7 Chinese Herbs for Back Pain

Back discomfort is a common issue that affects people of all ages, but Chinese herbs for back pain offer a natural solution for relief. While conventional treatments like painkillers and physical therapy can help, many individuals seek alternative remedies to manage their discomfort. 

Chinese herbal medicine has been used for centuries to reduce pain and inflammation, providing a holistic approach to healing. In this blog, we will explore seven powerful Chinese herbs known for their effectiveness in alleviating back pain naturally, helping you find relief without relying solely on pharmaceuticals.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Back Pain in TCM
• 7 Chinese Herbs for Back Pain
  • Du Zhong
  • Yan Hu Suo
  • Shu Di Huang
  • Sang Ji Sheng
  • Chuan Xiong
  • Bai Shao
  • Xu Duan
• Lifestyle and Dietary Tips
• Conclusion

Understanding Back Pain in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views back pain as a result of various imbalances within the body, rather than just a structural issue. 

According to TCM, the main causes of back pain include:

• Qi stagnation – Blocked energy flow can lead to tension and discomfort.
• Blood stagnation – Poor circulation can cause stiffness and sharp pain.
• Kidney deficiency – The kidneys are linked to bone and spine health, and weakness in this organ system can contribute to chronic lower back pain.
• Dampness accumulation – Excess moisture in the body can lead to heaviness, swelling, and aching sensations. 

Herbal medicine plays a crucial role in restoring balance by improving circulation, strengthening the kidneys, and dispelling dampness. By addressing the root causes of pain rather than just the symptoms, Chinese herbs can help promote long-term relief and overall well-being.

With that being said, let’s dive into Chinese herbs for back pain.

7 Chinese Herbs for Back Pain Relief

Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark)

Du Zhong, also known as Eucommia Bark, is a widely used herb for strengthening the lower back and kidneys. It is especially beneficial for those experiencing chronic lower back pain and joint issues.

Key Benefits:

• Strengthens the lower back and kidneys – Supports spinal health and reduces pain linked to kidney deficiency.
• Promotes flexibility and mobility – Helps with stiffness and weakness in the back and joints.
• Supports overall bone and tendon health – Aids in recovery from injuries and long-term wear and tear.

A 2023 study explores how Du Zhong and its key compound, kaempferol, help protect spinal disc cells from damage linked to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). Researchers identified kaempferol as the most active ingredient and tested its effects on cells treated with IL-1β, a substance that mimics degeneration. 

Kaempferol improved cell survival, reduced aging and cell death, and helped maintain a healthy balance of key proteins in the disc. It works by affecting the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting it could be a promising natural treatment to slow or prevent IDD.

Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis Rhizome)

Yan Hu Suo, also known as Corydalis Rhizome, is widely used for pain relief. Its natural analgesic properties make it a popular choice for alleviating back pain, especially when caused by blood stagnation or poor circulation.

Key Benefits:

• Natural pain reliever – Contains compounds that work similarly to some analgesics, reducing discomfort without harsh side effects.
• Promotes blood circulation – Enhances blood flow to affected areas, reducing stiffness and inflammation.
• Alleviates stagnation-related pain – Helps break up blocked Qi and blood, which are common causes of chronic pain.

A 2021 review focuses on Yan Hu Suo alkaloids and their effects on pain management. Yan Hu Suo has been used in Asia for centuries to relieve pain and improve blood circulation. It contains over 160 compounds, with alkaloids being the most important for pain relief. 

While modern research has studied how Yan Hu Suo works as a pain reliever, there hasn’t been a thorough review of its key alkaloids. This article aims to fill that gap by exploring their role in pain relief.

Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia Root – Prepared)

Shu Di Huang, or prepared Rehmannia Root, is known for its ability to nourish kidney Yin and support lower back strength. It is especially beneficial for individuals experiencing weakness, fatigue, and chronic lower back discomfort.

Key Benefits:

• Nourishes kidney Yin – Strengthens the kidneys, which play a vital role in spinal and joint health.
• Supports lower back strength – Helps combat weakness and pain associated with kidney deficiency.
• Boosts energy and vitality – Addresses fatigue that often accompanies chronic pain conditions.

Shu Di Huang is commonly found in well-known TCM formulas like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, which supports kidney and lower back health.

By integrating Shu Di Huang into your routine, you can strengthen your lower back, combat fatigue, and support long-term spinal health naturally.

Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus – Mistletoe Stem)

Sang Ji Sheng, also known as Taxillus or mistletoe stem, is a revered herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for strengthening the tendons and bones while dispelling wind-dampness—two key factors in managing back pain and joint discomfort.

Key Benefits:

• Strengthens tendons and bones – Supports musculoskeletal health, making it beneficial for chronic back pain.
• Dispels wind-dampness – Reduces stiffness and discomfort caused by damp accumulation, often linked to arthritis.
• Eases arthritis-related back pain – Commonly prescribed for individuals experiencing joint and lower back issues due to aging or chronic conditions.

Sang Ji Sheng is often paired with herbs like Du Zhong or Shu Di Huang for enhanced effects.

A 2020 scientific review summarized studies on mistletoe’s pharmacological effects and explored possible mechanisms of action, which may involve multiple signaling pathways affecting receptors, enzymes, ion channels, and proteins. Mistletoe has long been used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases. 

Research has focused on its anticancer, immune-boosting, heart-protective, antidiabetic, liver-protective, neurological, and antimicrobial properties. However, most research has been on whole extracts, and scientists are still working to identify the specific compounds responsible for mistletoe’s benefits. With further study, mistletoe could become a valuable complementary therapy for various conditions.

Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Wallichii – Szechuan Lovage Root)

Chuan Xiong, also known as Ligusticum Wallichii or Szechuan Lovage Root, is known for its ability to move blood and Qi, making it highly effective for relieving pain caused by stagnation.

Key Benefits:

• Moves blood and Qi – Helps break up stagnation that leads to pain and tension.
• Relieves trauma-related back pain – Useful for injuries, muscle tightness, and poor circulation.
• Reduces inflammation and stiffness – Enhances blood flow to promote healing and relaxation.

Chuan Xiong can be used internally and externally. It is Often combined with other herbs in traditional pain-relief formulas and can be used in medicated oils, liniments, or patches for targeted relief.

By incorporating Chuan Xiong into your back pain relief regimen, you can improve circulation, reduce muscle tightness, and accelerate recovery from injuries or chronic pain.

Bai Shao (White Peony Root)

Bai Shao, or White Peony Root, is a widely used herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known for its ability to relax muscles, relieve tension-related pain, and support overall musculoskeletal health.

Read More: Leveraging Acupuncture for Sciatica

Key Benefits:

• Relaxes muscles and alleviates tension – Helps soothe tightness in the back and shoulders.
• Nourishes blood and supports the liver – Promotes better circulation and overall balance in the body.
• Eases spasmodic pain and stiffness – Effective for muscle cramps, chronic tightness, and nerve-related discomfort.

Cai Shao is commonly combined with herbs like Chuan Xiong for enhanced pain relief.

For over 1,200 years, peony root has been used in China, Korea, and Japan to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, hepatitis, menstrual pain, muscle spasms, and fever. Its extract, known as total glucosides of peony (TGP), contains over 15 compounds, with paeoniflorin being the most active. 

Studies confirm TGP’s pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects, likely through the adenosine A1 receptor and by reducing key inflammatory molecules. It also helps protect cells from oxidative stress and modulates immune responses. Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in treating rheumatoid arthritis, with mild digestive side effects like diarrhea being the most common.

Xu Duan (Dipsacus – Japanese Teasel Root)

Xu Duan, also known as Dipsacus or Japanese Teasel Root, is a powerful herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) renowned for its ability to strengthen bones and tendons while promoting circulation. It is commonly used to support recovery from injuries and alleviate chronic back pain.

Key Benefits:

• Strengthens bones and tendons – Helps improve musculoskeletal health and prevent degeneration.
• Promotes circulation – Enhances blood flow to aid healing and reduce inflammation.
• Supports injury recovery – Especially beneficial for fractures, sprains, and chronic back pain.

A 2022 study aimed to evaluate Du Huo Ji Sheng Tang’s (DHJST) effectiveness and identify the active ingredients. DHJST is a traditional Chinese herbal formula used to treat arthritis and joint pain. The formula consists of three components: Blood-tonifying herbs (Si-Wu-Tang), Wind-dampness-dispelling herbs, and Qi-tonifying herbs. 

Results showed DHJST reduced arthritis progression in animal models and had strong anti-inflammatory effects, particularly in inhibiting nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. Cinnamomum cassia, a key ingredient in the Qi-tonifying herbs, was found to be the most effective anti-inflammatory component, with cinnamic aldehyde being the active compound. 

The study suggests DHJST and its simplified version (Qi-tonifying herbs) are equally effective in joint protection, with cinnamic aldehyde serving as a quality control marker for osteoarthritis treatment.

Read More: 6 Rheumatoid Arthritis TCM Herbal Formulas

Lifestyle and Dietary Tips to Support Back Health

In addition to using Chinese herbs for back pain, making lifestyle and dietary adjustments can further enhance back health and pain relief. A holistic approach that includes movement, targeted pressure points, and proper nutrition can help strengthen the spine and prevent discomfort.

Key Lifestyle Tips:

• Exercise and stretching – Regular movement, such as yoga, Tai Chi, or gentle stretching, improves flexibility and strengthens back muscles.
• Posture awareness – Maintaining proper alignment while sitting, standing, and sleeping helps prevent strain and long-term pain.
• Acupressure for back pain – Massaging key points like BL23 (Shenshu) and GB30 (Huantiao) can help alleviate tension and improve energy flow.

Dietary Recommendations:

• Kidney-supporting foods – Black sesame seeds, walnuts, and goji berries help nourish the kidneys, which are closely linked to back health in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
• Bone-strengthening foods – Leafy greens, bone broth, and foods rich in calcium and magnesium support spinal strength.
• Anti-inflammatory foods – Ginger, turmeric, and omega-3-rich foods like salmon help reduce pain and stiffness.

By incorporating these lifestyle and dietary habits, you can complement herbal treatments and promote long-term back health naturally.

Read More: Acupuncture For Lower Back Pain

Conclusion

Seven powerful Chinese herbs for back pain—Du Zhong, Yan Hu Suo, Shu Di Huang, Sang Ji Sheng, Chuan Xiong, Bai Shao, and Xu Duan—each play a unique role in relieving discomfort, promoting circulation, and strengthening the body. By incorporating these herbs into your routine, you can address the root causes of pain rather than just the symptoms. 

Exploring TCM as part of your wellness journey provides a holistic approach to pain management, helping you achieve long-term relief naturally. However, for the best results, it’s always recommended to consult a TCM expert who can provide personalized guidance based on your specific needs.