A number of Chinese herbs can treat stomach toxicity, but three are readily available and very gentle. These herbs can all be used to counteract toxicity of other herbs in formulas, as well as for food poisoning or ingestion of other toxins. Therefore, they are good remedies to have in your home--although they should not be used in place of medical treatment when necessary.
Gan Cao
Gan Cao, or licorice root, is one of the most commonly used herbs for reducing toxic effects in the stomach. It has been used for thousands of years to counteract a variety of toxic substances. It has a sweet taste and is considered to have a harmonizing effect. A small amount of this herb is used in many of the main Chinese herbal formulas to balance the entire treatment. Note that licorice root is not the same as licorice candy. You can just chew on the root if you need something quickly, or make a tea with it.
Sheng Jiang
Sheng Jiang, or fresh ginger, is another commonly used herb for the stomach. It's often paired with Gan Cao for balancing a formula and counteracting toxicity of other herbs. It is also frequently used to stop vomiting. Fresh ginger has different properties than the dried ginger often used in cooking, so you can't use the spice in its place. You may have noticed that sushi is generally served with fresh ginger. It has the same purpose in this regard, as it helps to counteract any digestive issues with fish that is not fresh. For stomach toxicity, Sheng Jiang can be eaten or you can add hot water and drink it as a tea.
Lu Dou
Lu Dou, or mung bean, is another simple food used as an herb in Chinese medicine. It's sweet and cooling in property. Stomach toxicity is considered to be a heat or fire condition in Chinese medicine. Therefore, Lu Dou is used to help cool the fire in the stomach. It's traditionally used to counteract toxic herbs and other types of toxins. Make a soup with mung beans or make a tea with them. In fact, you can make a tea and put it in the refrigerator to drink cool when needed.
Member Comments