Clinical Applications
Resolve (AI) is formulated to address infections, inflammation, and hard swellings caused by stagnation of qi, blood, or fluids. It may be beneficial for:
- Infection and inflammation with swelling: goiter, lymphedema, hemorrhoids, intestinal polyps, tonsillitis, appendicitis, diverticulitis, infected lesions, mastitis, sinusitis, osteomyelitis, cellulitis, and thrombophlebitis
- Hardness and nodules: any type of lump, swelling, or mass including scrofula, boils, carbuncles, furuncles, abscesses, polyps, hordeolum (stye), or other hard-seated lesions (with or without pus, pain, or heat)
- Lymphatic blockage: helps drain the lymphatic system, clear stagnation, and treat lymphedema
Western Therapeutic Actions
Modern research supports the following therapeutic benefits of Resolve (AI):
- Antibacterial and antiviral properties to treat infection
- Anti-inflammatory effects to reduce swelling and irritation
- Antitumor and antiproliferative actions to address hardness, nodules, and abnormal growths
- Antipyretic influence to reduce fever
- Analgesic benefits to relieve pain
TCM Therapeutic Actions
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, Resolve (AI) functions to:
- Clear heat and detoxify the system
- Reduce swelling and promote discharge of pus
- Invigorate blood circulation and relieve pain
Dosage
- Standard adult dosage: 3 to 4 capsules, three times daily on an empty stomach
- For stronger effect: increase to 6 to 8 capsules, three times daily with two tall glasses of warm water
- If stomach upset occurs, capsules may be taken with meals
- Discontinue once symptoms resolve; not intended for long-term use
Cautions & Contraindications
- Contraindicated in yin-type (deep-rooted) furuncles or carbuncles that appear grayish-dark, with no redness or pain
- Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing
- Use with caution in Spleen qi deficiency or yang deficiency with cold extremities
- Not intended for long-term use; discontinue once effects are achieved
- Certain conditions (e.g., acute appendicitis) require surgery despite the formula’s anti-infective properties, in order to prevent rupture
- Contains Dang Gui Wei (Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis), which invigorates blood circulation. Patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies (e.g., warfarin) should avoid or use with caution due to increased risk of bleeding and bruising
Nutrition
Dietary choices play a vital role in supporting treatment and recovery:
- Avoid during treatment: spicy, greasy, fried foods, BBQ, canned foods, fermented foods, dairy, seafood, alcohol, duck, and organ meats
- Hydration: drink plenty of water daily to support detoxification
- For tonsillitis: gargle with salt water twice daily for one minute
Protecting the Spleen (per TCM)
Since the Spleen generates post-natal qi and supports immune function, avoid foods that weaken its function:
- Refined sugar and substitutes: cakes, candy, chocolate, sodas, juices, syrups, stevia, agave, xylitol, corn syrup
- Raw or uncooked meats: sushi, sashimi, tartare, lightly seared meat
- Cooling foods (unless cooked): tofu, cucumber, bitter melon, celery, eggplant, melon, citrus, guava, pineapple, banana, papaya, pear, and similar cold-natured produce
- Refined carbs: white rice, white bread
- Seafood (especially shellfish): crab, oyster, scallops, clams, shrimp, lobster
- Fermented foods: cheese, fermented tofu
- Dairy products: milk, cream, cheese, ice cream
- Heavy meats: lamb, beef, goose, duck
- Fried, greasy, and processed meats (hot dogs, sausages, lunch meats with nitrites)
Also avoid hot-natured, qi-damaging foods:
- Fruits such as mango and durian
- Stimulants such as coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks
- Pungent spices such as garlic, onion, chili, cumin, mustard, wasabi, etc.
Insights from The Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni & Cathy McNease)
- For lumps, nodules, and tumors: drink tea made from seaweed, peach kernel, and green orange peel. Apply a poultice of seaweed, ginger, and dandelion externally to affected areas
- For swollen lymph glands, nodules, scrofula, goiter, tuberculosis: prepare a remedy with dried taro root powder, water chestnuts, and jellyfish. Roll into mung bean–sized pills and take 2 tablespoons three times daily with warm water
Lifestyle Instructions
- Mild exercise is recommended to promote healthy qi and blood circulation
- Avoid heavy exercise that induces sweating when dermatological swellings are present, as this may slow healing
- Do not scratch lesions to prevent infection spread and scarring
- When boils or cysts rupture and drain, keep the area clean to avoid secondary infections. Wash hands thoroughly after handling lesions to prevent spreading infection
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only. Never self-prescribe herbal formulas. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new supplement or treatment.
Adapted from Clinical Manual of Oriental Medicine: An Integrative Approach (3rd ed., 2016, Lotus Institute of Integrative Medicine).