Rheumatism, as a category of chronic inflammatory diseases, severely impacts patients’ quality of life. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine demonstrates unique advantages in treating rheumatism, effectively alleviating symptoms such as joint pain and swelling through mechanisms like dispelling wind-dampness and promoting blood circulation. Modern research indicates that components like Tripterygium wilfordii and total glucosides of peony possess multiple effects including anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and renal protective properties. Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine approaches can reduce the side effects of Western drugs, offering new strategies for rheumatism management.