Four Herbal Teas for Internal Detoxification
Four Herbal Teas for Internal Detoxification
Spring vacation has ended, and busy mothers seem to breathe a sigh of relief. Yet we notice that constant rushing and stress disrupt bowel habits. Despite eating a lavish meal, waste fails to pass smoothly, leading to bloating, weight gain, prompting visits to doctors for help.
"Bowel movement" is a crucial part of human metabolism, expelling food residue and toxins to maintain health. Prolonged lack of bowel movement causes hard, dry stools difficult to pass. Mild cases occur every 2–3 days; severe cases may go a week without defecation. Although constipation is not a serious condition, it often causes physical and mental stress.
Causes of constipation include insufficient fluid intake, low dietary fiber, excessive consumption of spicy, pungent, and dry foods, alcohol, which overly dries the intestines and hinders stool passage; elderly people, postpartum women, or those recovering from surgery suffer from qi and blood deficiency, reduced intestinal tone, and weakened peristalsis; side effects of medications (iron supplements, sedatives, excessive laxatives, diuretics); prolonged sitting and lack of exercise; failure to establish regular bowel habits; and rare cases caused by tumors.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, bowel regularity is a key diagnostic indicator in clinical differentiation. The primary site is the large intestine, closely related to lung qi descending and spleen-stomach ascending-clearing and descending-turbidity. Based on different pathogenesis, four types are identified:
One: Qi stagnation: Hard, dry stools, dry mouth, abdominal distension.
Tea Formula [Zengye Tea]
10 grams Ophiopogon japonicus, 10 grams Scrophularia ningpoensis, 6 grams Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, boiled in 500cc water and consumed.
Two: Qi deficiency: Soft stools but weak defecation, shortness of breath, easy fatigue and panting.
Tea Formula [Huangqi Honey Tea]
10 grams Astragalus membranaceus, 10 grams Cannabis sativa seed, 6 grams Tangerine peel, appropriate honey, boiled in 500cc water and consumed.
Three: Blood deficiency: Pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, irregular bowel movements, poor sleep.
Tea Formula [Bu Xue Tong Bian Tea]
10 grams Polygonum multiflorum, 10 grams Platycladi Seed, 10 grams White Peony Root, 6 grams Angelica sinensis, boiled in 500cc water and consumed.
Four: Yang deficiency with internal cold accumulation: Subtle abdominal pain, cold limbs, lower back pain, difficulty passing stool.
Tea Formula [Cong Rong Jiang Tea]
15 grams Cistanche tubulosa, 6 grams Dried ginger, boiled in 500cc water and consumed.
To prevent constipation, one should eat more fresh vegetables and fruits, engage in moderate exercise, and combine with the above teas to develop a daily bowel habit. Regular bowel movements not only prevent colon diseases but also bring mental and physical well-being—a win-win situation.