Yu Jin or tumeric is becoming the darling of herbal medicine in The West. In China, it is simply one of thousands of great herbs.

Alternative Names

• Liu Mo Tang

Irritable bowel syndrome has only been identified by conventional Western medicine over the past 20 years or so. However, in Chinese medicine, the so-called “liver-spleen disharmony” has been around for much longer.

As such, there are some well developed therapeutic herbal approaches this stress-induced form of disorder.

The cause of this disorder comes down to how the nervous system responds to stress. When one is being chased by a bear, the nervous system ignores the digestion and focuses on blood flow to the limbs and muscles such that one can run away if necessary. However in modern times, while we’re not being chased by too many bears, our bodies can’t tell the difference between a threat from a carnivorous bear, and a work deadline.

As such, stress can undermine the natural regulation of intestinal peristalsis (downward movement of the contents of the Stomach and Intestines.) This is the most common cause of irritable bowel syndrome there is.

Similar formulas for gastro-intestinal complaints that are induced or aggravated by emotional or hormonal stress:

gas and bloating: Achy Breaky Stomach & Digestive Support

nausea and vomiting: Achy Breaky Stomach

diarrhea or loose stools: Digestive Support

constipation: Modified Six Milled [ingredients] Decoction

Ingredients

Zhi Ke 枳殼 bitter orange Aurantii Fructus [use caution if pregnant]

• This herb is said to “crack qi stagnation” which can be translated to regulating stubborn intestinal stoppage.

Mu Xiang 木香 costus root, saussurea, auklandia Aucklandiae Radix

• Another herb that stimulates the movement of qi in the Intestines. This can be translated to regulating the enteric nervous system. This herb is also used for intestinal cramps which would naturally arise from compromised intestinal movement.

Wu Yao 烏藥 lindera root Radix Linderae Strychnifolii

• This herb is another herb that stimulates the movement of the qi in the lower abdomen. That can translate to regulating the intestinal movement.

Zhi Shi 枳實 unripe bitter orange, chih-shih Aurantii Fructus immaturus [use caution if pregnant]

• Another qi moving herb that regulates intestinal movements.

Yu Jin 鬱金(郁金) turmeric tuber, curcuma tuber Tuber Curcumae, Curcumae Radix [use caution if pregnant]

• Tumeric helps regulate enteric nervous system functions, leading to appropriate movement of intestinal contents. Also helps to regulate blood movement. This is usually applied to PMS and hormonal problems.

Hou Po 厚朴 magnolia bark Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis [use caution if pregnant]

• Hou po is magnolia bark. It is also one of the better herbs for bloating and distension that arises from disregulated intestinal movement.

Bing Lang 檳榔 betel nut; areca seed; areaca Semen Arecae Catechu [use caution if pregnant]

• This herb is said to “guide out accumulations” which makes it something of a laxative.

This formula can be used to support health with or without symptoms. If symptoms are present, take 1 level teaspoon of the powder (8 capsules) three times daily. When symptoms are not present, take 1/2 level teaspoon (4 capsules), two times daily. Empty stomach is best for efficient absorption, but not essential. [More...]

At this dosage, your order will last approximately this long (?):

• 50 grams powder (capsules only): 4 to 14 days.
• 100 grams powder (capsules or powder): 8 to 25 days
• 200 grams powder (powder only): 19 to 56 days