Natural Remedies for Holiday Over-Indulgence
We all do it, especially around the holidays—the extra serving of mashed potatoes or that second slice of pumpkin pie. Afterward, we feel nauseous and bloated, and our Stomach hurts from the overindulgence. Overeating leads to what we call in Chinese Herbal Medicine "Food Stagnation."
Li Dong-Yuan, one of the great masters of Chinese Medicine in the Jin-Yuan Dynasties, states that "if one eats twice the ordinary food intake, this will damage the stomach and intestines and intestinal afflux may thus cause piles." (Li et al., 2004)
Food stagnation means the arrival of symptoms such as indigestion, abdominal bloating or distention, belching, nausea, and digestive upset due to overeating. The energetics of Chinese Medicine translate food stagnation as the Stomach's inability to "descend qi" or function properly, causing an accumulation of food and mucus in the gastrointestinal system.
Fortunately, Chinese Medicine recognizes the overindulgence of food as a common complaint. Herbal Medicine has an excellent remedy to resolve food stasis, harmonize the Stomach, restore proper function and promote digestion.
Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit), an herb found in Bay He Wan for Food Stagnation
*Bao He Wan, Preserve the Harmony Pill is the standout formula for overeating. The formula moves food, alleviates digestive upset, and can be taken after big meals to ease discomfort. The formula consists of the following:
Shan Zha / Hawthorne Fruit (Fructus Crataegi) promotes the digestion of meat and fatty, greasy foods.
Shen Qu / Medicated Leaven (Massa Medica Fermentata) strengthens the Spleen and promotes the digestion of alcohol and stagnant foods. (contains gluten)
Lai Fu Zi / Radish Seeds (Semen Raphani Sativa) descends Qi and promotes the digestion of carbohydrates.
Ban Xia /Pinellia Root) (Rhizoma Pinelliae Tematae) and Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulate) increase Qi circulation and harmonize the Stomach.
Fu Ling / Poria Root (Sclerotium Poria Cocos) strengthens the Spleen and resolves Dampness.
Lian Qiao Forsythia Fruit (Fructus Forsythia Suspense) clears Heat and reduces Food Stagnation.
*Always consult a qualified Chinese Medicine Herbalist before taking any herbal prescriptions as not all formulas are suitable for everyone.
Indications of Food Stagnation
Indigestion with abdominal bloating and a feeling of fullness
Abdominal pain
Acid reflux, belching, or nausea
Constipation or diarrhea
Chinese Herbal Medicine is different than Western Herbology in that herbs are taken as a "formula" rather than as a single herb.
There are a few ways an herbalist can prescribe a formula:
Pill Form - Comes in patented capsules or tablets, mild and gentle effect. Easy to take. Great for patients who do not like the taste of herbs.
Tincture - Liquid extract, usually alcohol or vegetable glycerin based. It can be taken orally in a small amount of water. Easy to take. Effective. Great for young kids!
Granules - Powder form, mixed in hot water. It can be customized to an individual's symptoms and root causes. Potent and effective. Easy to take.
Tea Decoction - Raw herbs brewed for a specified time to drink as tea. It can be customized to an individual's symptoms and root causes. Potent and effective.
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In health & wellness,
Dr. Jen
*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease; for educational purposes only. *Always consult a qualified practitioner before taking any supplements. Contact Dr. Jen if you are interested in learning more about herbal Medicine.
* Blog is for informative purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice.
References
Li, G., & Flaws, B. (2004). p. 263. In Li Dong-Yuan's treatise on the Spleen & Stomach: A translation of the Pi Wei Lun(pp. 263–263). essay, Blue Poppy Press.