Clinical Prescribing Trends in Herbal Medicine for Bell Palsy Based on Korean Case Reports

This study aimed to investigate the clinical prescribing trends in herbal medicine use for the treatment of Bell palsy by analyzing Korean case reports on herbal complex formulations and single medicinal herbs. This study searched five databases in Korea and found 1,080 records, resulting in 10 studies included in the final analysis. These studies were then analyzed for interventions, herbal complex formulations, the composition of these formulations, evaluation methods, and other factors. The 10 case reports involving 19 patients with Bell palsy were reviewed, all of whom received herbal complex formulations often in combination with acupuncture. Tonifying and replenishing medicines and exterior-releasing medicines were commonly prescribed. This study highlights the use of herbal complex formulations in treating Bell palsy in Korea, reflecting the current clinical practices. The findings of this study emphasize the need for controlled studies to establish the efficacy of specific formulations.