In clinical practice, it is observed that many slender young women suffer from constipation and bad breath, with several days between bowel movements becoming a habitual and unspoken issue.
Women often do not drink enough water, and with the hot summer weather causing sweating and a preference for spicy foods, failing to replenish fluids in a timely manner can lead to insufficient intestinal fluids. This deficiency can hinder the movement of stool, resulting in dry intestines and constipation.
The large intestine functions like a drainage pipe for the body. If excretion is not smooth, feces can accumulate and decompose, leading to the production of gas that rises, which not only causes bad breath but also results in the reabsorption of toxins due to the inability to expel metabolic waste, potentially causing acne on the face or back. (Patients with facial acne or dark spots should also check if their bowel movements are normal. Normal bowel movements should occur once a day, be well-formed, and have no significant odor).
Individuals with dry intestines and constipation typically have a red and thin tongue with insufficient moisture on the sides. They may experience constipation or hard stools that are difficult to pass. The most suitable Chinese patent medicine for this condition is Ma Zi Ren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill).
The composition of Ma Zi Ren Wan includes Ma Zi Ren (Hemp Seed), Shao Yao (Peony), Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel). These ingredients are processed into pills with honey.
Da Huang, Hou Po, and Zhi Shi are components of Xiao Cheng Qi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction), where Da Huang helps purge heat and promote bowel movements, while Hou Po and Zhi Shi relieve fullness and distension. Together, they achieve the effects of promoting bowel movement, clearing heat, and regulating Qi.
Ma Zi Ren has the function of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. The lungs and large intestine are interconnected; Xing Ren not only helps to resolve phlegm and moisten the lungs but also has a bitter taste that descends Qi. Rich in oils, Xing Ren also aids in moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements (patients with asthma or cough should also monitor their bowel movements, as constipation may hinder the descent of Qi, leading to persistent cough and asthma).
Shao Yao is primarily Bai Shao (White Peony). The Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing describes Bai Shao as having the ability to “relieve abdominal pain caused by evil Qi, eliminate blood stasis, break up accumulations, treat cold and heat hernias, stop pain, benefit urination, and tonify Qi.” Bai Shao not only alleviates pain caused by deficiency of body fluids leading to constipation but also helps eliminate accumulated feces.
Ma Zi Ren Wan also combines these herbs with honey to enhance its ability to moisten the intestines and promote bowel movements. It is suitable for individuals with deficiency of liver and kidney Qi, as well as the elderly who experience dry intestines and constipation, along with bitter and dry mouth.
Women who dislike drinking water or children who sweat a lot and dislike drinking water may experience habitual constipation. Additionally, postpartum women often lose a significant amount of Qi and blood, making it difficult to have bowel movements due to Qi deficiency and the loss of blood, which is a vital fluid.
Excessive straining during childbirth and significant loss of energy, or individuals who are generally sedentary with poor circulation in the lower limbs, are prone to developing hemorrhoids. Post-surgery for hemorrhoids, constipation can lead to bleeding or recurrence of hemorrhoids. Such patients with gastrointestinal dryness and heat are also suitable for Ma Zi Ren Wan.
For patients with dry intestines and constipation, in addition to taking Ma Zi Ren Wan, it is also important to drink adequate water, focus on a high-fiber diet, consume more fruits and vegetables, and reduce the intake of spicy foods. Furthermore, maintaining regular exercise is essential to ensure smooth circulation of Qi and blood in the lower limbs.
