Objective: TO observe the effect on rheumatoid arthritis mainly by Tongbi Bolus (Bolus for opening the Block).

Methods: The basic recipe of Tongbi Bolus containing Radix Codonopsis Pilosu1a, Rhizoma Atractylodes Alba, Radix Dipsacus, Ramulus Loranthi, Cortex Eucommia, Radix Rehmannia, caninous spinal bone, Semen Strychnos, Radix Angelica Pubescens, Fructus Chaenomeles, Radix et Rhizoma Clematis, Caulis Tripterygium Wilfordii, Caulis Spatholobus, Herba Siegesbeckia, Radix Aconitum Carmichaeli Praeparata, Radix Aconitum, White mustard seed, Scorpio, centipede and ant. The drugs were made form of Bolus by traditional preparation methods, Every one weighing l2 g. Patients, no matter what type was, primary affected or had received other treatment without effect, were treated with Tongbi Bolus orally, and combined with Chinese decoction designed depending on syndromes one dose per day or every other day. The medicine was given for 4 times daily at 0:00, 8:00, l2: 00 and l8: 00 o'clock, with warm boiled water, the dose would be substracted properly or given depending on doctor's regulation. Scallion, garlic, oil of ass, chive and other foods of irritative characteristic were forbidden in the treatment period. The therapeutic course was protracted for 2 months.

Result: Patients observed in this study were cured in 64 cases (22.8%), improved in 184 (65.7%), ineffective in 32 (ll.4%), the total effective rate being 88.6%.

Conclusion: Tongbi Bolus could be used in various type of rheumatoid arthritis generally Because the disease is easy to relapse, using acupuncture, moxibustion, massage, physical therapy, smouldering and washing, external application, drug bath, dietotherapy etc, should stress the comprehensive treatment to control the disease.

By Cao Yongfu, Li Yaping, etc.