Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Diarrhea (xiexie) refers to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements, with loose stools or stools accompanied by mucus, pus, blood, or undigested food. It can be classified as acute diarrhea or chronic diarrhea.
Onset is acute, and cases lasting within 2 months are termed acute diarrhea, often associated with acute intestinal imbalances, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal functional disturbances, and improper diet. Onset is gradual, with recurrent episodes persisting beyond 2 months, termed chronic diarrhea, which may be related to gastric conditions (e.g., reduced gastric acid due to chronic atrophic gastric conditions), chronic intestinal imbalances, chronic intestinal conditions, Liver, gallbladder, and pancreatic conditions, endocrine and metabolic imbalances, and nervous system disharmonies. Severe diarrhea can lead to significant loss of gastrointestinal secretions, resulting in imbalances in water and electrolyte equilibrium and nutritional deficiencies.
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, diarrhea is a common wellness caused by dysfunction of the Spleen and stomach, Spleen deficiency with dampness exuberance, and abnormal transmission and transformation. supports can be determined based on pattern differentiation according to different causes such as invasion of external pathogens, dietary impairment, Spleen and stomach weakness, and Kidney yang deficiency.
1.Fangfeng Huoxiang Cha (Saposhnikovia and Agastache Tea)
Ingredients: 10g Saposhnikovia divaricata (Fangfeng), 5g Agastache rugosa (Huoxiang), 3 scallion whites (Congbai), 3g Amomum kravanh (Baidoukou).
Preparation method: Grind the above 4 herbs into a coarse powder, place in a cup, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 10-15 minutes, then drink as a tea. Take one dose daily.
supports the body’s ability to disperse cold and dampness, promotes the smooth flow of qi, and helps maintain healthy exterior defenses. This formula is traditionally used to support individuals who may experience occasional watery stools associated with cold-dampness or wind-cold patterns, often accompanied by mild external signs of imbalance such as chills or body aches.
2.Hawthorn (Crataegus pinnatifida, Shanzha), Nutgrass Rhizome (Cyperus rotundus, Xiangfu), and Atractylodes (Atractylodes lancea, Cangzhu) Tea
Ingredients: Stir-fried Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha) 30g, Cyperus rotundus (Xiangfu) 12g, Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu) 12g, Alpinia officinarum (Gaoliangjiang) 10g, Stir-fried Endothelium Corneum Gigeriae Galli (Jineijin) 9g, Plantago asiatica (Cheqianzi) (wrapped for decoction) 9g.
Preparation: Soak the above herbs in clean water for half an hour, then decoct for half an hour. Decoct each dose twice. Mix the two decoctions together and drink as tea. Take one dose daily.
Efficacy: Dries Dampness and disperses Cold, promotes Qi circulation and helps manage occasional loose stools. supports digestive health in cases of Damp-Cold pattern.
3.Jiawei Zhuye Cha (Modified Bamboo Leaf Tea)
Ingredients: 40g Lophatherum gracile (fresh bamboo leaf), 50g Gypsum fibrosum (raw gypsum), 15g Lablab purpureus (white hyacinth bean), 1 piece He Di (lotus leaf base), 20g sugar.
Preparation method: Decoct the above herbs in water, strain out the residue, and take the decoction. Add rock sugar and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Effects: Helps clear heat and dampness, supports healthy Spleen function and normal digestion. Traditionally used for individuals experiencing occasional digestive discomfort associated with damp-heat or summer-dampness, presenting with signs of imbalance such as abdominal pain, urgent bowel movements, loose stools with a feeling of incomplete evacuation, or a burning sensation in the anal area.
4.Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha) and Raphanus sativus (Laifuzi) Tea
Ingredients: Charred Crataegus pinnatifida (Jiao Shanzha) 30g, Raphanus sativus (Laifuzi) 20g.
Preparation: Crush the Raphanus sativus (Radish Seed) and place it together with the charred Crataegus pinnatifida (Charred Hawthorn Berry) into a thermos flask. Pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 20–30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose per day.
Benefits: Helps transform food and reduce abdominal distention. supports the regulation of Qi and helps maintain normal bowel function. For occasional digestive discomfort related to overeating, characterized by foul-smelling stools and a temporary sense of relief following bowel movements.
5.Sanxian Banxia Cha (Three Immortals and Pinellia Rhizome Tea)
Ingredients: Charred Crataegus pinnatifida (Charred Hawthorn), Charred Massa Medicata Fermentata (Charred Medicated Leaven), Charred Hordeum vulgare (Charred Malt), Ginger-processed Pinellia ternata (Ginger-processed Pinellia), Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice) – 6g each; Charred Atractylodes macrocephala (Charred Atractylodes) 18g; Areca catechu (Betel Nut) 7g.
Preparation method: Grind the above herbs into coarse granules, place in a teapot, and infuse with boiling water. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: Helps eliminate food stagnation and promote digestion, strengthens the Spleen and harmonizes the Stomach, regulates the flow of Qi and supports normal bowel movements. Used to support digestive comfort when encountering occasional loose stools due to improper diet.
6.Jiawei Lianzi Cha (Modified Lotus Seed Tea)
Ingredients: Nelumbo nucifera (Lian Zi, with Heart removed) 25g, Evodia rutaecarpa (Wu Zhu Yu) 1.5g, Psoralea corylifolia (Bu Gu Zhi) 20g, Myristica fragrans (Rou Dou Kou) 10g, Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi) 15g, Codonopsis pilosula (Dang Shen) 25g.
Preparation method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, combine the decoctions, and consume as a tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports the health of the Spleen and stomach, promotes the production and circulation of Qi, and helps maintain normal bowel function. Intended for individuals with a weakened Spleen and stomach pattern, such as occasional loose stools, undigested food in the stool, and lack of appetite.
7.Shanzha Shiliupi Cha (Hawthorn and Pomegranate Rind Tea)
Ingredients: Crataegus pinnatifida (Shanzha, Hawthorn Fruit) 9g, Punica granatum (Shiliupi, Pomegranate Rind) 6g, brown sugar 20g.
Preparation method: Place the above herbs into a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 20–30 minutes, then drink as tea. Take 1–2 doses daily.
supports healthy Spleen and stomach function and helps maintain normal bowel regularity.
8.Jiawei Jinyingzi Cha (Augmented Jinyingzi Tea)
Ingredients: Rosa laevigata (Jinyingzi) 15g, Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao) 150g, Euryale ferox (Qianshi) 50g.
Method: Wrap Jinyingzi (Rosa laevigata, Cherokee Rose Fruit) in a clean gauze bag. Place it together with Shanyao (Dioscorea opposita, Chinese Yam) and Qianshi (Euryale ferox, Gorgon Fruit) into a pot. Add water and decoct to make a soup. Remove the Jinyingzi bag. Drink as tea or as porridge. 1 dose daily.
supports the Spleen and Kidney, and helps maintain digestive regularity. Traditionally used for individuals with Kidney Yang Deficiency pattern who may experience borborygmus and loose stools in the early morning, with relief after passing stool.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Great article! I’ve been dealing with occasional digestive issues and find TCM approaches really helpful. The distinction between acute and chronic diarrhea makes sense—I’d love to learn more about which herbs work best for each type. Definitely trying one of these blends soon!
Loved this article! I’ve been dealing with occasional digestive issues and have started exploring TCM. The idea of using herbal infusions to support gut health is so gentle and natural. Do you have any tips on how to choose the right blend for someone with more of a damp-heat pattern?
Love how TCM approaches gut health holistically. I’ve been dealing with occasional loose stools after meals, so this is super timely. Any recommendations for a gentle starter blend for someone new to herbal infusions?
مقال رائع! أعاني من الإسهال المزمن منذ فترة، هذه الخلطات العشبية تبدو مفيدة جدًا. سأجرب بعضها لتحسين وظائف أمعائي. شكرًا على المعلومات القيمة!