It’s highly likely that you’ve never heard of a Chinese herbal formula that sounds more Japanese than Chinese: Shosaiko-to-kakikyo-sekko. This remedy is made up of nine herbs including ginger rhizome, Glycyrrhiza root, ginseng radix, jujube fruit, Platycodon radix, Scutellaria root, Pinellia tuber, Bupleurum radix, and gypsum. This formula has been used for over a millennium in various Asian cultures.
Tonsillectomy is the second most widely performed surgery on children, based on findings of the National Institute of Health; however, from time to time, this surgery is also performed on adults. Repeat tonsillitis is typically the most common reason that a tonsillectomy is done. Tonsillitis occurs when the tonsils is overcome with infection. It often leads to fever and a severe sore throat and when you swallow it becomes painful and difficult.
Tonsillectomy may be a rather common procedure but it does not come without risks. The International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology has stated that about 20% of people report of bleeding or hemorrhage from the surgery. Due to the risks involving surgery, some patients not keen on tonsillectomy opt for alternatives such as herbal therapies.
A study was done involving seven subjects to assess the efficacy of herbs. The participants had to have experienced acute tonsillitis at least twice a year for more than 2 years to qualify for the study. All patients took Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko for at least two months. Some patients already had decided to get surgery for their condition. The journal Complimentary Therapies in Clinical Practice published the results.
The rate of acute tonsillitis lessened in the seven patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis after taking Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko. Right after taking this formula, the sore throat of all the subjects either was reduced or totally disappeared. Patients whose condition remained the same after being treated with standard medication (NSAIDs, cephem-derivative antibiotics, antibiotics, penicillin derivative, etc.) responded well to the herbal treatment. All patients did not suffer any adverse effects associated with Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko.
The potency of Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko has been attributed to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. A number of immunomodulatory actions were marked as B cell activation to promote the production of antibodies, macrophage activation to boost function of phagocytosis, enhance the efficiency of IL-6 and interleukin (IL)-1 production, and uplift monoxide production.
The authors conclude, “The results of the study indicate that the Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko is effective for the safe treatment of chronic tonsillitis that oftentimes necessitates surgery to cure. Lowering the number of acute tonsillitis incidences can help patients avoid tonsillectomy. Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko works superbly in the treatment of chronic tonsillitis. It also lowers the risk of acute tonsillitis. In certain instances, patients taking Sho-saiko-to-ka-kikyo-sekko can help you avoid surgery for the removal of your tonsils.