TCM harbors an innate and ancient understanding regarding the crucial role of digestion to overall health, which is why so many of this tradition’s guidelines focus on promoting digestive health. A process responsible for the extraction and distribution of Qi (vital energy) throughout the body, our digestive system is largely tasked with fueling us—quite literally. Furthermore, Dampness most commonly originates in the digestive system, causing obstructions in the flow of Qi and stagnation that leads to myriad downstream issues. Thankfully, TCM's holistic approach in addressing both symptoms and root causes provides us with ample resources for tending to our digestive health.
Resolving Symptoms
There’s a distinction in Chinese herbal medicine between herbs that offer immediate relief for digestive issues and those that optimize digestive function over the long term. To resolve acute digestive issues—like bloating, indigestion, or nausea—we typically turn to aromatic and warming herbs that excel in clearing stagnation, harmonizing the stomach, and regulating Qi. Promoting warmth and stoking our digestive fire is central to TCM nutritional guidance, and it’s therefore often a good first step to utilize herbs that expel Cold and counteract the resulting constriction of the Spleen and Stomach, the main organs responsible for digestion and nutrient absorption. Here are a few ideas to support a range of acute symptoms!
- Ginger – this classic kitchen staple is pungent, a flavor associated with improved circulation and support in expelling toxins (including in some instances of food poisoning). Its warming nature helps counteract Cold in the stomach, a common cause of symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal pain. Because it descends rebellious stomach Qi (stomach energy flowing upward instead of downward), it is particularly effective for mitigating nausea and vomiting.
- Tangerine peel – known as Chen Pi in TCM, this citrusy, pungent, and warming herb is a renowned digestive aid that’s commonly incorporated into soups, stews, broths, marinades, and spice mixtures. Its carminative properties help in relieving gas, with a bitter aftertaste that’s great for drying excess phlegm (i.e., Dampness). Chen Pi Pu’er is a perfect post-meal tea, as Pu’er is likewise known for supporting digestion both in the short and long terms, supporting metabolic health and gut microbiome diversity.
- Peppermint (Bo He) – a little different than the others, this pungent herb is cooling, making it a good choice for digestive upset caused by heat patterns, like acid reflux. It also mitigates Liver Qi stagnation, which expresses in symptoms like bloating, gas, or feeling overstuffed. Indeed, though not as strong as herbs like ginger or cinnamon for relieving Dampness, Bo He can help in cases where Damp-Heat is causing digestive discomfort, like a sense of heaviness in the body or a greasy tongue coating.
Optimizing Digestive Function
Tonic herbs tend to have a cumulative effect over time, and are meant to be regularly incorporated to optimize our various bodily systems—facilitating a cascade of healing that strengthens the whole. As herbs that are essentially foods, the focus with tonic herbalism is not on curing disease, but on nourishment so intelligent that it fortifies our innate capacity for vibrant health. Which of the following herbs would you incorporate into your regimen to fortify yourself in the long-term?
- Chaga – this “Diamond of the Forest” mushroom has a centuries-old history of use in Eastern folk medicine, including as a gastrointestinal tonic. It is indicated for digestive issues like gastritis, ulcers, IBS, and Chron’s, as well as those dealing with overburdened detoxification pathways (which includes the bowels). Rich in digestive enzymes, Chaga can enhance the body’s capacity to properly break down foods.
- Lion’s Mane – as a Qi Tonic with an affinity for the Spleen and Stomach, it is a key ally for digestive health and optimal nutrient absorption. Lion’s Mane is incredibly inflammation-taming, improving digestive issues like gastric ulcers, gastritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. With rich antioxidant stores that help prevent and relieve the oxidative stress caused by poor nutrition and exposure to chemicals in the environment, Lion’s Mane greatly builds resilience of the digestive system and beyond.
- Tremella – this renowned “Snow Fungus” nourishes Yin, harmonizes the Stomach, and supports overall fluid balance. While primarily known as a Yin tonic and beauty herb, Tremella's moistening and soothing qualities benefit the digestive system, especially in cases of Dryness or Heat. It is incredibly helpful for those dealing with chronic constipation and can relieve inflammation in the digestive tract, as it is rich in a unique kind of antioxidant called polysaccharides.
