◎Image authorized by Shetu Network
▲Special guest host of the Xinyi Morning News〡Xiao Jing
01Why is constipation common in autumn dryness?
◎Image authorized by Shetu Network
Recently, the weather has gradually cooled down, with the autumn wind arriving, taking away the remaining heat, but also taking away our body’s moisture,making us acutely aware of the “autumn dryness” phenomenon.
Chapped lips, dry hair, dry skin, and the most unbearable is“constipation”, the feeling of being unable to relieve oneself is truly frustrating.
Why does constipation or worsening constipation occur in autumn?Dryness is the main qi of autumn, and constipation in autumn is often due to intestinal dryness.
Dryness easily injures body fluids, and the intestines become dry and hard due to the influence of dry qi, leading to dry and hard stools, which is classified as“fluid deficiency constipation”.
02Dry and hard stools, difficult to pass, belong to fluid deficiency constipation
◎Image authorized by Shetu Network
The large intestine is responsible for body fluids, primarily absorbing water.If the water content in the large intestine is low, the intestines become dry, similar to a river with low water levels, making it easy for boats to run aground, and stools remain in the large intestine.
At this time, simply increasing the water volume in the river will allow the boats to float, and with a slight push, they can move naturally.
Therefore, the treatment for fluid deficiency constipation is also called“increasing fluids to facilitate movement”,which is suitable for intestinal dryness caused by insufficient body fluids,leading to dry and hard stools that are difficult to pass.
03One simple formula to moisten the intestines and relieve constipation, making you feel light and comfortable
◎Image authorized by Shetu Network
This is a commonly used basic formula by Professor Zhang Jingming for your reference:30g of Sheng Huangqi (Raw Astragalus), 30g of Sheng Baizhu (Raw Atractylodes), and 24g of Danggui (Angelica Sinensis).
Huangqi, is best at tonifying qi; in TCM, it is said that “qi is the commander of blood, and blood is the mother of qi,” so Huangqi is effective for both qi deficiency and blood deficiency.
Baizhu, is good at strengthening the spleen; the spleen not only transforms and transports the essence of food but also helps fluids reach the intestines smoothly;
Danggui, can nourish blood and invigorate blood circulation, and has a good effect on moistening the intestines and relieving constipation. These three herbs combined can address the majority of constipation issues and are considered a general method.
🔸If fluid deficiency is severe, with noticeable thirst and dryness, you can add12g of Yuanshen (Rehmannia) and 10g of Maidong (Ophiopogon),to enhance the effect of nourishing yin and generating fluids.
🔸For elderly friends, if accompanied by symptoms of yang deficiency, such as cold limbs, you can add15g of Rou Congrong (Cistanche),to tonify the kidneys, assist yang, and moisten the intestines to relieve constipation.
Preparation:This is the dosage for one batch of herbs; soak all herbs for 15 minutes, then simmer for about 15 minutes, strain the liquid, and drink it in two doses throughout the day.
This not only resolves the issue of constipation but also fundamentally eliminates the root causes of constipation,allowing you to self-regulate at home.
Reminder:If constipation is caused by excess heat or during pregnancy, it is not within the scope of today’s discussion.
Additionally, if constipation occurs, it is recommended to first go to the hospital for examination to rule out organic lesions before using TCM treatment, which can be quite effective.
· Content reviewed for this issue ·
Click「Read the original text」to learn more about TCM knowledge~