Indigestion

Indigestion is not a disorder but it is a condition which anybody can go through at any period of time. In Chinese medicine, indigestion is treated as a disorder which the organs are not functioning properly. It is not a serious issue but can become a serious issue. Due to the vast arrays of causes of indigestion, there are many different herbs used for different situations to effectively relieve indigestion.

To briefly explain different causes in Chinese medicine, there is indigestion due to weak digestive system function, overeating with the good digestive system, stress affecting digestive function, and low body metabolism.  There are more specified categories in TCM and it would be recommendable to see the local TCM practitioner if you have frequent indigestion which interferes regular daily routine.

There are over-the-counter medications which are frequently used for indigestion. One of the most popular is “Po Chai Pills” with the old Chinese male picture on. It is a made based on the formula Bao He Wan. This pill won’t give instant relief but helps digestion over time.

If you prefer single herbs then you can try:

• Shan Zha – Treats indigestion caused by meat or fatty food (Hawthorn fruit)
• Shen Qu – Increases digestive function (a mixture of digestive herbs)
• Mai Ya – Treats indigestion caused by starchy foods (barley sprouts)
• Chen Pi – Increases motility of the digestive tract (skin of citrus fruit)

These are just examples of commonly used single herbs which can be used as home remedies.

If you have frequent indigestion due to weakness or eating habit, you can consult with your local TCM practitioner to find out the root cause and prevent it from recurring.