Pain Release Full Biomedical & TCM Details

Pain is a complex process. It involves many different biochemical substances and pathways and can originate from tissues, the nervous system (nerves, spinal cord and brain), or a combination of these.(1-3) This explains why varying types of pain may respond differently to the same treatment, as there is no single "pain signal” for pain-relievers to target.(1,2)

Zoi Medicinals™ Pain Release Formula addresses pain through five distinct, but connected mechanisms.(4,5) This multi-pathway approach may offer broader pain relief and lessen undesirable effects sometimes found with therapies relying upon a single target.(4,5) In addition to their pain-relieving actions, many of the herbs in the formula have supportive properties that help maintain healthy circulation, promote tissue repair, and encourage overall vitality.(6-8)

Pain Release Formula contains herbs with documented analgesic (pain-relieving), anti-inflammatory, and anti-spasmodic (muscle-relaxing) properties.(9-12) The formula is balanced by herbs that support blood flow, even in the smallest vessels, plus Chinese medical herbs traditionally used to direct the action to different regions of the body and promote recovery and healing.(12-13)

Many herbs in Pain Release Formula have analgesic (pain-relieving) effects including Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Bai Shao, willow bark, cramp bark, and Mo Yao (myrrh resin).(13-23) These herbs influence pain through several distinct pathways and cell receptor interactions.(13-20) Alkaloids in Corydalis appear to modulate dopamine D2 receptors influencing the body’s perception and response to pain.(13-15) Bai Shao activates the adenosine A1 receptor, a natural pain-suppressing system that helps reduce inflammation and pain signaling.(16,17) Willow bark reduces prostaglandin production via cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibition to calm inflammation and pain. Cramp bark contains salicylates and other phytochemicals that contribute to its analgesic and antispasmodic effects.(20) It is interesting to note that willow bark and cramp bark contain salicylates that are chemically and pharmacologically related to aspirin.(18-20) The analgesic effects of Mo Yao appear to involve several mechanisms, including inhibition of prostaglandin production, suppression of inflammatory cytokines, and possible activation of opioid pathways.(21-23) Because these herbs act through multiple complementary mechanisms rather than a single target, they may provide broader pain relief than agents that primarily act through one pathway.(4)

Despite their differing phytochemical composition, Dan Shen, Qin Jiao, willow bark, Bai Shao, Du Huo, and Gui Zhi (cinnamon) impact pain in similar ways via modulation of the NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway.(7,8,17,18,24-27) A key regulator of inflammation, NF-κB activation signals cells to produce chemical mediators responsible for pain, swelling, redness, and immune activation.(28,29) Suppressing this pathway decreases the production of many inflammatory mediators (cytokines, prostaglandins, nitric oxide and other compounds) involved in pain signaling and chronic inflammation.(28-30) Fang Feng and Chuan Niu Xi also contribute to pain relief by impacting mediators and pathways associated with chronic pain and tissue degeneration. Together, these herbs act at multiple levels of the inflammation process providing support for both acute and chronic pain.(31,32)

Persistent inflammation can impair circulation and promote the accumulation of fluid, metabolic waste products, and inflammatory mediators, depriving tissues of much-needed oxygen and nutrients.(2,30,33) Studies have shown that ligustilide, a major constituent of both Dang Gui and Chuan Xiong, inhibits platelet aggregation and promotes relaxation of both blood vessels and muscles, which helps restore healthy circulation to tissues.(34-36) Chuan Xiong has been shown to improve microcirculation (circulation within the smallest blood vessels).(36) Dan Shen and Ji Xue Teng support healthy circulation by protecting the vascular endothelium (the delicate lining of blood vessels) from inflammatory and oxidative damage that contributes to poor circulation and pain.(7,8,37,38) Ji Xue Teng has also been shown to reduce platelet aggregation and improve red blood cell flexibility, supporting oxygen delivery and tissue recovery.(37,38) Together, these herbs help restore healthy circulation and tissue nourishment.(2,30,33)

Herbs in Pain Release Formula have documented antispasmodic and muscle-relaxing properties.(16,17,26,35,36,39) While temporary muscle tightness serves a protective function, prolonged spasm can impair blood flow, compress nerves, and promote the accumulation of metabolic waste products and inflammatory mediators.(33,40,41) As a result, pain and inflammation may become an ongoing cycle, delaying recovery and, in severe cases, contributing to tissue damage.(33,40,41) Several herbs in the formula help interrupt this pain-spasm cycle through complementary mechanisms.(16,17,26,35,36,39) Phytochemicals in cramp bark relax smooth and skeletal muscle.(39) Bai Shao enhances the body's natural adenosine-mediated pathways that calm nerve activity and suppress pain.(16,17) Components of Chuan Xiong and Dang Gui promote relaxation of blood vessels and muscle while improving circulation.(34-36) Gui Zhi, traditionally said to "warm the channels" in Chinese medicine, has been shown to relieve constriction of blood vessels and tissues, supporting the healthy flow of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to affected areas.(26) Together, these herbs help restore circulation, relieve muscle tension, and break the pain-spasm cycle.(33,40,41)

Finally, several herbs in Pain Release Formula address underlying contributors to pain while supporting tissue repair and functional recovery.(42-46) Xu Duan has been shown to promote osteoblast differentiation and support bone healing.(42,43) In Chinese medicine, Sang Ji Sheng is used to tonify the Liver and Kidney and strengthen the sinews and bones; modern studies suggest it possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and bone-protective properties that may support joint health and healthy aging.(44,45) Ji Xue Teng and Dang Gui both nourish the blood and support healthy circulation, providing restorative support during periods of injury, impaired healing, and recovery.(34,37,38,46) Together, these herbs help relieve pain while supporting the body's natural healing processes.(42-46)

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine view:


  • Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis yanhusuo) is warm and enters the LIV and HT meridians; invigorates Blood, promotes movement of Qi, and alleviates pain. The foremost analgesic herb in the Chinese pharmacopeia, used for over 1,100 years.
  • Ji Xue Teng (Spatholobus suberectus) is warm and enters the LIV, SP, and HT meridians; invigorates and tonifies Blood, relaxes sinews, opens the channels and collaterals, and alleviates pain from blood stagnation or deficiency.
  • Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) is slightly cold and enters the HT and LIV meridians; invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, clears Heat, cools the Blood, nourishes Blood, and calms the Spirit.
  • Qin Jiao (Gentiana macrophylla) is cool and enters the ST, LIV, and GB meridians; dispels Wind-Dampness, relaxes sinews, and alleviates pain. Uniquely moistening among Wind-Damp herbs; effective for both hot-type and cold-type Bi syndrome.
  • Du Huo (Angelica pubescens) is slightly warm and enters the KI and UB meridians; dispels Wind-Cold-Dampness, opens channels and collaterals, and alleviates pain, particularly in the lower back and lower extremities.
  • Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis) is warm and enters the LIV, HT, and SP meridians; tonifies and invigorates Blood, regulates menstruation, disperses Cold, and alleviates pain.
  • Bai Shao (Paeonia lactiflora) is cool and enters the LIV and SP meridians; nourishes Blood, softens and calms the Liver, preserves Yin, alleviates pain, and relieves muscle cramping and spasms.
  • Mo Yao (Commiphora myrrha) is neutral and enters the HT, LIV, and SP meridians; invigorates Blood, dispels stasis, reduces swelling, generates flesh, and alleviates pain. A primary resin for traumatic injury and blood stagnation pain.
  • Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula officinalis) is neutral and enters the LIV and KI meridians; invigorates Blood and dispels stasis, strengthens sinews and bones, and guides the formula's action downward to the lower body.
  • Willow Bark (Salix alba) enters the LIV and KI meridians; clears Heat, alleviates pain, reduces inflammation, and stops bleeding. The botanical precursor to aspirin, used for centuries in western herbal medicine.
  • Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) is warm and enters the LIV, GB, and PC meridians; invigorates Blood, promotes movement of Qi, expels Wind, and alleviates pain. Carries the formula's effects upward, balancing Chuan Niu Xi's downward direction.
  • Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata) is slightly warm and enters the UB, LIV, and SP meridians; releases the Exterior, expels Wind-Dampness, and alleviates pain. Acts as a "wind screen" to protect the channels from external pathogenic invasion.
  • Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) enters the LIV and SP meridians; relaxes smooth and skeletal muscle, alleviates cramping and spasms, and eases pain. A specific western antispasmodic with a long history of use for neuromuscular tension.
  • Gui Zhi (Cinnamomum cassia) is warm and enters the HT, LU, and UB meridians; warms the channels, opens the collaterals, promotes Blood circulation, and assists the Yang. Directs the formula's action to the extremities and upper body.
  • Xu Duan (Dipsacus asper) is slightly warm and enters the LIV and KI meridians; tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones, reconnects sinews and bones, and promotes healing of injured tissues.
  • Sang Ji Sheng (Taxillus chinensis) is neutral and enters the LIV and KI meridians; tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, strengthens sinews and bones, expels Wind-Dampness, and nourishes Blood.

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