Shi Quan Da Bu Tang Reduces the Incidence of Recurrent Acute Otitis Media in Children

Recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) is a common ear infection in children 👶👂. This condition can lead to multiple complications. Firstly, it may affect hearing, as persistent ear infections and fluid accumulation can result in hearing loss, potentially leading to permanent damage 🎧❌. Additionally, otitis media can impact language and speech development, especially during the critical preschool years when children are learning to speak 🗣️📚. Hearing impairment during this stage may hinder this process. Lastly, chronic otitis media can affect overall development, including learning and social skills, as both are closely linked to good hearing and language abilities 🏫👫. Therefore, effective prevention and treatment of recurrent AOM are crucial for children's health and development ❤️.

Moreover, recurrent AOM can lead to antibiotic resistance 🦠💊, making the search for alternative treatment options increasingly important.

🩺 Clinical Evidence

A randomized controlled trial published in the journal Auris Nasus Larynx in 2017 evaluated the efficacy of the traditional Chinese herbal formula Shi Quan Da Bu Tang in preventing recurrent AOM in children. The study included children aged 6 to 48 months who were prone to AOM. Participants received standard treatment and were randomly assigned to either a Shi Quan Da Bu Tang group or a control group without the herbal treatment.

The primary outcome measured was the monthly incidence of acute otitis media over a 3-month intervention period. The results showed a significant reduction in the incidence of AOM and a decrease in antibiotic use among children who received Shi Quan Da Bu Tang 📉🌿.

🔹 The frequency of AOM was reduced by 57% in the Shi Quan Da Bu Tang group compared to the control group.

🔹 Shi Quan Da Bu Tang also significantly reduced the incidence of common colds 🤧 and overall antibiotic use 💊❌.

These findings suggest that Shi Quan Da Bu Tang is a promising alternative therapy for preventing recurrent AOM in children. By enhancing immune function and reducing dependency on antibiotics, this formula helps protect children's hearing and overall well-being 👂🛡️.

🌿 What is Shi Quan Da Bu Tang?

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang consists of:

✔ Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): Ginseng (Ren Shen), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice (Gan Cao) – to tonify qi and support digestion.

✔ Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction): Angelica (Dang Gui), Rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), White Peony (Bai Shao) – to nourish and regulate blood circulation.

✔ Additional herbs: Astragalus (Huang Qi) and Cinnamon (Rou Gui) – to strengthen the immune system and warm the body.

This formula is particularly useful for qi and blood deficiency, which can contribute to weak immunity and recurrent infections. In the case of recurrent acute otitis media (AOM) in children, frequent infections may indicate wei qi (defensive qi) deficiency, making it difficult for the body to resist pathogens 🛡️👶.

By strengthening qi and blood, Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Juzen-Taiho-To) can:

✅ Enhance immune function to reduce infection frequency

✅ Improve overall vitality and resistance to illness

✅ Support recovery from chronic infections without relying on antibiotics

🔔 Important Note: Before using Shi Quan Da Bu Tang for your child, please consult a qualified TCM practitioner 👩‍⚕️🌿 to ensure it is appropriate for their condition.

📖 Reference

Ito, M., Maruyama, Y., Kitamura, K., Kobayashi, T., Takahashi, H., Yamanaka, N., Harabuchi, Y., Origasa, H., Yoshizaki, T. (2017). Randomized controlled trial of Juzen-Taiho-To in children with recurrent acute otitis media. Auris Nasus Larynx, 44(3), 390-397. DOI: 10.1016/j.anl.2016.10.002.