Japanese Herbal Medicines for Stomach Health and Digestion 1997.12.15

Japanese Herbal Medicines for Stomach Health and Digestion 1997.12.15

Sorted by frequency of use: Cinnamon, Ginger, Clove, Sichuan Pepper, Licorice, Star Anise, Fennel, Huanglian, Gentian. ① Huanglian and Gentian are bitter stomach-tonics; bitterness stimulates the secretion of gastric juice, saliva, and other digestive fluids, thus promoting stomach health, but the dosage should be relatively small—small doses are beneficial, large doses can harm the stomach. Both Huanglian and Gentian are best at 3g; if there is severe internal heat, a larger dose may be needed, but using large doses of Huanglian or Gentian can damage the spleen and stomach—those with weak spleen may experience diarrhea, and those with weak stomach may vomit. ② Cinnamon, Clove, and fennel are aromatic stomach-tonics; their aroma stimulates secretion. ③ Ginger and Sichuan Pepper are spicy stomach-tonics; their spiciness also stimulates secretion. ④ Bear bile and others can promote bile excretion and also have stomach-tonic effects. I think that Yinchen’s bile-promoting effect, nitrate and alum’s bile-promoting effect, as well as Jinqiancao, Yu Jin, and Jineijin all promote bile and also have stomach-tonic effects, so anything that promotes bile is also good for the stomach.