Herb selection Large Intestine

In a severe case of constipation, herbs that are cold and salty or cold and bitter, and that can enter the Large Intestine meridian, purge the intestines and move stool are selected. 

Herbs that are sweet and cold, and nourish the Yin and fluids of the Stomach and Large Intestine in order to moisten the intestines and soften stool are selected. 

Herbs that activate Qi movement in the Stomach, Large Intestine and Liver are selected. Herbs that regulate the blood, clear heat, remove phlegm, soothe the Stomach-Qi and tonify the weakness of Qi, blood, Yin or Yang can be added if these disorders are present. 

In a chronic condition, herbs that protect the Spleen and Stomach and can moderate the function of the purging herbs are selected. Herbs that enter the Lung and disperse the Lung-Qi so as to accelerate the Large Intestine-Qi to descend can be added. 

Lu Hui is very bitter and cold, and enters the Liver, Heart, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It is a very strong herb to purge the bowels and reduce excess heat. It directly drains Liver-fire and Heart-fire. It is selected when the heat of Heart and Liver affects the Stomach and Large Intestine. 

These four herbs all enter the Large Intestine meridian. In formulas for promoting bowel movement, they can effectively promote Qi movement so as to assist the purgative function of the chief herbs. They can be selected separately or in groups. 

Chen Pi, Mu Xiang and Sha Ren are all aromatic herbs and warm in nature. They can promote digestion and Qi movement and reduce distension. Chen Pi is particularly selected for treating Qi obstruction in the Stomach Mu Xiang is for stagnation in the intestines and Liver and Sha Ren is for Qi obstruction in the Large Intestine. 

Second, herbs that promote the Qi movement or promote the functions of the Gall Bladder, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine are selected. 

First, herbs that are pungent and warm, enter the Stomach, Large Intestine and Spleen meridians, can promote Qi movement and direct the Qi downwards are selected. 

Huo Po is bitter, pungent and warm, and enters the Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. As well as its function of descending Qi, it can disperse obstruction and dry dampness, and is an excellent herb to reduce distension. It is often selected to treat Qi and dampness accumulation in these organs and the involved regions. 

First, sweet and cold herbs that enter the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians and can moisten the Stomach and Large Intestine are selected. 

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