Constipation is a common ailment among many women and middle-aged individuals, characterized by hard stools resembling sheep feces, difficulty in bowel movements, and often accompanied by heat in the palms and soles, poor sleep, and frequent dreams leading to insomnia. Many have tried various oral laxatives and external treatments like glycerin suppositories or even enemas, but the results are often unsatisfactory, and symptoms return once the medication is stopped. What could be the reason for this?
In fact, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that there are multiple causes of constipation, such as excessive heat in the intestines, deficiency of body fluids, insufficient peristalsis, or even intestinal masses that can lead to obstructed bowel movements. Since the causes vary, effective treatment must target the underlying condition. For instance, if there is excessive heat in the intestines leading to hard, dry stools, often accompanied by symptoms like bad breath and mouth sores, a heat-clearing laxative is needed, such as the well-known Da Cheng Qi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction). Conversely, if the constipation is due to Qi deficiency with insufficient propulsion, where the stools are not hard but difficult to pass, a formula like Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Pill) is appropriate. In cases of intestinal obstruction due to masses, one may observe weight loss, stools with pus or blood, or grooves in the stools, which necessitates prompt treatment of the underlying condition.
Lastly, there is a type of constipation characterized by deficiency of body fluids and dryness of the intestines, as mentioned at the beginning, where the stools are hard and resemble sheep feces, making them difficult to pass. This condition is often accompanied by poor sleep and feelings of heat in the palms and soles. It is caused by a deficiency of body fluids and insufficient Yin blood, leading to constipation. The treatment should focus on nourishing blood and moistening the intestines. Although heat-clearing can alleviate symptoms, nourishing Yin and replenishing blood is the fundamental approach.
What should one do for constipation due to body fluid deficiency? Today, I will introduce a formula composed of two herbs that can help increase body fluids and alleviate constipation caused by dryness in the intestines. The ingredients are Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), which we will analyze.
First, let’s look at Sheng Di Huang.
Sheng Di Huang has a sweet and bitter taste, capable of nourishing Yin and generating body fluids. It is particularly effective for constipation caused by Yin deficiency due to heat injury, as it promotes moisture and alleviates dryness in the intestines. Additionally, Sheng Di is cold in nature, which can clear heat and cool the blood, effectively addressing excessive heat in the blood, thus ensuring sufficient body fluids and blood, alleviating the phenomenon of hard stools.
If there is significant deficiency of the liver and kidneys, with insufficient kidney essence but not excessive heat, one can substitute Sheng Di with Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), which also has excellent properties for increasing body fluids and moistening the intestines, but additionally nourishes the kidneys and replenishes essence.
As stated in the “Zhen Zhu Nang”: “Sheng Di cools the blood, generates blood, and replenishes kidney water and true Yin.”
Next, let’s examine Dang Gui.
Dang Gui has a sweet and spicy flavor, with excellent dispersing properties, and possesses both blood-nourishing and blood-activating effects. It is characterized by nourishing blood without causing stasis. Since body fluids and blood share a common source, it can nourish blood and generate body fluids, entering the spleen meridian to nourish blood and moisten the intestines, facilitating bowel movements. Its warm nature, when combined with Sheng Di, balances cold and heat, preventing excessive coldness while enhancing the effects of increasing body fluids and moistening the intestines.
In summary, the combination of Sheng Di Huang and Dang Gui forms a small formula that effectively nourishes Yin and replenishes blood while also moistening the intestines and facilitating bowel movements. It is particularly suitable for constipation caused by body fluid deficiency and dryness in the intestines, characterized by hard stools resembling sheep feces, frequent insomnia, palpitations, a pale complexion, and feelings of heat in the palms and soles.
If you experience the above issues, consider saving this as a basic formula and adjust it under the guidance of a physician based on your diagnosis.
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