V-Support™

TCM herbal formula for vaginitis, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), urinary tract infection (UTI), cystitis, pyelonephritis, candida yeast infection, orchitis, epididymitis, and genital itching — clears damp-heat in the lower jiao with antibiotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and diuretic herbs

⚠️ Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Use with caution in patients with Spleen and Stomach deficiency and cold. Not for long-term use — discontinue when desired effects are achieved. Contains Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) — California Prop 65 warning: do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain; consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) which invigorates blood — use with caution or avoid with Coumadin (warfarin) or anticoagulant/antiplatelet therapy due to higher risk of bleeding and bruising.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Vaginitis

* Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)

* Urinary tract infections (UTI) in women and men

* Genital eczema and itching, soreness and pain in men or women

* Yellow or green vaginal discharge with offensive odor and cottage cheese consistency

* Orchitis, epididymitis, and infection and inflammation of the scrotum and male genital region

* Pyelonephritis or cystitis with dysuria and turbid yellow urine

* Candida yeast infection

* Infertility due to inflammation and infection of the pelvis (ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes)

TCM pattern: Damp-heat in the lower jiao affecting the Liver, Gallbladder, and Urinary Bladder channels.

Dosage protocol: Take consistently for at least 1–2 weeks to ensure complete eradication of the pathogen(s) and to avoid stimulating bacterial and viral resistance. Do not discontinue prior to completion of the full course. Multiple herbs used together increase antibiotic effect more than tenfold compared to single herbs, and reduce the risk of resistance and mutation.

V-Support vs. Gentiana Complex: V-Support has a localized effect to treat damp-heat in the genital area. Gentiana Complex has a broader effect to treat damp-heat along the Liver and Gallbladder channels from the head to the genital area. Bacterial vaginitis is more effectively treated with V-Support; viral vaginitis is best treated with Gentiana Complex.

Clinical notes: Vaginitis tends to recur in women with diabetes or who have frequently taken antibiotics. When a woman has frequent recurrences, the male partner should also be checked for urethral discharge, penile lesions, infections, past venereal disease, or parasitic infection — treat both partners simultaneously to prevent recurrence. Patients who do not respond after 2 weeks of antibiotics or V-Support consistently usually have chronic vaginitis — add Kidney Tonic (Yang) at a 1:2 or 1:3 ratio with V-Support. Vaginitis is common during menopause as hormonal changes disturb vaginal pH. Women are most susceptible to infection before, during, and after menstruation — pay extra attention to personal hygiene. Inflammation and infection of the reproductive organs may cause local swelling and obstruction leading to infertility. Wipe front to back after bowel movements. Urinate after sexual intercourse to prevent bacteria from infecting the urethra.

Topical treatment for genital itching: Apply 5 grams each of She Chuang Zi (Fructus Cnidii) and Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) to the external genitalia, leave for 3–5 minutes, rinse off. Repeat twice daily. Do not use internally. Wash the affected area with mild soap first.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae): clears damp-heat; treats infection; wide-spectrum antibacterial — most effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; restores bacteriocidal and bacteriostatic activity of antibiotic drugs in cases of pathogenic resistance; baicalin potentiates ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and cefotaxime against beta-lactam-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA; antiviral — baicalein and wogonin stimulate cytokine production and increase resistance to viral infection in human leukocytes; anti-inflammatory

— Long Dan (Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae): clears damp-heat from the Liver channel which travels through the genital region; antibiotic; diuretic; clinically: 58 dysuria patients treated with formula containing Long Dan, Dang Gui, Chai Hu, Ze Xie, Zhi Zi, Di Huang, and Gan Cao with success

— Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae): clears damp-heat; treats infection; antibiotic; analgesic; anti-inflammatory — suppresses vascular inflammation via TNF-alpha inhibition

— Huang Qin, Zhi Zi, Da Huang work synergistically to relieve foul yellow vaginal discharge, dysuria, genital itching, and male genital infection

— Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei): clears damp-heat; treats infection; antibiotic; analgesic

— Feng Wei Cao (Herba Pteris): indigenous herb from Taiwan — detoxifies and reduces inflammation and infection of the genital organs

— Ya She Huang (Herba Lippiae): indigenous herb from Taiwan — detoxifies and reduces inflammation and infection of the genital organs

— Pao Zai Cao (Herba Physalis Angulatae): indigenous herb from Taiwan — detoxifies and reduces inflammation and infection of the genital organs

— Di Fu Zi (Fructus Kochiae): clears heat; relieves genital itching; anti-inflammatory — suppresses vascular inflammation via TNF-alpha inhibition

— Shui Ding Xiang (Herba Ludwigiae Prostratae): strong herb used in Taiwan to treat cystitis, UTI, nephritis, pyelonephritis, dysuria, and turbid yellow urine — reduces inflammation, clears heat, promotes diuresis

— Xian Feng Cao (Herba Bidentis): strong herb used in Taiwan to treat cystitis, UTI, nephritis, pyelonephritis, dysuria, and turbid yellow urine — reduces inflammation, clears heat, promotes diuresis

— Bian Xu (Herba Polygoni Avicularis): dispels dampness in the lower jiao; promotes urination; treats lin zheng (dysuria syndrome); antibiotic; diuretic

— Hua Shi (Talcum): dispels dampness; promotes urination; clinically: Hua Shi + Gan Cao effective in treating 10 UTI patients within 3–4 days

— Deng Xin Cao (Medulla Junci): dispels dampness; promotes urination; clinically: 60g daily — 25 of 30 chronic nephritis patients achieved complete recovery within 30 days

— Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis): dispels dampness; promotes urination; diuretic

— Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis): dispels dampness; promotes urination; diuretic

— Qu Mai (Herba Dianthi): dispels dampness; promotes urination; treats lin zheng (dysuria syndrome); diuretic

— Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae): nourishes yin and blood to prevent diuretic herbs from draining too much fluid; anti-inflammatory

— Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis): nourishes yin and blood; antibiotic; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; increases blood circulation to lower jiao

— Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri): guiding herb to the Liver channel which passes through the genital region; antibiotic; anti-inflammatory

— Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae): descending in nature — directs the overall effect of the formula downward to the lower jiao and genital region; anti-inflammatory

— Tao Ren (Semen Persicae): increases blood circulation to the lower jiao — delivers herbs to the affected area and flushes out toxins; anti-inflammatory

— Hong Hua (Flos Carthami): increases blood circulation to the lower jiao — delivers herbs to the affected area and flushes out toxins

— Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae): harmonizes formula; anti-inflammatory; analgesic; diuretic

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antibiotic / antiviral / antifungal — Huang Qin (broad-spectrum, MRSA, baicalin potentiates beta-lactams, antiviral baicalein/wogonin); Long Dan, Zhi Zi, Da Huang, Bian Xu, Chai Hu, Dang Gui (wide-spectrum against genitourinary pathogens)

* Anti-inflammatory — Huang Qin, Chai Hu, Niu Xi, Tao Ren, Di Huang, Dang Gui, Gan Cao (capillary permeability↓, swelling↓, inflammation↓); Di Fu Zi + Zhi Zi (TNF-alpha inhibition, vascular inflammation↓)

* Analgesic — Dang Gui, Da Huang, Zhi Zi, Gan Cao

* Diuretic / promotes urination — Long Dan, Bian Xu, Ze Xie, Qu Mai, Hua Shi, Deng Xin Cao, Che Qian Zi (urinary output↑, dysuria↓, burning↓)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears damp-heat in the lower jiao (Long Dan, Zhi Zi, Da Huang, Huang Qin, Feng Wei Cao, Ya She Huang, Pao Zai Cao)

* Clears damp-heat in the Liver, Gallbladder, and Urinary Bladder channels (Long Dan, Chai Hu)

* Promotes diuresis (Bian Xu, Hua Shi, Deng Xin Cao, Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi, Qu Mai, Shui Ding Xiang, Xian Feng Cao)

* Invigorates blood circulation in the lower jiao (Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Dang Gui)

* Nourishes yin and blood (Di Huang, Dang Gui)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily if necessary. Take consistently for at least 1–2 weeks to ensure complete eradication of pathogen(s) and avoid resistance. Do not discontinue early.

Supplementary formulas: Enhance antibiotic effect — use with Herbal ABX. Yeast infection — add Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six-Gentlemen Decoction). Diabetes — use with Equilibrium. Chronic recurrent vaginitis — use with Kidney Tonic (Yang). Menopausal patients — use with Balance (Heat) or Nourish. Prostate disorders with burning urination — use with P-Support. Slight loose stools — combine with GI Tonic. Activate blood circulation throughout body — add Circulation (SJ). Excess fire — add Gardenia Complex. Bleeding — add Notoginseng 9. Underlying damp and phlegm with Spleen qi deficiency — add Pinellia Complex.

Nutrition: Natural plain yogurt with live cultures helps minimize yeast infection by establishing a normal environment in the genital tract. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables for nutrients to resist infection and facilitate healing. Regular unsweetened cranberry juice helps prevent and treat UTI. Avoid warm and hot-natured foods that damage qi and yin: heat-producing fruits (mango, durian), stimulants (coffee, alcohol, energy drinks), and spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili, wasabi). Avoid artificial coloring. Minimize meat — no processed meats (lunch meats, hot dogs, sausages) as nitrites are linked to inflammation and chronic disease.

Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease) — Candida yeast infection: Recommended foods — dandelions, beet tops, carrot tops, barley, garlic, rice vinegar, mung beans, and citrus fruits. Avoid sugar, excessive fruits, yeast-containing foods, processed foods, cheese, fermented foods, soy sauce, smoking, alcohol, and caffeine.

Tao of Nutrition — Chronic bladder infections: Recommended foods — watermelon, pears, carrots, celery, corn, mung beans, cornsilk, squash, wheat, water chestnuts, barley, red beans, millet, oranges, cantaloupe, grapes, strawberries, lotus roots, loquats, and plenty of water. Drink watermelon and pear juice three times daily. Drink carrot and celery juice three times daily. Eat squash soup for at least 7 days. Drink blended mung bean juice. Drink fresh strawberry or unsweetened cranberry juice. Drink tea made from wheat and pearl barley. Avoid heavy proteins, meat, dairy products, onions, scallions, ginger, black pepper, and alcohol.

Lifestyle: Avoid sexual intercourse during treatment to prevent further irritation or spreading infection to partner. Avoid substances that irritate the genital area: spermicides, lubricants, condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, contraceptive sponges, and dyed, chlorine-bleached, or scented toilet tissue or feminine hygiene products. Use hypo-allergenic or fragrance-free fabric softener, soap, laundry detergents, deodorant sprays, bathwater additives, and shower gels. Candida cannot be killed with normal washing — soak underwear in bleach for 24 hours before washing; ironing also kills candida at high temperatures. Refrain from douching or insertion of foreign objects in the vagina. In case of severe itching, refrain from scratching or excessive washing. Wear loose clothing and silk or cotton underwear — avoid polyester, snug, nonporous, or nonabsorbent underpants. Patients with UTI or cystitis should drink more water and urinate more frequently to prevent pathogens from lingering in the urinary tract and bladder.

CASE STUDIES

— 42-year-old female (M.D.): Acute UTI with burning pain on urination; history of Hodgkin's lymphoma and chemotherapy; cranberry juice unsuccessful this time; damp-heat in Urinary Bladder. V-Support 4 spoonfuls twice daily until symptoms resolved. Result: UTI resolved without antibiotics.

— 53-year-old female (L.R.): Frequent UTIs and herpes breakouts; spicy food, coffee, wine diet; burning and pressure; on antibiotics; damp-heat in lower jiao. Herbal ABX 3 pills 4x/day + V-Support same dosage + Yin Care topical 3x/day at 50% dose. After infection cleared: Nourish 3 pills 3x/day. Result: healed quickly, complete pain relief, committed to eliminating smoking, coffee, and spicy food.

— 49-year-old female (J.C.): Vaginal infection with severe itching and burning; BP 102/64 mmHg, HR 57 bpm; rapid pulse, red tongue with swollen sides and yellow coating; damp-heat in lower jiao. V-Support 3 capsules 2x/day. Result: infection resolved after 2 weeks.

— 27-year-old female clerk: Bloating, inability to urinate, burning on urination, yellow urine; red dry tongue with yellow coating at base; rapid rolling pulse; UTI with damp-heat in lower jiao. Result: began urinating immediately after treatment; UTI resolved within 10 days of continuous V-Support.

— 83-year-old diabetic female (J.H.): Frequent burning painful dribbling urination; woke multiple times nightly; lifelong bladder infections increasing in frequency; on Cipro (ciprofloxacin); suspected E. coli; BP 153/82 mmHg, HR 80 bpm; damp-heat in lower jiao and Urinary Bladder. V-Support 1–2 capsules twice daily starting after completing Cipro course. Result: symptom-free and infection-free for nearly 2 years on prophylactic dose — excellent example of herbal formula as preventative measure.

— 31-year-old female: Chronic psoriasis (elbows, knees, sacrum) and vaginal itching and burning; toxic damp-heat in Liver. V-Support + Dermatrol (PS) + Yin Care topical for psoriasis and vaginally. Acupuncture and herbal treatment for 2 years. Result: continued improvement; symptoms returned when herbs were stopped.

Related Reading

Also see: Herbal ABX – to enhance antibiotic effect | Gentiana Complex – for viral vaginitis or broader Liver/Gallbladder damp-heat | Equilibrium – for diabetes | Kidney Tonic (Yang) – for chronic recurrent vaginitis | Balance (Heat) – for menopausal patients | Nourish – for menopausal patients | P-Support – for prostate disorders with burning urination | GI Tonic – for loose stools | Circulation (SJ) – to activate blood circulation | Gardenia Complex – for excess fire | Notoginseng 9 – for bleeding | Pinellia Complex – for damp phlegm with Spleen qi deficiency | Women's Health Collection.