Natural Laxatives In Chinese Medicine And Their Benefits

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has a variety of treatments for constipation, a common ailment that can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, lack of fibre or physical activity, certain medications, and overuse of laxatives. In TCM, constipation can be caused by both excess and deficiency patterns of disharmony. For excess heat and qi stagnation, herbs with cooling and purgative effects such as rhubarb root (da huang) are used. A simple formula for this is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang. For stagnant qi, herbs that relax stuck qi and restore intestinal function are used, such as the combination of Xiao Yao Wan and Mu Xiang Shun Qi Wan.

Deficiency patterns of disharmony, including qi, blood, yin, or yang deficiency, can also cause constipation. For qi deficiency, a person may feel exhausted after trying to move their bowels, and a good remedy is Shen Qi Da Bu Wan, which contains qi tonics like Astragalus (huang qi) and Codonopsis (dang shen). Cannabis seeds (huo ma ren) are also used as a nourishing, lubricating laxative. For yang deficiency, Cistanches (rou cong rong) and walnuts (hu tao ren), a lubricating yang tonic, are added to the formula. For yin deficiency, characterised by small, hard, dry stools, thirst, night sweats, and a red tongue, Rehmannia Teapills with hemp seed oil is an appropriate remedy.

Acupuncture is also used to treat acute constipation, with the most important point being Stomach 25 (Heaven's Axis), located on either side of the navel. Herbal laxatives, from mild lubricants to strong purgatives, are also used, and chronic constipation is usually treated with tonifying herbs.

Rhubarb root (da huang)

Rhubarb root, known as 'da huang' in traditional Chinese medicine, is a highly effective laxative with astringent qualities. It is used to treat chronic constipation, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhoids. It is also used to treat skin eruptions caused by problems in elimination.

Rhubarb is a member of the Polygonaceae family and is native to Siberia. The roots have been used in China for thousands of years to drain heat and treat pain caused by blood stagnation, including injuries. It is also used to treat constipation, diarrhea, and high fevers.

Rhubarb root is usually taken from plants four or more years of age and is dug up in the autumn. The root is washed, its external fibers removed, and then it is dried and pulverized. It can be purchased in a powdered form or as a tincture.

The recommended dosage is 1-1.5 teaspoons of pulverized rhubarb root in a cup of boiling water, left to sit for ten minutes, and taken twice a day. Rhubarb is often combined with other herbs. If abdominal cramping occurs, the dosage should be reduced.

Rhubarb root is considered to be safe when consumed as food. However, it is possibly unsafe for pregnant or nursing women and children. It should also not be used by people with acute and chronic inflammatory diseases of the intestine, including Crohn's disease, appendicitis, and intestinal obstruction. Long-term use can result in muscular weakness, bone loss, potassium loss, and irregular heart rhythm.

Peach Kernel Pills

The main ingredient in Peach Kernel Pills is Prunus persica seed, also known as the peach kernel. Other ingredients include Linum usitatissimum seed, Notopterygium incisium root, and Angelica sinensis root. The product contains tree nuts and may cause mild abdominal cramping in sensitive patients. It is contraindicated during pregnancy and menstruation and should be used with caution while breastfeeding.

Cannabis seeds (huo ma ren)

Cannabis seeds, or Huo Ma Ren, are the seeds of the Cannabis Sativa plant. They are also known as hemp seeds. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), they are used as a laxative to loosen the bowels and relieve constipation. They are also prescribed for relieving pain, inducing sleep, and helping with nausea.

Huo Ma Ren has been used in TCM for thousands of years. The seeds are harvested in the autumn, dried in the sun, and then powdered and milled. They are rich in oils, which can be used to moisten the intestines and unblock the bowels. They are also believed to strengthen the Yin and relieve constipation caused by Yin Deficiency. In addition, Huo Ma Ren can be used to clear Heat and aid the healing of sores and ulcerations.

It is important to note that Huo Ma Ren should not be self-prescribed and should only be taken under the guidance of a professional TCM practitioner. The typical dosage is 9-15 grams, but a larger dose of up to 45 grams can be used when Huo Ma Ren is the primary herb in a formula. However, consuming more than 60-120 grams at one time can cause poisoning, vomiting, diarrhea, and even lethargy.

Huo Ma Ren is also used as a food ingredient in dishes such as hemp seed tabbouleh or hempseed hummus. It is a good source of essential amino acids and fatty acids, including omega-3 and omega-6.

Cistanches (rou cong rong)

Cistanches is a tonic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and is used to treat chronic renal disease, impotence, female infertility, morbid leucorrhea, profuse metrorrhagia, and senile constipation. It is also believed to have neuroprotective, immunomodulatory, anti-oxidative, laxative, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-tumor effects.

The major bioactive compound present in this plant is phenylethanoid glycosides. Other chemical constituents include volatile oils, iridoids, lignans, alditols, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

Cistanches is believed to improve brain function by enhancing learning and memory. It is also thought to have an immune-boosting effect and a nourishing aphrodisiac effect.

The plant is native to arid lands and deserts in the northern hemisphere, including China, Iran, India, and Mongolia.

Rehmannia Teapills

Rehmannia, also known as Chinese foxglove, is a plant grown mainly in China and used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Rehmannia is typically used in combination with other herbs. Some of the chemicals in rehmannia may affect the immune and nervous systems, and it might also reduce pain and swelling.

Rehmannia is commonly used to treat kidney disease, anemia, obesity, and diabetes, but there is no strong scientific evidence to support these uses. It is possibly safe to use for up to 8 weeks and should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to a lack of research.

• Rehmannia glutinosa root-prep
• Cornus officinalis fruit
• Dioscorea opposita rhizome
• Alisma plantago aquatica rhizome
• Paeonia suffruticosa root-bark
• Phellodendron amurense bark
• Anemarrhena asphodeloides rhizome
• Shu di huang
• Shan zhu yu
• Shan yao
• Ze xie
• Mu dan pi
• Fu ling
• Huang bai
• Zhi mu

The standard dosage for Rehmannia teapills is 8 pills, three times per day.

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