Large intestine functions

Secretion of the large intestine. The large intestine produces an alkaline mucus secretion, the function of which is to protect the mucosa from mechanical or chemical injury. Mucus provides lubrication to facilitate the movement of the contents of the lumen. Bicarbonate ion neutralizes the irritating acids produced by local bacterial fermentation colonic secretion increases in... 

INTESTINE Characterization of a membrane potassium ion conductance in intestinal secretory cells using whole cell patch-clamp and calcium-sensitive dye techniques, 192, 309 isolation of intestinal epithelial cells and evaluation of transport functions, 192, 324 isolation of enterocyte membranes, 192, 341 established intestinal cell lines as model systems for electrolyte transport studies, 192, 354 sodium chloride transport pathways in intestinal membrane vesicles, 192, 389 advantages and limitations of vesicles for the characterization and the kinetic analysis of transport systems, 192, 409 isolation and reconstitution of the sodium-de-pendent glucose transporter, 192, 438 calcium transport by intestinal epithelial cell basolateral membrane, 192, 448 electrical measurements in large intestine (including cecum, colon, rectum), 192, 459... 

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. 

Fan Xie Ye is sweet, bitter and cold, and enters the Large Intestine meridian. It has a moistening nature and is able to moisten dryness in the intestines, clear heat and promote bowel movement. Its function of moving the bowels is stronger than that of Da Huang. If a small dosage of Fan Xie Ye is applied, it can also promote digestion and is used for constipation caused by improper diet. 

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. 

When the four herbs are used together, the heat accumulation is removed and the Stomach-Qi can descend properly. This function is described in the name of the formula, a formula that vigorously orders the (Large Intestine) Qi. 

Zhi Gan Cao is sweet and primarily enters the Spleen meridian. It is used for harmonizing and moderating the functions of herbs in formulas that clear heat of the Stomach and Large Intestine. 

These herbs are able to promote digestion, regulate the Qi in the Middle-Jiao and revive the function of the Spleen and Stomach. They are often used in the recovery period of syndromes of damp-heat in the Spleen and Large Intestine. 

When damp-heat in the Upper-Jiao is not eliminated in time, it can invade the Middle-Jiao, obstruct the Qi and disturb the functions of the Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver and Gall Bladder. It causes digestive disorders, skin diseases, tiredness, and swelling, pain and heaviness of the muscles and joints. The lingering dampness holds the heat, which can remain in the body for a very long period of time. When the function of the Spleen is injured by damp-heat, the excess condition of damp-heat can be complicated by Spleen deficiency. 

Moreover, some herbs enter the Large Intestine meridian, can descend the Qi and promote bowel movement in order to enhance the herbs that descend the Qi of the Lung and remove phlegm. This strategy regulates the function of the Lung. 

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

Xuan Fu Hua is bitter, pungent, salty and slightly warm, and enters the Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It can strongly descend the Qi and remove phlegm from the Stomach. Its function is enhanced by Dai Zhe Shi. Dai Zhe Shi is a mineral substance it is bitter and cold, and enters the Liver meridian. As it moves downward rapidly, it can direct the rebellious Stomach-Qi downwards. 

These herbs are moist in nature and are particularly used for moistening the dryness of the intestines and treating mild constipation. Huo Ma Ren and Yu Li Ren are seeds and contain oil that can moisten the intestines and relieve the dryness. They are often used together to enhance each other s function. Xing Ren is the seed of apricot and has a similar function to the first two herbs. However, it also has a dispersing tendency. As it can ascend the Lung-Qi, it can activate Qi movement in the Large Intestine. 

This syndrome is generally referred to as disharmony between the Liver and Spleen. In fact, it can be divided into several sub-syndromes besides disharmony between the Liver and Spleen, such as disharmony between the Liver and Stomach, and disharmony between the Liver and Large Intestine. Since the Stomach and Large Intestine are directly finked to the transportation function of the Spleen, and both belong to Earth in the Five-Element theory, the liver often attacks these organs if it overacts on the Spleen. Hence they are often considered and discussed as one syndrome under the name of disharmony between the Liver and Spleen. 

Huang Lian is bitter and cold, and enters the Liver, Gall Bladder, Spleen and Large Intestine meridians. It enhances the function of Huang Qin in descending the Qi and clearing heat. 

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