In hemodialysis patients, malaise is a common compliant. We tried to use Juzen-taiho-to as a treatment for malaise. Seventeen patients took 5g of Juzen-taiho-to twice a day for 8 weeks, and then responded to questionaires regarding their condition. Twelve patients experienced a decreased feeling of malaise, but 4 patients dropped out of the study, and 1 patient was ineffective. Hemodialysis patients usually feel cold and their skin is dry; these are symptoms of weak Ki (elemental energy) and anemia. Juzen-taiho-to is a medicine for Ki and blood deficiency. Juzen-taiho-to is a useful drug for treatment of malaise in hemodialysis patients.

In hemodialysis patients, muscle cramps in the lower extremities are frequently seen. In order to prevent the occurrence of these cramps, Shakuyakukanzo-to was administered to five patients that frequently suffered from muscle cramps during dialysis. Before receiving dialysis, a dose of 2.5g was given to each of the five patients. The rates of efficacy were: effective for 2 patients, slightly effective for 2 patients and not effective for 1 patient. No severe side effects such as increases in serum potassium levels were observed. The results therefore suggested that Shakuyakukanzo-to is useful in the prevention of muscle cramps during dialysis.