Single-Ingredient Chinese Herbs for Moistening and Laxative Effects
Commonly used Chinese herbs for moistening and promoting bowel movements include the following, mostly suitable for tea-drinking or culinary use.
Da Huang (Rhubarb): Clears heat and toxins, purges fire and relieves constipation.
Fan Xie Ye (Senna Leaf): Clears heat, promotes bowel movements, induces purgation.
Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel): Moistens lungs, resolves phlegm, regulates lung Qi, moistens intestines and promotes defecation.
Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche): Tonifies kidney and essence, moistens intestines, promotes gentle laxation.
He Shou Wu (Polygonum Multiflorum): Tonifies liver and kidney, enriches blood, moistens intestines and promotes defecation.
He Zhi Ma (Black Sesame): Tonifies kidney and fills essence, moistens intestines and promotes defecation.
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Activates blood and nourishes blood, moistens intestines and promotes defecation.
Bi Ma (Castor Oil Plant): Lubricates intestines and promotes defecation.
<Moistening and Laxative Herbs>