Objective To study the therapeutic effect of triple-combination method for the syndrome of Yin deficiency and collateral heat of rheumatoid arthritis （RA）. Methods The 78 patients of rheumatoid arthritis with syndrome of Yin deficiency and collateral heat were randomized into treated group and control groups. The triple-combination method

namely

the herbal decoction

prednisone tablets and Changrong Xiaobiling Tablets

was applied to the treated group

while the double-combination method

namely

the herbal decoction and Changrong Xiaobiling Tablets

to the control group. The clinical symptoms

signs （number of patients with joint pain and swelling

time of morning stiffness

average grip strength of both hands

walking time of 15 meters） and the changes of indices in laboratory test （ESR

immunoglobulin

addiment

routine blood test

functions of liver and kidney） of two groups were observed. Results The total effective rate of treated group and control group was 90.00% and 86.84% respectively. There was no significant difference between groups（P>0.05）

but the time to initiate effect in the treated group [（14.98±9.28） days] was obviously shorter than that of control group [（30.88±11.32） days] with significant difference （P<0.01）. Conclusion The triple-combination method of integration of Chinese and Western medicine is obviously effective in treatment of Yin deficiency and collateral heat of rheumatoid arthritis.