Boioogito (Boi-Ougi-To)

Say goodbye to damp, heavy feet! Feel refreshed all over with the power of nature!

Hello everyone. Today, I would like to talk about a Kampo prescription called "Boioogito." This formula is known as a "specialist in edema" and is a very reliable ally that specifically addresses swelling in the lower body and joint pain.

What kind of Kampo is Boioogito?

Boioogito is composed of six crude drugs: "Boi", "Ougi", "Sojutsu", "Taiso", "Kanzo", and "Shokyo". While these names might sound difficult, they are combined in an exquisite balance to help flush excess water out of the body.

This prescription originates from the ancient Chinese medical text "Jin Gui Yao Lue" (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) and is a traditional formula with a history of about 1,800 years. The fact that its effectiveness has been recognized throughout such a long history and that it is still incorporated into modern medicine is a testament to its high reliability.

Areas of expertise for Boioogito

Improving edema

The most characteristic function of Boioogito is the improvement of edema. It is particularly effective for swelling in the lower body, such as around the feet and knees. Many of you may have experienced your feet becoming swollen after long hours of desk work or standing.

In Kampo medicine, such swelling is thought to be caused by a state called "Suidoku" (water toxicity). Suidoku is a condition where the body's water metabolism is not functioning well, and excess water remains in the body. Boioogito helps resolve this water toxicity and restore a proper water balance.

Relieving joint pain

Another area of expertise is its approach to joint pain. It is often used specifically for knee joint pain. For those who find it difficult to go up and down stairs due to knee pain or find it hard to walk for long periods, it can be a reassuring ally.

In Kampo, such joint pain is also considered to be related to water toxicity. It is believed that excess water accumulating around the joints causes pain and poor movement. By excreting this excess water, Boioogito can be expected to have the effect of alleviating joint pain as well.

For those who tend to sweat easily

A characteristic of people for whom Boioogito is suitable is that they "tend to sweat easily." It is particularly suited for people with a somewhat curious constitution who sweat easily in the upper body but are prone to swelling in the lower body.

From a Kampo perspective, this is considered a state where the balance of Qi and water is disrupted between the upper and lower parts of the body. Boioogito also has the function of restoring this balance.

The crude drugs that make up Boioogito

The interesting thing about Kampo is that by combining multiple crude drugs, it creates effects that cannot be achieved by a single ingredient alone. The six crude drugs that make up Boioogito each have the following roles.

Boi: The leading diuretic

Boi is made by drying the roots of a plant in the Menispermaceae family and is the crude drug that can be called the "star" of this prescription. It has a powerful diuretic effect (the action of excreting excess water) and plays a central role in improving edema. As the name suggests, it has the power to "prevent" or "defend."

Ougi: Replenishing Qi and strengthening the body

Astragalus is a plant in the legume family, known in traditional Chinese medicine as a "Qi-tonifying herb." It has the effect of replenishing "Qi," the source of the body's vitality, and enhancing overall bodily functions. It also has a diuretic effect, which supports the work of Stephania root. Because it also has properties that warm the body, it is effective for swelling caused by cold.

Atractylodes rhizome: Removing dampness

Atractylodes rhizome is a plant in the aster family and is a "dampness-clearing herb" that removes excess moisture from the body. Dampness can cause swelling and joint pain. Atractylodes rhizome works to dry this moisture and make the body feel lighter.

Jujube and Licorice: Harmonizers

Jujube and Licorice are "harmonizing herbs" often used in Kampo prescriptions. They have the role of adjusting the actions of other herbs and reducing the burden on the gastrointestinal tract. In particular, Licorice is sometimes called the "general director" of Kampo medicine, playing an important role in bringing out the effects of other herbs.

Ginger: Warming the body

Ginger is a familiar ingredient that often appears on our dining tables, but it is also an important herb in Kampo. It has the effect of warming the body and promoting blood circulation. It is useful for improving swelling and pain caused by cold.

The comprehensive effects of Boui-ougi-to are created by combining these herbs in an exquisite balance. Each herb has its own personality, but by working as a team, they exert greater power. It is just like an orchestra, where each instrument plays to create a beautiful harmony.

Who can benefit from Boui-ougi-to

Kampo medicines are more effective when prescribed to people who match the constitution or symptom pattern known as "sho." Boui-ougi-to is suitable for those with the following characteristics.

Those who are slightly overweight

Boui-ougi-to is suitable for those who tend to be slightly overweight. It is particularly effective for those who easily gain fat in the lower body and have a generally plump physique. In Kampo terms, this corresponds to a constitution called "medium build" or "excess pattern (jissho)."

Those with swelling in the lower body

It is suitable for those who are prone to swelling around the feet and knees. If your shoes feel tight in the evening or you notice sock marks, it might be time for Boui-ougi-to.

Those with joint pain, especially knee pain

It is also suitable for those who feel pain or heaviness in the knee joints. If you have symptoms such as difficulty going up and down stairs or knee pain after walking for a long time, Boui-ougi-to may be of help.

Those who sweat easily

As mentioned earlier, it is suitable for those who have a constitution that sweats easily, especially those with the somewhat unusual constitution of being a heavy sweater in the upper body while suffering from swelling in the lower body.

Those who are easily tired and have low energy

Astragalus's "Qi-tonifying" effect may also improve fatigue and low energy. It is also good for those who, along with swelling, feel somewhat lacking in energy or get tired easily.

How to use Boiogito and points to note

Since herbal medicines are pharmaceutical products, we recommend that you take them under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist. Here, we introduce general information regarding their use and points to note.

Points to note regarding use

Although Boiogito is a relatively safe herbal medicine, the following people should exercise caution.

• Those with a weak digestive system: Atractylodes rhizome contained in Boiogito has properties that dry out the gastrointestinal tract, so those with weak stomachs should be careful.

• Those who are physically weak: For those whose physical strength is extremely low (those with a strong "kyo-sho" or deficiency pattern in Kampo), the effects may be too strong.

• Those who are pregnant: Stephania root is considered to have a uterine contraction effect, so please consult a doctor if you are pregnant.

Combination with lifestyle habits

Herbal medicines are more effective when combined with improvements in lifestyle habits. When taking Boiogito, it is a good idea to pay attention to the following points as well.

• Moderate exercise: Light exercise promotes blood circulation and helps improve swelling. Try incorporating activities like walking within a reasonable range.

• A well-balanced diet: Excessive salt intake can cause swelling. Try to keep your food lightly seasoned and actively consume vegetables and fruits.

• Sufficient rest: Accumulation of fatigue can worsen swelling. It is also important to get adequate rest.

The interesting history of Boiogito

Boiogito is recorded in the "Jin Gui Yao Lue" (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet), a book by Zhang Zhongjing, a famous physician who was active from the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty to the Three Kingdoms period in China about 1,800 years ago. This book is known as one of the oldest existing clinical medical texts.

Zhang Zhongjing is one of the most respected physicians in history, also known as the "Sage of Medicine," and the medical books he compiled remain the foundation of Kampo medicine today. The era in which he lived was full of epidemics and wars, and many people were suffering. Amidst this, he systematized practical treatments based on actual clinical experience.

Boiogito is also one of the fruits of such practical wisdom. Even back then, there were people suffering from swelling and joint pain, and this prescription was created to save them. The fact that it is still used more than 1,800 years later suggests that it has a universal effect.

Boiogito from the perspective of modern medicine

Traditional Kampo medicine and modern medicine have different approaches, but they are complementary to each other. In fact, the effects of Boiogito are also being scientifically verified in modern research.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Several studies have suggested that Boiogito has an anti-inflammatory effect. This may be helping to alleviate joint pain. In particular, it is known that Astragalus root contains components that suppress inflammation.

Diuretic effect

Boui and Ougi have diuretic effects, which are believed to contribute to the improvement of edema. However, unlike diuretics in modern medicine, they are characterized by a gentle action.

Immune-modulating effect

Ougi is known to have the effect of regulating immune function. This may improve the overall health of the body and, as a result, contribute to the alleviation of various symptoms.

It is very interesting that such scientific evidence is gradually accumulating. Ancient wisdom is being re-evaluated by modern science.

From my clinical experience

From my clinical experience, I have seen cases where Boui-ougi-to has solved the problems of many people. For example, a woman in her 30s who does a lot of desk work and finds her shoes tight in the evening. She was happy to report that after she started taking Boui-ougi-to, her edema gradually decreased and the heaviness in her legs also improved.

Also, a man in his 60s who was about to give up his hobby of hiking due to knee pain was able to enjoy mountain walking again through a combination of Boui-ougi-to and moderate exercise.

Of course, it does not have the same effect on everyone. It is important to choose herbal medicines according to an individual's constitution and symptoms. It may take time to feel the effects, and in some cases, other herbal medicines may be more suitable.

Summary: How to use Boui-ougi-to effectively

Boui-ougi-to is a herbal medicine that can be a strong ally for those suffering from edema and joint pain. It is particularly suitable for those with edema in the lower body, knee pain, and a constitution that tends to sweat easily.

However, herbal medicine is not a panacea. It is important to determine whether it suits your constitution and symptoms, and to consult a doctor or pharmacist if necessary. In addition, to maximize the effects, a combination with appropriate lifestyle habits is also important.

The wisdom of Eastern medicine gives us many suggestions for those of us living in the modern age. I hope that your encounter with Boui-ougi-to will be a step toward a healthy life for you all.

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