Can Diarrhea Be Caused By Chinese Herbs?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses herbs to improve health and treat entire human beings, rather than just symptoms or diseases. Chinese herbs have very low toxicity levels, making them an effective alternative therapy for IBS management. Side effects of Chinese herbs include gastrointestinal issues like loose stools, abdominal discomfort, gas, and bloating, as well as mild nausea, stomach upset, and diarrhea. Elderly or frail patients may also experience diarrhea due to excessive cooling or laxative herbs like cassia seeds.

Chinese herbal formulas have been shown to alleviate diarrhea symptoms by modulating the fecal microbiota. However, these herbs may not be suitable for the syndrome of liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency, which could lead to diarrhea. Chinese herbal formulas can worsen symptoms or cause new ones to arise.

Chinese herbal decoction (CHD) is an effective complementary and alternative prevention and therapy for irinotecan induced diarrhea (IID). A study aimed to test the efficacy of CHM on digestive symptoms and liver function, the aggravation of COVID-19, and the time to use CHM. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you experience any side effects or concerns about the use of Chinese herbs.

Will Chinese medicine cause diarrhea?

• Patients with hypertension or hyperthyroidism: Some tonics or supplements that contain ginseng, ephedra, deer’s antlers etc contain compounds that may aggravate these conditions
• Patients on blood thinners (e. g. warfarin, clopidogrel): Be cautious when taking supplements containing “blood invigorating” herbs such as ginkgo biloba, lingzhi, cordyceps, dong quai, ginseng, as the likelihood of bleeding maybe increased
• Patients on anti-seizure medications: Be cautious when taking supplements containing gingko as these herbs may interact with medications for fits and result in poor seizure control
• Patients with breast or prostate cancer: Avoid herbs like horny goat weeds that may contain hormone-like ingredients which may aggravate their condition
• Patients with gastric problems: Always take TCM after food as they may contain acidic herbs e. g. hawthorn
• Patients with lower limb swelling: Refrain from acupuncture or massage as swelling could be due to deep vein thrombosis or other serious underlying causes and medical attention should be sought
• Patients with liver or kidney diseases: Be cautious when taking TCM as some herbs may affect the liver or kidney
• Elderly or frail patients: Taking excessive cooling herbs or laxative herbs like cassia seeds may cause diarrhoea in some elderly or frail patients and excessive diarrhoea may result in dehydration

TCM may also affect the effectiveness and/or toxicities of some western medications:

• Some Chinese medicines contain calcium e. g. gypsum and hence may interact with some medicines like antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, tetracycline) and levothyroxine
• Some herbs such as lingzhi, cordyceps, aurantium may affect metabolism of western medicines and may result in unexpected side effects

Why does herbal tea give me diarrhea?

Weight loss tea is often advertised as having a fast, immediate weight loss rate, but there is currently no evidence to prove its effectiveness. There are three main types of weight loss tea: appetite suppressant tea, fat absorption blocker tea, and metabolism booster tea. Some teas contain natural laxatives like senna, which can cause side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation, decreased potassium levels, and heart problems. Diuretics, which speed up fluid elimination, can also cause side effects like dehydration, electrolyte disturbances, cramps, diarrhea, and heart rhythm disturbances.

To control weight safely, consider factors such as diet, exercise, environment, and lifestyle. Instead of risking side effects from weight loss tea, control your weight by cutting sugar and starch, eating low-carb or reduced-refined carbs, and using whole grains. Eat a healthy diet focusing on fruits and vegetables, avoiding processed foods with high sugar or trans fats, and maintain balanced meals with many nutrients. Exercise is essential for weight loss, as certain weightlifting exercises help burn calories and promote a faster metabolism. Walking, running, biking, or swimming are also beneficial for weight loss and overall health.

In conclusion, weight loss takes time for the body to adapt and burn excess fat. Overweight individuals should change their diet and increase exercise to make their body lighter instead of seeking functional foods or drugs advertised for rapid weight loss.

Which herb is laxative?

This systematic review aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS-C), a common gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. A comprehensive search of relevant studies was conducted up to July 2023, and data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. Results showed some evidence of the beneficial effects of herbal remedies on IBS-C symptoms, including improvements in bowel frequency, stool consistency, abdominal pain, and quality of life. However, the heterogeneity of interventions and outcome measures limited the ability to perform a meta-analysis. The review suggests that herbal remedies may have potential benefits in the management of IBS-C, but the quality of evidence is limited, and further well-designed, large-scale RCTs are needed to establish the efficacy and safety of specific herbal remedies for IBS-C. Clinicians should exercise caution when recommending herbal remedies and consider individual patient characteristics and preferences. The review concludes that herbal remedies may have potential benefits in managing IBS-C symptoms, but further research is needed to establish their efficacy and safety.

Why does MSG give me diarrhea?

Apart from the aforementioned symptoms, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal issues after consuming MSG. These issues can include bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The underlying cause of these digestive disturbances is not well understood, but it is thought that some people may have a lower threshold for tolerating MSG, leading to adverse reactions in their digestive systems.

On a more severe note, there have been rare reports of MSG triggering asthma attacks in susceptible individuals. Some asthma patients have claimed that consuming MSG exacerbates their condition, causing wheezing, shortness of breath, and other asthma symptoms. However, similar to other reported side effects, the scientific evidence linking MSG to asthma exacerbation is limited and inconclusive.

Another area of concern is the potential for MSG to affect the central nervous system. Glutamate is a neurotransmitter in the brain, and excessive amounts could theoretically lead to neurotoxicity. However, the glutamate levels in food are significantly lower than what would be required to cause harm to the brain. The blood-brain barrier also serves as a protective mechanism, preventing glutamate in the bloodstream from affecting the brain. Current scientific consensus suggests that normal dietary consumption of MSG does not pose a risk to brain health.

When should I stop taking Chinese herbs?

Q: What is the frequency and duration of herbal usage? Our standard recommendation is 4 leveled scoops (scoops provided) twice a day, or about 4-5 grams of herbs each serving. In some acute conditions or in the beginning of your treatment, we may recommend 3 times a day to get quick results. You may use herbs from one week to 2 or 3 months. Some patients do take herbs long term if they have a very chronic condition.

Your body and health conditions do change, therefore, we ask patients on herbs to return for follow up visit in three months for Dr. Sheng to evaluate your condition and make any necessary changes to the herbal composition.

Q: How safe are Chinese herbs? The processed and concentrated herbs have been through quality control measures such as proper identification, quality check, screening for pesticide residues and heavy metals, etc.. These herbs have been used for several hundred to thousand years. Do use the herbs under the guidance and supervision of an experienced practitioner.

Q: Are there examples of Chinese herbs causing harms? There are two bad examples in the past two decades.

Is it normal to have diarrhea after acupuncture?

Acupuncture can lead to detox symptoms, such as increased urination and increased water intake, which can relieve bloating and water retention. Some patients may also experience changes in their bowel movements, indicating better energy flow in the kidney and spleen meridians.

After acupuncture, long-term reactions may occur, such as running nose, sore throat, and cold/flu symptoms. In Chinese medicine, these symptoms are a natural response to fighting against a cold or flu attack, similar to a cease-fire during war. However, improper use of the drug can suppress symptoms and lead to a decrease in health.

Some patients may experience reappearance of symptoms that were previously bothersome, indicating that the body is ready to expel underlying ailments, often in an antichronological fashion. This could include reoccurring appendicitis or hemorrhoids from years ago. As the body is in a reversing process of healing, the recurred symptoms may not cause as much discomfort as a normal attack, and the body has better energy to heal.

Reassessment of patients’ condition and modification of treatment plans may be necessary, and it is important to inform the acupuncturist of their previous illness history. By understanding the body’s response to acupuncture, patients can better understand the potential benefits and risks associated with their treatment.

How long does it take for Chinese herbs to leave your system?

Chinese herbs are individual herbs that work synergistically together to accomplish certain goals. They are similar to pharmaceuticals in that they are medicine, but the body processes them the same way it processes food. They stay in the system for three to four hours at most, so they require a longer-term regimen. Each formulation has anywhere from two to 50 individual herbs, and the formulations are made for the individual, depending on what’s going on with them.

They can be used for a variety of things, such as supporting proper digestion or relieving low back pain. A lot of people like to use different Chinese herbs for arthritis or autoimmune conditions—they can help regulate inflammation or the entire immune system. There are herbs for more chronic conditions like asthma, Lyme’s disease, menstrual issues, or fertility.

Most Chinese herbs are grown and cultivated and processed in China. They are run through the FDA for purity and tested for toxins and heavy metals when they land on our shores. Some are grown here, like ginseng. But any of the medical-grade Chinese herbs have to be grown in specific places in China due to agricultural needs like soil and climate. There are properties in the soil and how they are grown in China that make them a medicinal herb. There are many things we can’t grow here due to our climate.

What food can cause sudden diarrhea?

Common foods that cause diarrhea include spicy foods, fried or greasy foods, dairy, and sugar substitutes.

If you suspect a certain food is causing diarrhea, try eliminating it from the diet to see if your digestive symptoms improve.

What foods should you avoid when taking Chinese herbs?

Chinese medicine is typically taken with warm water, unless there’s a specific alternative suggested. It’s advised to avoid consuming tea before or after herbal Chinese medicine due to its caffeine, theophylline, and theobromine content, which can increase heart rate, promote urination and gastric juice secretion, and stimulate the cerebral cortex. It’s better to maintain a gap of at least an hour between Western medication and Chinese medicine. For patients with weakened gastrointestinal functions, opt for lighter, blended meals and aim to eat until about 80 full. Minimize the consumption of heavy meats, high-calorie, and protein-rich foods as they can strain the stomach and exacerbate existing conditions.

When starting Chinese medicine for cooling heat and treating yin deficiency, avoid onion, garlic, chili, pepper, and mutton. Consumption of these foods by individuals with a “hot constitution” might exacerbate heat-related conditions, diminishing the efficacy of the medication intended for cooling and nourishing. For cold symptoms, steer clear of raw and cold foods. Dietary recommendations vary based on an individual’s constitution, such as those with poor digestion, children suffering from diarrhea, chest tightness, respiratory issues, abdominal fullness, edema patients, asthma or allergic dermatitis patients, spoiled or unclean foods, raw meat, wild mushrooms, and undercooked food. In summary, when using Chinese medicine for any ailment, it’s advised to avoid raw, cold, greasy, strongly scented fish, pungent, barbecued, roasted, and fried oily foods.

Can herbs cause diarrhea?

Some herbal teas contain senna or other “natural” laxatives that can cause diarrhea. Other vitamins, minerals, or supplements may also cause diarrhea.

To prevent diarrhea due to antibiotic use, talk to your health care provider about taking supplements containing healthy bacteria (probiotics) and/or eating yogurt. Some of these products may reduce the risk for diarrhea. Keep taking these supplements for a few days after you finish your antibiotics.

Diarrhea associated with medicines; Medicine-induced diarrhea.

What are the side effects of Chinese herbs?

Is there anything I should watch out for?. You should not take Chinese herbs without supervision, especially if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Chinese herbal products, particularly those manufactured outside of the United States, are often poorly labeled, and important information may be missing. Some Chinese herbal products contain drugs not listed on their labels. For example, some Chinese herbal creams that are used to treat eczema contain steroid medications. Also, be on the alert for Chinese herbal medicines containing aristolochic acid. This acid, derived from an herb, has been linked to cases of kidney failure, and even cancer. Also, some Chinese herbs have been reported to contain heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, and mercury. Adverse reactions from Chinese herbal medicine and TCM have increased in recent years. Acute liver injury caused by Chinese herbal medicine accounts for almost 22% of total injuries.

A trained and certified TCM practitioner can identify herbs that are safe to take. The practitioner should also explain the potential side effects of the herbs they prescribe. Always tell your doctor about any herbs or supplements you are taking.

How can I find a qualified TCM practitioner?. The following organizations can help you locate a qualified practitioner in your area: