Constipation

Constipation can be tricky as it at the end (no pun intended) of the entire metabolic and digestive process of the body. Its best to get a diagnosis in Chinese terms but we can make some generalizations. Dryness is a big cause of constipation. For example, if the dryness is the result of something like chemotherapy then you might want to look into Ma Zi Ren Wan which moistens. This is because a dry body will create dry stool as well. The tongue in a case like this will be dry. Another option is Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan. If you have alternating loose and dry stool then take a look at Jian Pi Wa which harmonizes the stomach. If you are overweight then look at Bao He Wan. The tongue in this case will have a thicker coat, perhaps yellow. Finally, Da Cheng Qi Tang will purge the bowels but shouldn’t be used long term as the intestine will become accustomed to it and stop working. The tongue in this case will have a coat and the tongue itself will be red or purplish.