Pain, as the main symptom of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN), is considered in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) to be related to the generation and circulation of qi and blood. Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction is a modified formula derived from the combination of Sini Powder and Taohong Siwu Decoction. It specializes in promoting blood circulation, resolving stasis, moving qi, and relieving pain, and is mainly used to treat chest pain, headache, and other symptoms caused by qi stagnation and blood stasis. Clinically, this formula is often applied to treat cardiovascular diseases such as angina pectoris and coronary heart disease, but it can also be used for PHN of the qi stagnation and blood stasis type. Therefore, this article reviews the etiology and pathogenesis of PHN, as well as the research progress on Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction and its treatment of PHN, analyzing the formulation principles and compatibility characteristics of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction in treating PHN, with the aim of providing references for the expanded application of Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction and the treatment of PHN.

Xuefu Zhuyu Decoction  /  Postherpetic neuralgia  /  Etiology and pathogenesis  /  Prescription compatibility  /  Review