This formula was used in China many years before “irritable bowel” or functional bowel dysfunctions were ever even conceived of in biomedicine. The premise is simple, regulate the qi in the abdomen in support of healthy appropriate bowel movements.

This qi regulation function could be described in biomedicine as regulating the enteric nervous system which is in charge of bowel transit times. Too fast means diarrhea, too slow means constipation, and just right means no more IBS.

Alternative Names

• Tong Xie Yao Feng

Ingredients

Fang Feng 防風 saposhnikovia root, ledebouriella root, siler Radix Ledebouriellae Divaricatae

Chen Pi 陳皮 aged tangerine peel, citrus Citri reticulatae Pericarpium

Bai Zhu 炒白术 toasted white atractylodes Radix Atractylodes Macrocephalae [supports pregnancy]

• These three herbs promote digestive functions in such a way as to “dry dampness” which is like saying that they regulate the fluids in the intestinal track.

Bai Shao 炒白芍 toasted white peony root, peony Paeoniae Radix alba [supports pregnancy]

• Digestion isn’t just what’s taking place inside the intestines, but the nervous system as it regulates the intestinal functions. Bai shao works on that level, to calm the nervous system as it communicates with your digestion. Applied to IBS, a few other herbs are added to make these functions more potent.

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