A Useful Herbal Formula for Over-Indulgence

By: Jill Blakeway, M.S. L. Ac. | Author's Archive | Bio

This is the season when many of us eat and drink a little too much. With that in mind I thought I’d share a useful Chinese herbal formula for a condition known in Chinese medicine as food stagnation. This is another way of describing indigestion from over-indulging in rich foods. The formula is known as Bao He Wan or Preserve Harmony Pills.

It contains the following herbs

• Shan Zha (Crataegus) – Which is especially good for treating indigestion from meat and high fat foods
• Fu Ling (Poria) – Which strengthens the digestive system and relieves nausea
• Mai Ya (Barley Sprouts) – Which is helpful for indigestion from grains
• Ban Xia (Pinellia) – Which relieves nausea and treat abdominal distention
• Shen Qu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) – Helps to move stagnant food and counteracts the effects of too much alcohol
• Ju Hong (Red Tangerine Peel) – Helps relieve stomach pain and nausea
• Lai Fu Zi (Raphanus) – Which is good for abdominal distention, rumbling stomach, belching and stomach acid
• Lian Qiao (Forsythia) – Which clears heat from the digestive system

All in all a great antidote for holiday indulgence. We have plenty of Bao He Wan in the office so please ask if you’d like some to take home. Personally I always keep some in my medicine cabinet.

Happy Holidays.
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