Gastrointestinal, Traditional Chinese Medicine FAQ

Can Herbal Remedies for Digestion Help with Weight Loss?

Weight issues and gastrointestinal health? If a person is eating normally without intentionally trying to lose weight, but is consuming traditional Chinese medicine that aids in bowel movements, such as rhubarb, laxative soup, or Niuhuang Jiedu San, will it lead to weight loss?

Dr. Lai Huilian Reply:
Hello Peipei: If your bowel movements are irregular and you have a lot of retained stool, taking laxatives may help eliminate the stool and could result in a slight decrease in weight. However, if there is no retained stool in your body, continued use of laxatives will not aid in...

Understanding Digestive Issues: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights

Digestive issues I have a sedentary job and often experience indigestion, bloating, an enlarged abdomen, and excessive gas. The discomfort in my abdomen improves only with exercise or by applying a hot compress, which seems to aid gastrointestinal function. I frequently have a bi...

Dr. Kang Zhongxi Reply:
Hello Lisa: 1. It is recommended that you maintain a light diet, exercise regularly, get sufficient sleep, and relax to avoid excessive stress. Please visit a nearby medical facility for examination to determine the cause. 2. Drink ginger tea, celery juice, and white radish in mo...

How Long Should You Wait Between Different Chinese Herbal Remedies?

Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Doctor, if I have one packet of traditional Chinese medicine powder for treating chronic prostatitis and another packet for gastrointestinal function, and the prescriptions are completely different, how long should I wait between taking t...

Dr. Kang Zhongxi Reply:
Hello: We need to assess which of your current issues is more severe. We will treat the more serious one first. Thank you.

Understanding Dosage Limits for Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultations

Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Dear Doctor: In a general clinic, physicians may consider cost issues, and the daily dosage of scientific herbal medicine typically does not exceed 15 grams. However, if a patient has multiple health issues, including gastrointestinal pro...

Dr. Peng Renyuan Reply:
Hello, S: General practitioners will treat you based on your primary concerns. The dosage of the medications prescribed is primarily determined by your constitution and the severity of your condition. Whether you are paying out of pocket or using health insurance, the physician&#...

Does Traditional Chinese Medicine Affect Height Growth in Teens?

Does taking traditional Chinese medicine affect height growth? Will taking traditional Chinese medicine affect my growth? I am currently in the ninth grade and have been experiencing chest tightness due to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). I am currently taking Western medi...

Dr. Chen Jieting Reply:
Gastroesophageal reflux is indeed a troublesome condition, and I empathize with you! Traditional Chinese medicine has advantages in treating gastroesophageal reflux by adjusting and balancing autonomic nervous system dysregulation, which can be quite effective. Additionally, ther...

Managing Herbal Medicine Dosages: Safety and Timing for Patients

Regarding medication issues? Previous question: Doctor, due to gastrointestinal issues and chronic prostate problems, I need to take prescriptions from two different traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, with no overlap in the prescriptions. How long should I space out the ...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello! The daily dosage of Chinese medicine is 15 grams, divided into three doses of 5 grams each. There are two types of herbal prescriptions, to be taken before and after meals, totaling 10 grams at a time. Scientific Chinese medicine is made from the decoction of traditional h...

How to Safely Space Out Herbal Remedies from Two Different TCM Practitioners

Scientific issues related to traditional Chinese medicine? Dear Doctor: Due to gastrointestinal issues and chronic prostate problems, I need to take prescriptions from two different traditional Chinese medicine practitioners, and the prescriptions do not overlap at all. How long ...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, S! When taking different Chinese herbal prescriptions, you can space them one hour apart, or take one before a meal and the other after a meal. Wishing you health and peace! Best regards, Su-Mei Yen, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nantou Hospital.

Herbal Remedies for Constipation and Digestive Health: Expert Advice

Traditional Chinese Medicine Consultation Hello Dr. Yan: I sometimes experience difficulty in bowel movements or constipation. I have had gastrointestinal issues since birth, including a history of gastric ulcers, duodenal ulcers, and Helicobacter pylori infection. Occasionally, ...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, Xiao Jing! The Peach Pit Chengqi Decoction is commonly used for dysmenorrhea or postpartum abdominal pain. While it can alleviate constipation, that is not its primary purpose. It can be taken for one or two days when experiencing constipation or menstrual pain, but it is ...

Can I Take Dang Shen for Poor Digestion and Weight Gain?

Can people with gastrointestinal issues consume dang shen (Codonopsis pilosula)? Hello Dr. Yan, I have poor gastrointestinal absorption and have difficulty gaining weight, with a BMI of about 18.2. I found online that ginseng might help with weight gain, but due to my gastrointes...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, Anonymous! Ginseng can be taken as it helps to tonify Qi and is suitable for those with insufficient energy. Additionally, formulas such as Si Jun Zi Tang, Li Zhong Tang, and Shen Ling Bai Zhu San can also be utilized. However, to determine which formula is most appropriat...

Why Traditional Chinese Medicine May Lose Effectiveness Over Time

The effectiveness of traditional Chinese medicine diminishes with prolonged use? Hello, doctor. I have been troubled by irritable bowel syndrome (diarrhea-predominant) for many years. In the past, I have sought treatment from Western medicine or improved my condition through diet...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, Anonymous! Please take a break for a week and see if there is any improvement. Traditional Chinese medicine, Western medicine, as well as coffee and tea, can lead to your body gradually becoming accustomed to them. Additionally, pay attention to your daily diet, as certain...

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities: Causes and Remedies

Menstrual issues Hello, doctor! My menstrual cycle is usually about 23 days, but this time it has been 27 days, and I started experiencing some dark-colored bleeding. Currently, on the fifth day, the flow has been very light; sometimes there is blood, and sometimes there isn'...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello Hua, the condition of your menstruation is related to your previous gastroenteritis. The gastroenteritis has weakened your body's energy, causing irregularities in your menstrual cycle. If the gastroenteritis has not completely resolved, it is advisable to first use Fo...

Understanding Yin Deficiency and Excess Heat: A Guide to Symptoms and Solutions

Yin deficiency with excess heat Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing dry mouth and bad breath for a year. Since I am abroad, I cannot see a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. After some research, I believe it is due to Yin deficiency and excessive internal heat, so I st...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Hello, Huang Xiaoming. In addition to the yin deficiency and excessive fire you mentioned, dry mouth and bad breath can also be caused by digestive issues in the gastrointestinal tract. It is recommended to have a lighter diet recently, especially for dinner, which should be smal...

Understanding Menstrual Irregularities and Dizziness: A Holistic Approach

Menstrual issues, dizziness? Hello, doctor. I have two questions: 1. I have been using a period tracking app, and it shows that my menstruation is 9 days late. I did not have my period in July, and when I visited a gynecologist, the doctor said it might be due to my lifestyle o...

Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello Cocoa: There are many factors that can affect the menstrual cycle. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing recent cycle irregularities, which are often caused by lifestyle changes or stress. However, you mentioned that you haven't been under much ...

Understanding Dry Tongue and Stomach Ulcer Symptoms in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dry tongue? Hello, recently I have been experiencing a dry tongue after meals and some symptoms of gastric ulcers (I had similar symptoms a month ago, both occurring together). I had blood and urine tests done by a doctor; my fasting blood sugar was 99 mg/dL and 104 mg/dL after d...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear University Students, Thank you for your letter. Your blood sugar levels and liver and kidney functions are normal. If you experience a dry tongue after meals, it may be due to consuming too much salty food. A high-sodium diet can lead to an imbalance of salt and water in th...

Understanding Dry Mouth: Symptoms and Traditional Remedies for Relief

Dry mouth and dry tongue? I have recently been experiencing severe dry mouth and throat issues. My previous lifestyle was irregular, but now I sleep 10 hours a day and have regular meals at set times and portions. It's been a month, but there has been no significant improvem...

Dr. Yan Sumei Reply:
Dear online friend Lin xx: You are experiencing bad breath, stomach noises while lying down at night, and hard stools, which may indicate poor gastrointestinal digestion. It is recommended to supplement with probiotics (such as yogurt), as they can improve the gut microbiome, aid...

Managing Chronic Gastritis: Dietary Tips and Treatment Options for Students Abroad

Chronic gastritis I used to have a binge eating habit that lasted for several years. Recently, I've noticed that my tongue is particularly dry, with a thick white coating, bad breath, and sometimes a sour taste in my mouth. I believe this might be related to stomach heat, so...

Dr. Kang Zhongxi Reply:
Based on the symptoms you presented, it appears to be a gastrointestinal issue; however, a definitive diagnosis requires further examination. I recommend trying the following methods: 1. Avoid overeating; chew your food thoroughly and eat until you are about 70% full. Maintain r...

Concerns About Traditional Chinese Medicine for Depression and Anxiety

Traditional Chinese Medicine Issues Hello, Doctor. My mother was previously diagnosed with depression and anxiety symptoms, including insomnia, loss of appetite, depression, restlessness, gastrointestinal discomfort, and constipation. She is 63 years old, 165 cm tall, and her wei...

Dr. Lü Bingcheng Reply:
1. Firstly, the four herbs mentioned by the online user are cold and greasy. Considering that your mother experienced diarrhea after taking them, it suggests that she may have a combination of spleen deficiency and cold symptoms. It is advisable to stop the medication. 2. Accor...

Understanding Weight Loss and Muscle Wasting: Exploring Thyroid Issues and Traditional Remedies

Cachexia and Sarcopenia I weigh only 47.8 kg and am 171 cm tall. My weight has gradually decreased from 53-54 kg a few years ago to 52 kg at the end of last year, and now it is below 48 kg. I pay attention to appropriate calorie intake, sufficient protein, and consumption of frui...

Dr. Zhang Weidong Reply:
Hello, your TSH levels are within the normal range (it is best to interpret this alongside thyroid hormone levels). Your blood sugar is normal, you have regular meals, and your nutrition is balanced; however, you are experiencing gradual weight loss. First, we need to rule out th...

Is Frequent Flatulence Normal? Understanding Digestive Health Concerns

Is this a normal phenomenon? Hello, doctor. In the past two to three days, I have been passing gas about 3-5 times during a certain period, and around 3-4 times a day. This occurs both before and after meals. Is this considered normal, or are there other symptoms I should be awar...

Dr. Lü Bingcheng Reply:
In my personal opinion: 1. It is normal for an average person to pass gas about 10 times a day or less, which is a physiological phenomenon of the gastrointestinal tract. However, if one experiences passing gas approximately 3-5 times each time and about 3-4 times a day over the ...

Potential Interactions Between Traditional Chinese Medicine and Antifungal Medications

Gastrointestinal discomfort? Hello, doctor. If I am currently taking oral antifungal medication but have gastrointestinal issues and consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who prescribed a formula containing Wu Zhu Yu Decoction, cinnamon, dried ginger, sand ginger,...

Dr. Lin Qingzhong Reply:
Dear User Wu / 25 years old / Female, If you are currently taking oral antifungal medication but are experiencing gastrointestinal issues and have consulted a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner who prescribed Wu Zhu Yu Decoction, cinnamon, dried ginger, sand ginger, and m...

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