Modified Six Milled [ingredients] Decoction
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
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
constipation: Modified Six Milled 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.
Da Fu Pi – Areca Peel
Promotes the Qi to move downward. Reduces stagnation thus helping with food stagnation and obstructed qi such as abdominal distention, belching, acid regurgitation and constipation.
(Bing Lang 檳榔 betel nut; areca seed; areaca Semen Arecae Catechu [use caution if pregnant ] is used traditionally but is NOT available in our formula. Instead we have substituted Da Fu Pi, which is the peel of the betel nut and has much of the same actions. Bing Lang regulates the nervous system in the lower abdomen, but helps to keep the intestines moving too as a gentle treatment for constipation which can arise along with discomfort in the lower back or abdomen .) Unfortunately, because Betel Nut can be used recreationally it has been banned from import. Our substitution is Da Fu Pi (the shell of Bing Lang) and has many of the same actions.
