• Also consider, as appropriate, these herbs from other categories which also moisten the intestines:

Bai Zi Ren [Calm Shen], Dang Gui [Nourish Blood], Dong Kui Zi [Drain Damp], Feng Mi  [Tonify Qi], Gua Lou Ren [Resolve Phlegm-Heat], He Shou Wu [Nourish Blood], Hei Zhi Ma [Nourish Yin], Hu Tao Ren [Tonify Yang], Jue Ming Zi [Subdue Lv/Exting Wind], Lu Hui [Purge to Eliminate Pathogens], Mai Men Dong [Nourish Yin], Mang Xiao [Purge to Eliminate Pathogens], Niu Bang Zi [Acrid, Cool], Qin Jiao [Dispel Wind-Damp], Rou Cong Rong [Tonify Yang], Sang Shen  [Nourish Yin], Su Zi [Stop Cough], Suo Yang [Tonify Yang], Tao Ren [Promote Blood Circulation], Xing Ren [Stop Cough], Zi Cao [Clear Heat/Cool Blood].
• In addition, consider herbs that generate body fluids, herbs that moisten the Lungs, herbs that nourish Yin and Blood, herbs that mobilize stagnant Qi and blood, and, when appropriate, herbs that purge accumulation.

Nature: sweet, neutral

Enters: Large Intestine, Stomach, Spleen

Actions: Slightly nourishes blood/Yin; moistens the large intestine to promote bowel movement; clears heat; promotes healing of sores.

Indications:
• Blood deficiency, Yin deficiency, or body fluid deficiency: constipation, especially in the elderly, postpartum, or after febrile disease.
• This herb must be ground before use.
• An auxiliary herb for sores and ulcerations. Taken orally or applied topically.
• Mildly lowers blood pressure.
• Doses over 60g may cause nausea, vomiting, restlessness, diarrhea.
• Sometimes the name Ma Zi Ren is used to refer to flax seed.

Dose: 9-30g (to 45g when used as the principal herb in a prescription)

Nature: acrid, bitter, neutral

Enters: Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen

Actions: Moistens the large intestine to promote bowel movement; promotes urination to treat edema.

Indications:
• Dryness or Qi stagnation in the intestines: constipation.
• Edema with abdominal distention or leg qi with difficult urination and constipation.
• Stronger than Huo ma ren at moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movement.
• For stubborn insomnia after a frightening event, this herb is taken as a folk remedy: Decoct it in yellow wine for 10 minutes, then add the drained seeds to an appropriate prescription based on the diagnosis.
• Some patients may get slight cramps in the intestines from this herb.
• Crush before use.
MLT: Contains 60-75% oils which give it its lubricating properties.
Hsu: Emollient laxative, stronger purgative than cannabis; diuretic.
Dose: 3-9g

Nature: acrid, bitter, neutral

Enters: Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Spleen

Actions: Moistens the large intestine to promote bowel movement; promotes urination to treat edema.

Indications:
• Dryness or Qi stagnation in the intestines: constipation.
• Edema with abdominal distention or leg qi with difficult urination and constipation.
• Stronger than Huo ma ren at moistening the intestines and promoting bowel movement.
• For stubborn insomnia after a frightening event, this herb is taken as a folk remedy: Decoct it in yellow wine for 10 minutes, then add the drained seeds to an appropriate prescription based on the diagnosis.
• Some patients may get slight cramps in the intestines from this herb.
• Crush before use.
MLT: Contains 60-75% oils which give it its lubricating properties.
Hsu: Emollient laxative, stronger purgative than cannabis; diuretic.

Dose: 3-9g