Which Chinese Herbs Help Reduce Inflammation in Epididymitis?

Epididymitis, a common inflammation of the male reproductive system, often causes significant discomfort and distress for patients. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), various herbal therapies are used to treat epididymitis. These therapies have been proven safe and effective in clinical practice. Below are several Chinese herbal remedies with anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit epididymitis patients.

1. Classical Herbal Formulas

(1) Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentiana Drain the Liver Decoction)

Longdan Xiegan Tang is a classic TCM prescription that clears excess fire from the liver and gallbladder and drains damp-heat from the liver channel.

It contains Gentiana (fried with wine), Scutellaria (fried with wine), Gardenia (fried with wine), Alisma, Akebia, Plantago seed, Angelica (fried with wine), Rehmannia (fried with wine), Bupleurum, and Licorice.

This formula is mainly used for syndromes of liver and gallbladder fire rising or damp-heat flowing downward along the liver channel. Symptoms include headache, red eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, ear pain, hypochondriac pain, yellow vaginal discharge in women, turbid urination, and itching in the genital area.

For epididymitis patients with scrotal dampness, itching, and pain, Longdan Xiegan Tang may be considered. However, since most herbs in this prescription are bitter and cold, they may impair spleen and stomach function. Therefore, it should not be used in patients with spleen-stomach deficiency or yang deficiency.

Administration: The formula is usually decocted in water, one dose per day, divided into two servings. The specific dosage and duration should be determined according to the patient’s condition and under the guidance of a physician.

(2) Shaofu Zhuyu Tang (Lower Abdomen Eliminating Stasis Decoction)

Shaofu Zhuyu Tang promotes blood circulation, dispels blood stasis, warms the meridians, and relieves pain.

It includes fennel (fried), dried ginger (fried), Corydalis, Myrrh (powdered), Angelica, Chuanxiong, Cinnamon twig, Red peony, Cattail pollen, and Flying squirrel feces (fried).

This formula is primarily used for pain and distention in the lower abdomen due to cold stagnation and blood stasis, as well as irregular menstruation and gynecological conditions.

For epididymitis patients with scrotal pain, heaviness, and lower abdominal discomfort, Shaofu Zhuyu Tang can help by invigorating blood, removing stasis, warming the channels, and relieving pain—especially for qi stagnation and blood stasis patterns.

Administration: Usually decocted in water, one dose per day, taken in two portions. Dosage and course should be prescribed by a qualified TCM practitioner.

(3) Nuangan Jian (Warm the Liver Decoction)

Nuangan Jian has the function of warming the liver and kidneys, promoting qi movement, and alleviating pain.

It consists of Angelica, Goji berry, Poria, fennel, cinnamon, Lindera, and Aquilaria (or costus root).

It is indicated for liver-kidney deficiency with cold symptoms, lower abdominal pain, and hernia.

For epididymitis patients experiencing scrotal coldness, pain, or a preference for warmth, Nuangan Jian is suitable. It warms the liver and kidneys, promotes qi flow, and relieves discomfort.

Administration: Usually decocted in water with 3–5 slices of fresh ginger, taken warm on an empty stomach. The dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a doctor.

(4) Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill

The Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill, a modified classical TCM formula, consists of more than 50 natural ingredients including Plantago seed, Dianthus, Polygoni Avicularis, Talc, Angelica, Safflower, Peach kernel, Honeysuckle, and Vaccaria.

It has the functions of clearing heat and toxins, promoting blood circulation, relieving pain, promoting urination, reducing inflammation, and eliminating swelling.

It also possesses anti-proliferative, anti-calcification, and anti-fibrotic properties, which make it particularly effective for chronic and recurrent reproductive or urinary tract inflammations.

This pill is mainly used for male and female urogenital infections such as epididymitis, orchitis, prostatitis, and urethritis. Therefore, epididymitis patients can consider this formula as a reliable treatment option.

Administration: Usually taken with warm water, half an hour after meals, two times daily, one pack each time. The specific dosage and duration should be adjusted according to the patient’s condition and medical advice.

2. Single Herbal Medicines

(1) Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin)

Huang Qin is a commonly used herb with the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, and detoxifying. It is used for symptoms such as jaundice, hematuria, and bleeding due to heat.

For epididymitis patients with scrotal dampness, itching, and pain, Huang Qin can help relieve inflammation and discomfort.

(2) Dandelion (Pu Gong Ying)

Dandelion is well known for its detoxifying and anti-swelling effects. It is often used to treat boils, abscesses, and fever. For patients with scrotal swelling and pain due to epididymitis, dandelion can clear heat, reduce swelling, and dissolve inflammatory nodules.

(3) Honeysuckle (Jin Yin Hua)

Honeysuckle has heat-clearing, detoxifying, and swelling-reducing properties. It is used for febrile diseases, infections, and abscesses. For epididymitis with redness, swelling, and pain in the scrotum, honeysuckle helps cool the blood, reduce inflammation, and relieve discomfort.

(4) Forsythia (Lian Qiao)

Forsythia clears heat, detoxifies, and disperses swelling. It is used in the treatment of upper respiratory infections, fever, and heat toxin syndromes. For epididymitis with red, hot, and painful scrotal symptoms, Forsythia helps clear heat and reduce swelling effectively.

Conclusion

Epididymitis is a common male reproductive disorder that can cause significant pain and inconvenience. Chinese medicine offers unique advantages and rich clinical experience in managing this condition. However, the effectiveness of herbal treatments varies among individuals and often requires consistent use over time. Therefore, patients should always follow a licensed physician’s advice when using TCM herbs to ensure safety and avoid delaying recovery.