Tag: Side

Benefits, Side Effects, and Preparations

Dania

Xiao Yao San is a blend of herbs used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

In TCM, Xiao Yao San is said to clear liver stagnation. Ongoing research is evaluating whether Xiao Yao San’s properties benefit such health conditions as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), functional dyspepsia (indigestion), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), insomnia, and more.

As an herbal blend, Xiao Yao San contains several herbs and plants. The dried ingredients of Xiao Yao San can be hand-blended or purchased as a dietary supplement. The herbs and plants most often used in Xiao Yao San are:

This article explores how Xiao Yao San is used in TCM. It also covers current scientific evidence on the potential uses of Xiao Yao San and possible side effects, precautions, and interactions of this ancient Chinese remedy.

Dietary supplements are not regulated like drugs in the United States, meaning the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not approve them for safety and effectiveness before products are marketed. When possible, choose a supplement tested by a trusted third party, such as USP, ConsumerLabs, or NSF. 

However, even if supplements are third-party tested, that doesn’t mean they are necessarily safe for all or effective in general. Therefore, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any supplements you plan to take and discuss potential interactions with other supplements or medications you take.

Supplement Facts

  • Active ingredient(s): Bupleurum root, Chinese angelica root, white peony root, poria, bighead atractylodes rhizome, roasted ginger, prepared licorice root, menthol, peppermint
  • Alternate name(s): Free and Easy Wanderer, Rambling Powder, Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San, Augmented Rambling Powder, Kamishoyosan, TJ-24
  • Legal status: Legal in the U.S. and available over-the-counter (OTC)
  • Suggested dose: There is no recommended dose for Xiao Yao San. Follow dosage directions listed on the supplement packaging or as directed by your healthcare provider.
  • Safety considerations: Side effects may be possible, including headache, dizziness, and diarrhea.

Uses of Xiao Yao San

Supplement use should be individualized and vetted by a healthcare professional, such as a registered dietitian, pharmacist, or healthcare provider. No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease. 

Although few studies strongly support the use of Xiao Yao San (most of which are animal- or lab-based), there are a handful of conditions for which the herbal remedy has shown promise.

Depression

One animal study suggested that Xiao Yao San could help relieve depression by reducing neuroinflammation, or inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

It is a controversial theory in which imbalances in the gut microflora are thought to contribute to neuroinflammation and, in turn, depression. According to the animal study, Xiao Yao San may help normalize imbalances in the gut, leading to improved symptoms of depression.

A 2012 review of Xiao Yao San evaluated 26 high-quality trials involving 1,837 people with depression. Researchers concluded that Xiao Yao San appeared to improve depression when taken alone or with an antidepressant. Xiao Yao San was also found to have fewer side effects

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Luzu (Luliconazole) topical: Uses, Side Effects, Dosages

Dania

What Is Luzu?

Luzu (luliconazole) is a topical prescription medication used to treat various fungal infections on the skin, such as jock itch, ringworm, and athlete’s foot in adults and children 2 and older.

Luzu is available via prescription as a topical cream (medication you apply to your skin) and belongs to a class of medications called azole antifungals.

For context, azole antifungals are medications used to inhibit the growth of a wide range of fungi, including fungal nail infections and vaginal candidiasis (yeast infections).

Luzu works by blocking certain enzymes to inhibit the creation of fungi cell membranes, making them easier to kill.

Currently, no therapeutically equivalent version of Luzu, containing the active ingredient luliconazole, is available in the United States (U.S.).

However, Luzu, a brand-name medication, is available as a white, 1% cream in a 60-gram tube.

Drug Facts

Generic Name: Luliconazole

Brand Name: Luzu

Drug Availability: Prescription

Administration Route: Topical

Therapeutic Classification: Antifungal

Available Generically: No

Controlled Substance: N/A

Active Ingredient: Luliconazole

Dosage Form: Cream

What Is Luzu Used For?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Luzu for the topical treatment of interdigital tinea pedis (athlete’s foot), tinea cruris (jock itch), and tinea corporis (ringworm). This drug has been approved for use in adults and children 2 and older.

For further context, tinea pedis, or athlete’s foot, is a fungal infection of the feet, most commonly appearing between a person’s toes. Athlete’s foot is the most common tinea infection (a fungal infection of the skin).

In comparison, tinea cruris, or jock itch, is defined as a form of ringworm (a fungal infection of the outer layers of skin, hair, or nails) that appears on the groin causing a painful, itchy rash. Jock itch is most common in males.

Finally, tinea corporis (ringworm), refers to a fungus that creates circular, patchy scales. This type of fungus is spread by skin-to-skin contact with an infected animal or person.

How to Use Luzu

Use this medicine exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.

Follow all the directions on your medicine label. Do not use more or less of this medicine or use it for longer than prescribed:

  • If you have athlete’s foot between your toes, apply a thin layer of the affected skin areas to about 1 inch beyond the rash on all sides once a day for two weeks.
  • If you have jock itch or ringworm, apply to the affected skin areas and about 1 inch beyond the rash on all sides once a day for one week.
  • Wash your hands after you apply Luzu.

Ask a healthcare provider if you do not understand how to take your medications.

Storage

Store Luzu at room temperature (between 68 F and 77 F), away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not store it in the bathroom. Keep this medication in its original labeled container and out of reach of children and pets. Keep the bottle tightly closed

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