Many people experience constipation in their daily lives. For those who don't have severe constipation and don't want to take Western medicine due to concerns about side effects, they can try the following Chinese herbal medicines to relieve constipation safely and effectively. Below, we will tell you what Chinese herbal medicines can make you have diarrhea and treat constipation.
Mangxiao (Mirabilite)
Effects: Usually results in bowel movements 4-6 hours after ingestion, with no side effects such as intestinal cramps.
Mechanism: This substance has the ability to soften hard stools, clear heat, and relieve constipation. Modern research suggests that Mangxiao contains sodium sulfate, as well as some table salt, calcium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, etc. The sulfate ions are not easily absorbed and cause a hyperosmotic state in the intestines, increasing the amount of water in the intestines and resulting in diarrhea.
Dahuang (Rhubarb)
Effects: Usually results in loose or soft stools after about 6 hours of ingestion. Due to the presence of tannic acid, constipation may occur after diarrhea.
Mechanism: Dahuang is bitter, cold, and sinks, good at cleansing the stomach and intestines, and stimulating bowel movements. It mainly acts on the Yangming large intestine meridian, promoting the elimination of stagnation and relieving heat. Modern research suggests that the main component of Dahuang, anthraquinones, has a laxative effect by stimulating the large intestine and increasing peristalsis, with a mild effect.
Fanxieye (Senna Leaf)
Effects: Often accompanied by abdominal pain, usually resulting in several bowel movements within 3 hours after ingestion.
Mechanism: This substance is sweet, bitter, and cold, and has a laxative effect. Its anthraquinone derivatives have a laxative effect.
Badou (Croton Seed)
Badou is pungent and hot, highly toxic, and can stimulate bowel movements, cleanse the stomach and intestines, and eliminate cold and stagnant accumulations. Its medicinal properties are strong. Modern pharmaceutical research suggests that the oil in Badou is a strong purgative. When taken orally, even a half to one drop can cause strong irritation to the mucous membranes of the oral cavity, stomach, intestines, and skin, resulting in severe symptoms of oral irritation and gastritis, and multiple episodes of profuse watery diarrhea within half an hour to 3 hours, accompanied by severe abdominal pain and urgent defecation.
Lu Hui (Aloe Vera)
Lu Hui has a laxative effect. Modern research has confirmed that the anthraquinone derivatives in aloe vera have a stimulant laxative effect, often accompanied by significant abdominal pain and congestion in the pelvic area.
Huoma Ren (Hemp Seed)
Huoma Ren is sweet and neutral, and has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Modern pharmaceutical research suggests that this substance contains about 30% fat oil, as well as volatile oil, vitamin B, etc., which have antihypertensive and lubricating and laxative effects.
Yuli Ren (Prunus Mume Seed)
Yuli Ren is spicy, bitter, sweet, and neutral, and has the effect of moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movements. Modern pharmaceutical research suggests that this substance contains amygdalin, fat oil, volatile organic acids, and oleic acid, which have a lubricating and mild laxative effect.
Gansui (Euphorbia Root)
Gansui is bitter, sweet, cold, and toxic, with the effects of purging water, eliminating edema, and dispersing masses. Modern research suggests that this substance contains triterpenoids, which have a significant laxative effect, can strongly stimulate the colonic mucosa, causing inflammatory congestion and increased peristalsis, resulting in purgation.
Dajin (Giant Dodder Seed)
Dajin is bitter and cold, toxic, and has the effect of purging and eliminating accumulations. Modern research suggests that the glycosides in Dajin are decomposed into dodderene in the intestines when exposed to bile and intestinal fluid, which can stimulate the intestines, enhance peristalsis, and cause strong purgation.
Shanglu (Euphorbia Lathyris Seed)
Shanglu is bitter and cold, toxic, and has the effect of purging. Modern research suggests that it contains Shanglu alkaloids, which can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when poisoned.
Be cautious: Chinese herbal medicines that can cause toxic diarrhea
Some Chinese herbs, when taken in small doses for a short period of time, do not cause diarrhea. However, when taken in large doses or for a long time, they can cause toxic diarrhea.
1. Cangerzi (Xanthium Sibiricum Fruit)
Excessive intake can cause poisoning, leading to diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Cangerzi is spicy, bitter, and warm, slightly toxic, and has the effects of inducing sweating, dispersing wind, eliminating dampness, and promoting yang energy. It is mainly used to treat nasal congestion and headaches, as well as rheumatism and arthritis.
Common dosage: 3-10 grams.
2. Pugongying (Dandelion)
Excessive dosage can cause sluggish bowels.
Pugongying is bitter, sweet, and cold, with the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, dispersing abscesses, and promoting urination. It is mainly used to treat boils and carbuncles, breast abscesses, hot and painful urination, and damp-heat jaundice.
Common dosage: 10-30 grams.
3. Shandougen (Sophora Tonkinensis Root)
Excessive intake can cause diarrhea, vomiting, chest tightness, and palpitations.
Shandougen is bitter and cold, with the effects of clearing heat, detoxifying, and relieving throat swelling. It is mainly used to treat sore throat and gum swelling and pain.
Common dosage: 3-10 grams.
4. Shijunzi (Quisqualis Indica Fruit)
Taking a large amount can cause diarrhea, vomiting, belching, and dizziness.
Shijunzi is sweet and warm, with the effects of killing parasites, resolving accumulations, strengthening the spleen, and treating malnutrition in children. It is mainly used to treat abdominal pain due to intestinal parasites and malnutrition in children.
Common dosage: 3-10 grams for adults, 1.5 pills per year for children (remove the shell, stir-fry and chew), with a total not exceeding 20 pills.
5. Zaojia (Soapberry)
Taking a large amount can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Zaojia is pungent, warm, and slightly toxic, with the effects of warming the lungs, resolving phlegm, opening and closing orifices. It is used to treat stubborn phlegm obstruction, chest tightness and cough, stroke-induced trismus, epilepsy, coma, throat obstruction, and constipation.
Common dosage: Decoction 2-5 grams; ground into powder and taken, 0.6-1.5 grams each time.
