A chronic systemic disease, primarily of the joints, marked by inflammatory changes in the synovial membranes and articular structures, widespread fibrinoid degeneration of the collagen fibers in mesenchymal tissues, and by atrophy and rarefaction of bony structures. Etiology is unknown, but autoimmune mechanisms have been implicated.

The recommended herbs are:

• Radix Angelicae Pubescentis,
• Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae,
• Ramulus Cinnamomi,
• Radix Saposhnikoviae,
• Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae,
• Radix Paeoniae Rubra,
• Folium Pyrrosiae,
• Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae,
• Rhizoma Atractylodis,
• Retinervus Luffae Fructus,
• Ramulus Mori,
• Caulis Spatholobi, etc.