Watery Stoolsaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Stool and Bowel Irregularities, Diarrhea and Dysentery
Did you mean? Diarrhea
What is Watery Stools?
Watery stools, commonly referred to as diarrhea, involve the frequent passage of loose, liquid bowel movements. It's a symptom that can indicate a variety of conditions ranging from simple indigestion to more serious health issues like infections or chronic diseases.
The condition is characterized by an increased water content in stools, leading to a lack of form and increased volume. This symptom can lead to dehydration if not addressed promptly, making it crucial to understand its underlying causes and seek appropriate treatment.
How does TCM view Watery Stools?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches watery stools as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's internal systems. According to TCM, the Spleen and Stomach are primarily responsible for digestion and absorption.
Watery stools are seen as a sign of disharmony in these organs, often related to Deficiencies in Yang energy within the body. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom to effectively restore balance through tailored treatments.
Root Causes of Watery Stools in TCM
Yang Deficiency, particularly in the Spleen and Kidney, leads to a diminished capacity to transform and transport fluids, resulting in watery stools accompanied by symptoms such as chills, lethargy, and abdominal pain that improves with warmth. Addressing these underlying causes is essential for the effective treatment and prevention of recurrent episodes.
Explore below more details about what might cause Watery stools according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Yang Deficiency
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Watery Stools
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang | Watery stools, Chills, General cold feeling, Pale urine, Undigested food in stools, General weakness, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure and warmth, Frequent urination, Polyuria, Nocturia, White vaginal discharge... see more | Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | You Gui Wan | Ban Liu Wan |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Watery Stools
For treating watery stools caused by Yang Deficiency, TCM recommends warming and tonifying formulas such as Ba Wei Di Huang Wan and You Gui Wan. Ba Wei Di Huang Wan targets the root of Blood and Yin Deficiency, primarily nourishing the kidney Yin, while You Gui Wan focuses on replenishing Kidney Yang, addressing symptoms like cold limbs, fatigue, and pale urine.
These formulas work by strengthening the body's vital energy and restoring the balance necessary for healthy digestion and absorption, thereby reducing the frequency and urgency of watery stools.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address watery stools, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yang Deficiency
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that warm yang and tonify
- Formulas that warm and purge
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause watery stools, such as Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Watery Stools Caused by Yang Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang |
| You Gui Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang |
| Ban Liu Wan | Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some watery stools-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.
One such formula is Ba Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Yang and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some watery stools-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.
One such formula is You Gui Wan, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and purge
These formulas are suitable for some watery stools-causing patterns like Yang Deficiency or Empty Yang.
One such formula is Ban Liu Wan, with sulfur as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Watery Stools
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address watery stools, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Tonic herbs for yang deficiency
- Herbs for external application
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Watery stools can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for watery stools, like You Gui Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for watery stools
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | You Gui Wan |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | You Gui Wan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Watery stools can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for watery stools, like Ba Wei Di Huang Wan.
Tonic herbs for Yang Deficiency
Watery stools can be treated by these herbs in situations of diminished Yang energy, aiming to warm and activate the body's functions.
One such herb is Deer Antler Glue (Lu Jiao Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for watery stools, like You Gui Wan.
Herbs for external application
Watery stools can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Sulfur (Liu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for watery stools, like Ban Liu Wan.