Everyone loves delicious food. For many people, this is all a happy life is about. Unfortunately, these indulgences can lead to indigestion and weight gain. Not everyone can enjoy delicious food. Millions of Americans suffer digestive problems of one kind or another and each year spend billions of dollars to solve the problems.

Digestion is a complex process that breaks down the food we eat into components the body can easily absorb. Digestion needs a dynamic yet balanced action of multiple digestive organs. For example, when we eat too much, the stomach becomes bloated, and partially digested food becomes stagnated. To relieve it, we either need to eat less, or increase the body's ability to digest.

Digestion is a well studied topic in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). From the perspective of TCM, the Spleen is at the core of the digestive process, because it absorbs nutrients, then transforms them into Yin, Yang, and Qi energies. These essential energies are the basis for life, and wouldn’t be produced without a healthy Spleen function. (Please note: In traditional Chinese medicine the “Spleen” doesn’t refer to the anatomic organ as we know it, but as a functional entity.)

The Spleen can replenish the body’s Yin, Yang and Qi with energy absorbed from food. This replenishment is crucial because without them, the body would become weak and prone to infection. That’s why many Chinese medicines are used to maintain the Spleen function.

The stomach is another critical digestive organ because that is where food digestion actually takes place. A strong stomach function ensures the food is broken down properly and timely and moved into the intestines for absorption. In TCM, the Stomach cannot function properly when it does not have enough Yin, Yang, or Qi energy, or when the Yin and Yang are imbalanced. Stomach function impairment is exhibited as gastritis, or gastric ulcers, and are medically attributed to inflammation, or erosion of the stomach lining.

ActiveHerb has the privilege of fully appreciating the breadth and depth of TCM on digestion. As a result, we offer a wide spectrum of Chinese medicines for indigestion, some of which are listed below. Please read more about each formula to make the proper choice for your individual condition. Consultation with a doctor is advised.

1. Si Jun Zi Tang Wan (Four Gentlemen Decoction): This classic Chinese medicine nourishes the body's Qi energy, and is a component of many other digestion formulas. This formula may be used for the Spleen/Stomach Qi deficiency which is shown as a pale complexion, low/soft voice, or poor appetite. The mild action of the formula makes it an excellent Chinese herb used by many from time to time to maintain a healthy digestive function even when no digestive discomfort is evident.

2. Bao He Pian: The choice of Chinese medicines for facilitating digestion. The famous Chinese herb may be used when one has eaten to excess, has food stagnation in the stomach, or when food is not digested well.

3. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Pian: This famous Chinese medicine is recommended for use at the first sign of indigestion or digestive discomfort. The Chinese herb is also used commonly for cold or flu when associated with digestive discomfort.

4. Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian: Increases Qi movement in the Spleen/Stomach to reduce food retention and abdominal distention with bloating, acid reflux, or heartburn.

5. Jiang Pi Pian: A famous Chinese medicine used for both removing food stagnation as well as strengthening the Spleen function. Suitable for children suffering from indigestion. This Chinese herb may be used to help restore the digestive function after chemotherapy.

6. Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Pian): A highly regarded herbal formula that nourishes the Spleen and replenishes Qi energy. A weak Spleen function is typically indicated by loose stool or diarrhea. This is a commonly used Chinese medicine for chronic diarrhea.

7. Xiang Sha Yang Wei Pian: A popular Chinese medicine for nourishing the Stomach. It contains Chinese herbs with diverse functions in strengthening the Stomach and Spleen, regulating Qi, and drying Dampness. It can be used for both daily maintenance of a robust stomach function and dealing with various digestive problems.

8. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Pian: Another popular Chinese medicine for nourishing the Stomach with similar applications to Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan.

9. Ping Wei Pian: Removes Dampness in the Stomach and Spleen. Symptoms include: abdominal distension even if little food is eaten, loose stool or diarrhea, vomit, and refusing water despite feeling thirsty.

10. Ban Xia Xie Xin Pian: A highly regarded ancient Chinese medicine used to harmonize the Spleen and Stomach function. It has a wide application for gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, enteritis, gastric ulcer, stomach pain, etc. Its action is stronger than Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan.

11. Fu Zi Li Zhong Pian: This Chinese medicine is a primary herbal formula for the Spleen/Stomach Yang Deficiency which is marked by cold Stomach, abdominal pain, vomiting, and cold limbs.

12. BreathNew™: This is our signature formula for clearing Stomach Heat. It is used to clear bad breath (Halitosis) and mouth ulcers caused by Heat in the Stomach and food stagnation.

13. Constipass™: Our signature formula for constipation. This Chinese herb moistens the intestines to promote bowel movements.

14. Boweflow™: This classic Chinese medicine is used for constipation with flatulence, and a feeling of fullness in the chest and abdomen.