Introduction:
Enteritis, an inflammation of the intestines, can cause discomfort, pain, and digestive issues. While modern medicine provides various treatments, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers natural solutions that have been used for centuries to restore balance and treat intestinal inflammation. In ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica), various herbs are recommended for treating enteritis by reducing heat, dampness, and improving digestion. This article explores the best TCM herbs for managing enteritis, their dosages, and how they can promote intestinal health.
Natural Remedies for Enteritis: Traditional Chinese Medicine Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Enteritis
- Coptis (Huang Lian – 黄连)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Coptis is highly regarded for its ability to clear heat and dampness from the intestines. It has strong antibacterial properties, making it effective for treating infections and inflammation associated with enteritis.
- How to Use: Brew Coptis as a tea or take it as part of a decoction to help reduce inflammation and restore intestinal health.
- Poria (Fu Ling – 茯苓)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Poria helps drain dampness from the body, supports the spleen, and promotes digestion. It is especially useful for treating bloating and diarrhea, common symptoms of enteritis.
- How to Use: Poria can be included in soups, teas, or decoctions to help balance the digestive system and reduce symptoms of inflammation.
- Atractylodes (Bai Zhu – 白术)
- Dosage: 9-15 grams
- Properties: Atractylodes tonifies the spleen and dries dampness, making it effective for treating gastrointestinal disorders like enteritis. It also helps improve overall digestion and reduce intestinal discomfort.
- How to Use: Atractylodes can be brewed as a tea or taken as part of a larger herbal formula to strengthen digestion and alleviate enteritis symptoms.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root is used to harmonize herbal formulas and reduce inflammation. It helps soothe the digestive tract, alleviating pain and discomfort associated with enteritis.
- How to Use: Licorice Root can be added to teas or decoctions to help soothe inflammation and restore gut balance.
Herbal Formula for Enteritis Relief (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Coptis (Huang Lian): 6 grams
- Poria (Fu Ling): 10 grams
- Atractylodes (Bai Zhu): 12 grams
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 5 grams
Preparation:
- Combine all herbs in 600ml of water.
- Boil the mixture for 20-25 minutes until the water reduces by half.
- Strain the liquid and divide it into two servings.
- Drink one serving in the morning and the other in the evening to help reduce intestinal inflammation and promote healthy digestion.
External Application for Digestive Relief
To help soothe inflammation and alleviate intestinal discomfort, create a poultice with Coptis and Poria. Crush the herbs and apply them as a warm compress to the abdominal area. This external treatment can help reduce bloating and pain.
Why TCM is Effective for Enteritis
Traditional Chinese Medicine treats enteritis by addressing the root causes of inflammation, such as heat, dampness, and spleen imbalances. Herbs like Coptis and Poria work together to reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and restore gut health. Unlike modern medicines that may only treat symptoms, TCM offers a holistic approach that helps restore balance and prevent future flare-ups of intestinal discomfort.
Conclusion:
The remedies from ‘Bencao Gangmu’ offer a natural and effective solution for managing enteritis. By promoting healthy digestion, reducing inflammation, and balancing the body’s internal heat and dampness, these herbal treatments provide long-term relief for intestinal inflammation. For those seeking a holistic approach to gut health, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers powerful, time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.