Bitty stools according to Chinese Medicine
The information provided here is not a replacement for a doctor. You shouldn't use it for the purpose of self-diagnosing or self-medicating but rather so you can have a more informed discussion with a professional TCM practitioner.
Bitty stools can be the consequence of several so-called “patterns of disharmony” in Chinese Medicine.
Chinese Medicine sees the body as a system, not a sum of isolated parts. A "pattern" is when the system's harmony is disrupted, leading to symptoms or signs that something is wrong (like bitty stools here). It is similar to the concept of disease in Western Medicine but not quite: a Western disease can often be explained by several Chinese patterns and vice-versa.
A pattern often manifests itself in a combination of symptoms that, at first glance, do not seem necessarily related to each others. For instance here bitty stools is often associated with abdominal distension, abdominal pain and constipation in the pattern “Large Intestine Qi Stagnation”. As you will see below, we have in record two patterns that can cause bitty stools.
Once identified, patterns are treated using medicinal herbs, acupuncture, and other therapies. In the case of bitty stools we’ve identified two herbal formulas that may help treat patterns behind the symptom.
We’ve also selected below the one medicinal herbs that we think are most likely to help treat bitty stools.
The two "patterns of disharmony" that can cause bitty stools
In Chinese Medicine bitty stools is a symptom for 2 patterns that we have on record. Below is a small explanation for each of them with links for more details.
The Large Intestine is a so-called "Fu" Organ. Learn more about the Large Intestine in Chinese Medicine
Large Intestine Qi Stagnation
Pulse type(s): Wiry (Xian)
In addition to bitty stools, other symptoms associated with Large Intestine Qi Stagnation include abdominal distension, abdominal pain and constipation.
Large Intestine Qi Stagnation is often treated with Chai Hu Shu Gan San, a herbal formula made of 7 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Chai Hu Shu Gan San belongs to the category of "formulas that promote qi movement", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood".
The Spleen is a so-called "Zang" Organ. Learn more about the Spleen in Chinese Medicine
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen
Pulse type(s): Weak (Ruo), Wiry (Xian)
In addition to bitty stools, other symptoms associated with Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen include abdominal distension, abdominal pain and irritability.
Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen is often treated with Xiao Yao San, a herbal formula made of 6 herbs (including Bupleurum Roots - Chai Hu - as a key herb). Xiao Yao San belongs to the category of "formulas that harmonize liver-spleen", which might be why it is often recommended for this pattern. Its main action as a formula is: "Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen".
Read more about Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen here
Two herbal formulas that might help with bitty stools
Chai Hu Shu Gan San
Source date: 1602
Number of ingredients: 7 herbs
Key actions: Disperses Stagnant Liver Qi and Blood. Alleviates pain. Harmonizes Blood.
Why might Chai Hu Shu Gan San help with bitty stools?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Large Intestine Qi Stagnation' of which bitty stools is a symptom.
Xiao Yao San
Source date: 1107 AD
Number of ingredients: 6 herbs
Key actions: Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen. Relieves Liver Qi stagnation. Nourishes the Blood.
Why might Xiao Yao San help with bitty stools?
Because it is a formula often recommended to treat the pattern 'Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Spleen' of which stools sometimes dry and in small pieces is a symptom.
Bupleurum root might help with bitty stools
Why might Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu) help with bitty stools?
Because Bupleurum Root is an ingredient in several formulas indicated to treat bitty stools as a symptom, like Chai Hu Shu Gan San or Xiao Yao San for instance.
Bupleurum Roots is a Cool herb that tastes Bitter. It targets the Gallbladder and the Liver.
Its main actions are: Harmonizes exterior and interior. Smoothes the Liver and upraises the Yang.
Other symptoms often associated with bitty stools
Abdominal distension Abdominal pain Constipation Anxiety Irritability Flatulence Tiredness