Constipation Remedies – Secrets to a Healthy Digestive System

Constipation is a common condition that can cause discomfort and affect overall health. Its causes can range from a lack of fiber in the diet and insufficient water intake to infrequent physical activity, or underlying health conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, thyroid problems, and diabetes.

Here are some traditional remedies used to treat constipation based on principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM):

1. Treatment for Liang Táo (Mild Constipation):

Remedy: Hanh To Tan (Apricot Kernel Formula)

Ingredients:

• Apricot kernels (Hanh ren): 10g

• Gardenia fruit (To yiep): 10g

• Poria cocos (Tien ho): 10g

• Platycodon grandiflorum (Cat canh): 10g

• Mulberry root bark (Zhi xac): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Expels wind, transforms phlegm, promotes urination, and relieves constipation.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with cold constitution.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

2. Treatment for Wen Táo (Warm Constipation):

Remedy: Qing Tao Jiu Fei Tang (Clear Peach and Rescue Lung Decoction)

Ingredients:

• Mulberry leaf (Tang yiep): 10g

• Gypsum fibrosum (Shih kao): 10g

• Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai men): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Clears heat, detoxifies, promotes urination, and relieves constipation.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with cold constitution.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

3. Treatment for Fei Wei Yin Hu (Deficiency of Lung and Stomach Yin):

Remedy: Mai Men Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction)

Ingredients:

• Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai men): 15g

• Pinellia ternata (Ban ha): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Nourishes Yin, replenishes the Stomach, generates fluids, and relieves constipation.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with excessive heat.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

4. Treatment for Fei Yin Hu (Lung Yin Deficiency):

Remedy: Yang Yin Qing Fei Tang (Nourish Yin, Clear Lung Decoction)

Ingredients:

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng di): 15g

• Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai men): 10g

• Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuan shen): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Nourishes Yin, strengthens the lungs, and lubricates the bowels.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with excessive heat.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

5. Treatment for Fei Shen Yin Hu (Deficiency of Lung and Kidney Yin):

Remedy: Bai He Gu Jin Tang (Lily and Consolidating the Essence Decoction)

Ingredients:

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng di): 15g

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Shu di): 10g

• Lilium brownii (Bai he): 10g

• Ophiopogon japonicus (Mai men): 10g

• Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuan shen): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Nourishes Yin, strengthens the lungs, benefits the kidneys, and lubricates the bowels.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with excessive heat.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

6. Treatment for Constipation Due to Heat in Yangming Channel (DM Fu Syndrome):

Remedy: Zeng Di Tang (Increase Fluid Decoction)

Ingredients:

• Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuan shen): 15g

• Rehmannia glutinosa (Sheng di): 10g

Dosage: Take as a decoction once a day.

Benefits: Clears heat, detoxifies, generates fluids, and lubricates the bowels.

Precautions:

• Avoid use in individuals with cold constitution.

• Combine with a high-fiber diet and adequate water intake.

General Precautions:

• These remedies are only supportive and should not replace a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment.

• Use these remedies only as directed by a qualified practitioner.

• Avoid prolonged use without consulting a healthcare professional.

• Combine these remedies with a high-fiber diet, adequate water intake, and regular physical activity to prevent and treat constipation effectively.

Additionally, certain foods are known for their laxative effects:

• Fiber-rich fruits such as bananas, papayas, apples, pears, oranges, etc.

• Fiber-rich vegetables such as spinach, kale, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, etc.

• Seeds like chia seeds, flaxseeds, and sunflower seeds.

Note: Choose foods that are appropriate for your individual health status and constitution.

Remember, a healthy digestive system is crucial for overall well-being and an active lifestyle.