that Goreisan can be used to treat phlegm retention.

Jia Mei, a TCM doctor who works for a large Chinese medicine company, told The Epoch Times that Goreisan treats both the surface and the interior of the body, dissolves retained phlegm, opens up the bladder, and removes dampness.

Goreisan is also a known diuretic and widely used clinically with significant beneficial effects. Jia Mei said that in TCM theory, being thirsty and having difficulty urinating are not only caused by fluid retention in the bladder but also by the body’s reduced ability to transport and distribute water and qi, which is something Goreisan treats.

TCM Prescriptions Popular in Japan

In Japan, TCM prescriptions are popular, and hundreds of TCM prescription drugs are included in the national insurance by the government.

Furthermore, lectures on TCM have also begun in many medical schools in Japan, and many doctors are trying to use Chinese medicine in a modern way, according to the Japan Society for Oriental Medicine.

To ensure the efficacy and safe use of TCM, patients are recommended to consult a certified doctor who has received formal TCM training.