Can Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal treatments heal organ prolapse?
NOTE: Bu Zhong Yi Qi is also sometimes referred to as Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang or Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan. As far as I can tell in my research, these terms all refer to the same herbal mix, so I’ve chosen to refer to this mix only as Bu Zhong Yi Qi here. Also bear in mind that in Japanese Kampo medicine, this herbal remedy is known differently as Kampo #41, but uses the same herbs in the same proportions.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi has been used to treat the following health complaints:
- Organ prolapse (including rectal prolapse and uterine prolapse)
- Women’s health problems
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Heavy menstruation
- Absence of menstruation
- Early menstruation
- Abnormal vaginal discharge
- Uterine prolapse
- Leukorrhea
- Respiratory conditions
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Emphysema
- Bronchitis
- Chronic laryngitis
- Chronic rhinitis
- Digestive problems
- Gastroptosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Functional dyspepsia
- Urinary tract problems
- Chyluria
- Urethral syndrome
- Urinary incontinence
- Chronic urinary tract infections / UTI
- Arrhythmia
- Hypertension
- Aphthous ulcers / Canker sores
- Chronic hepatitis
- Cancer-related fatigue (CRF)
- Cold Aversion
- Spontaneous Sweating
- Headache
- Myasthenia gravis
- Allergic chronic rhinitis
- Hemorrhoids
- Chronic eczema
- Nosocomial/hospital-acquired fungal infections (preventative)
TCM acknowledges the use of this remedy for tonification of the Qi in the Middle Jiao and for raising sunken Yang (specifically sunken Spleen Yang). It helps treat Qi Deficiency and Sunken Qi, and fortifies the Spleen and Stomach while generally increasing the amount and utilization of Qi throughout the body.
Organ Prolapse According to Traditional Chinese Medicine
There are many kinds of organ prolapse that can develop. Although different symptom profiles coupled with organ prolapse can indicate different TCM diagnoses, most cases of organ prolapse point to a condition referred to as Qi Sinking or Qi Collapsing. In Chinese medicine, the body needs sufficient Qi (life force energy) in order to hold the organs in place; adequate levels of Qi must also circulate effectively throughout the body to ensure that all organs and tissues receive plenty of life force energy, or else this can also result in prolapse in areas that are cut off from the flow of Qi.In cases of Qi Sinking/Collapsing, other symptoms may also be present along with the presence of a prolapse, such as diarrhea, hemorrhoids, urinary incontinence, frequent and/or urgent urination, fatigue/low energy, and a “bearing down” feeling in the abdomen.
The TCM treatment for organ prolapse caused by Qi Sinking/Collapsing is to administer treatments designed to strengthen Qi and restore the flow of Qi to prolapsed organs so that they can be lifted back up in the body to their correct location(s). Acupuncture and acupressure can both be used for this purpose; Baihui DU-20 and Daimai GB-26 are two important points that are used regularly as part of an acupuncture treatment protocol for prolapse.. For organ prolapse, Bu Zhong Yi Qi is specifically indicated for cases involving poor appetite, thirst with a preference for hot drinks, protracted diarrhea and loose stools, fatigue, metrorrhagia (bleeding in between periods), and the potential for a fever accompanied by perspiration.
Buy Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang capsules here.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi for Functional Dyspepsia and Gastrointestinal Problems
Bu Zhong Yi Qi has been used successfully as a treatment for functional dyspepsia. For this purpose, this TCM herbal remedy helps relieve functional dyspepsia symptoms by increasing depleted Qi in the Middle Burner, and also by raising fallen Spleen Yang to remedy prolonged diarrhea and organ prolapse. Other similar complaints that have been treated using Bu Zhong Yi Qi in scientific studies include irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diabetic gastric mucosal injury (and other problems having to do with the gastrointestinal mucus membranes), radiation proctitis, and problems with peristalsis.In elderly populations with functional dyspepsia, one study found that the Bu Zhong Yi Qi remedy helped to eliminate symptoms like bloating, upper abdominal pain, anorexia (loss of appetite), and nausea while also promoting more efficient gastric emptying. Other research has found that Bu Zhong Yi Qi can help prevent and treat gastrointestinal symptoms associated specifically with radiation therapy, such as nausea/vomiting, dyspepsia, diarrhea, constipation, stomach pain, and tissue mucosal injury.
How to Prepare and Use the Bu Zhong Yi Qi Remedy
Below is a recipe for (approximately) 100 grams of Bu Zhong Yi Qi tea. You will take 15-20 grams (about 1 tablespoon) of this tea daily, so this recipe makes 5 days of tea.- Astragalus / Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) - 30g (2 tablespoons)
- Licorice Root / Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza glabra OR uralensis) - 15g (1 tablespoon)
- Atractylodes / Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) - 15g (1 tablespoon)
- Ginseng / Ren Shen (Panax ginseng) - 9g (slightly less than 2 teaspoons)
- Orange or Mandarin Peel / Chen Pi (Citrus aurantium OR reticulata) - 9g (slightly less than 2 teaspoons)
- Black Cohosh / Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga racemosa) - 9g (slightly less than 2 teaspoons)
- Bupleurum / Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) - 9g (slightly less than 2 teaspoons)
- Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis) - 4g (slightly less than 1 teaspoon)
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale) - 2g (about ½ teaspoon)
- Red Dates / Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) - 1 red date per serving of tea
To prepare this tea, combine the ground herbs above in a sealable container and shake well. Put 1 tablespoon of the resulting mix in 2 cups of water in a small saucepan. Bring the water to a simmer, and then cover and let the tea simmer, covered, for 20-45 minutes. Let cool, strain, and then drink this decoction once daily.
Different sources suggest different timelines for taking Bu Zhong Yi Qi, but most studies prescribe a 2-4 week treatment period for taking this remedy. Because this remedy contains licorice root, I personally would recommend taking it for only 2 weeks before taking a break of at least 1 week. Also, take a potassium supplement daily along with the Bu Zhong Yi Qi tea in order to offset any potential for potassium depletion that can go along with taking licorice root on a daily basis.
Contraindications
Women who are pregnant, nursing, or in the immediate postpartum period (6 weeks after birth) should not take Bu Zhong Yi Qi. Individuals with migraines or who have a personal history of liver disease should also avoid this TCM remedy.Bu Zhong Yi Qi: Why It Works
The Bu Zhong Yi Qi remedy has been in use for at least 750 years, since it was first published in the book, Nei Wai Shang BianHuoLun (Clarifying Doubts About Injury from Internal and External Causes), by Dr. Li Dong Yuan in 1274 BC. In this book, the remedy was indicated as a treatment for general Qi Deficiency, as well as for tonifying Spleen and Stomach Qi. It was also used to treat stagnation, ascending Yang, and as a treatment/preventative for Yin Fire.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan Teapills from Plum Flower
Chai Hu and Sheng Ma: A Classic TCM Combination
Chai Hu (Bupleurum chinense) and Sheng Ma (black cohosh / Cimicifuga racemosa) are commonly combined in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a treatment for Qi Deficiency. They are both acrid herbs that work together to move stagnation, raise sinking Qi, and clear away some heat. Some TCM practitioners may suggest a somewhat higher dose of Chai Hu and Sheng Ma in the Bu Zhong Yi Qi remedy if a particular patient has a fever, mentions that they have a severe hot feeling in any of the 4 limbs, or if they have hot palms, in order to help clear away Yin fire that may have developed as a result of Qi stagnation.These two herbs alone have been used to relieve symptoms like depression/anxiety, fatigue, indigestion, loss of appetite, and organ prolapse. Indeed, these two medicines, when used together, are known to gently elevate organs that have dropped out of place. Studies have found that this herbal combination can also support digestion by encouraging more efficient gastric emptying, as well as by promoting movement of the small intestine and more effective absorption of nutrients.
As an antidepressant and antianxiety herbal combination, Chai Hu and Sheng Ma work together to balance mood. Saponins found in Chai Hu are known to regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increase hippocampal dopamine levels, and balance the mTOR signaling pathway. Meanwhile, Sheng Ma works as a neuroprotective agent that also regulates the release of excitatory amino acids (including glutamic acid, NMDA, aspartic acid, homocysteic acid, and others).
Dong Quai (Angelica sinensis)
Angelica sinensis root, otherwise known as dong quai, is a relatively popular TCM herb that is also sometimes referred to as “female ginseng”. While it’s not related to any other ginseng, it does bear some similarities in terms of its action in the body. Dong quai is known to help regulate women’s hormones, and may help reduce menstrual pain and relieve anemia (a common complaint among menstruating women).Dong quai is a Blood nourishing agent in TCM. As a treatment for anemia, some polysaccharides in Angelica sinensis root have been found to increase the growth of hematopoietic cells and upregulate the production of erythropoietin and hepcidin. Hematopoietic cells are the cells from which all red and white blood cells develop, so this makes dong quai an important herb not only for treating anemia, but also for immune problems. Erythropoietin is a hormone produced in the kidneys that signals the body to produce more red blood cells, while hepcidin is a liver-produced hormone that regulates iron homeostasis (without hepcidin, iron cannot be absorbed adequately into the bloodstream, thus leading to anemia).
Dong quai is sweet, bitter, acrid, and warm, and is noted for its ability to tonify Blood. It also prevents stagnation by encouraging the movement of Blood throughout the body, as well as the damage that can be done to Blood by there being excess Heat in the body. According to Dr. Li, this herb “harmonizes blood vessels”, suggesting dong quai’s ability to both treat and prevent the deficiency and stagnation of Blood.
Licorice Root
Licorice root is frequently used in TCM herbal preparations. In the Bu Zhong Yi Qi tea mix, licorice root is used to invigorate the spleen, clear excess heat, and relieve Qi deficiency. It acts as a pain reliever, detoxifier, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-fatigue medicine, in addition to working to regulate the immune system.Licorice root, ginseng, and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala) all work together to increase the available Qi in the body, thus supporting the action of astragalus in lifting up fallen tissues.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng)
Ginseng is perhaps one of the best known Chinese herbs across the world. It is generally touted as an energy-boosting, fatigue-relieving herb; in TCM, ginseng is used to increase vitality and life force, invigorate the pulse, spleen, and lungs, promote the health of the bodily fluids, and to soothe the nerves. It is an important heart medicine, and is regularly used to treat heart failure and other heart conditions. Ginseng is indeed also an important herbal remedy for fatigue.Bai Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala)
In the Bu Zhong Yi Qi tea preparation, Bai Zhu is used to invigorate the spleen, nourish Qi, and to dry dampness in the body. It has been studied specifically in regard to its effects in relieving Spleen Deficiency, and is used as a treatment for digestive conditions, rheumatic diseases, and some kinds of cancer (including melanoma, bladder cancer, leukemia, head and neck cancer, and stomach cancer).Bai Zhu can help relieve fatigue and loss of appetite by improving digestion through increased gastric acid secretion, improved nutrient absorption in the digestive tract, and improved peristalsis. It may also be valuable for the kidneys through its role as a diuretic.
Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus)
Huang Qi is another Qi invigorating herb included in the Bu Zhong Yi Qi tea. Astragalus acts as a diuretic and muscle regenerative agent (an especially useful action in the treatment of organ prolapse in particular), and also has detoxifying properties. It is a powerful antioxidant and immune-modulating medicine, and has been used in the treatment of cancer, metabolic disease, and cardiovascular disease.In the treatment of organ prolapse specifically, Huang Qi can help “lift” fallen tissues in the body back to their normal, healthy locations.
Chen Pi (Citrus reticulata)
Citrus peel is thought to dispel dampness from the body and help to strengthen the spleen. It also can help support digestion by regulating the secretion of digestive enzymes, improving the absorption of nutrients, and promoting peristalsis. In addition, the polysaccharides and flavonoids in citrus peel are known to be powerfully antioxidant and to help relieve fatigue in the muscles.In the Bu Zhang Yi Qi herbal mix, Chen Pi is included to help regulate the action of the other herbs and to prevent stagnation in the gut. It is also important to treat and prevent dampness.
Resources:
• Calebasse Laboratoire (n.d). Body Tonifying Herbal Tea - Bu Zhong Yi Qi Cha. Retrieved September 3, 2024 from: https://calebasse.com/en/produits/bu-zhong-yi-qi-cha-tisane-tonifiant-du-corps-3973?srsltid=AfmBOoq37eioquSDuD8LMTxCPyp5vkmx341UMiBjzdsL_gu3NrhcpjWa
• Wikipedia (2023). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Retrieved September 17, 2024 from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bu_Zhong_Yi_Qi_Tang
• Yuki, Masaaki, et. al. (2024). A Japanese herbal medicine (kampo), hochuekkito (TJ-41), has anti-inflammatory effects on the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease mouse model. Retrieved September 17, 2024 from: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-60646-x
• Li, GuangWei, et. al. (2022). The clinical application and pharmacological mechanism of Bu Zhong Yi Qi decoction for treating cancer-related fatigue: An overview. Retrieved September 27, 2024 from: https://fringeheals.com/blog/light-therapy-and-vibration-for-female-pelvic-health/
• White Pine Clinic (2018). Treating Prolapse with Chinese Medicine. Retrieved September 28, 2024 from: https://www.whitepineclinic.com/news/2018/1/20/treating-prolapse-with-chinese-medicine
• Kim, Jihye, et. al. (2017). Effects of Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang for the treatment of functional dyspepsia: a feasibility study protocol. Retrieved October 3, 2024 from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5605384/
• Treasure of the East (n.d). Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Retrieved October 3, 2024 from: https://treasureoftheeast.com/products/bu-zhong-yi-qi-tang
• Cao, Shirley (n.d). The treatment and prevention of recurrent urinary tract infection with Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang. Retrieved October 3, 2024 from: https://chinesemedicine.ac.nz/wp-content/uploads/Congress/Limelight%201-1535-1730-%E6%9B%B9%E9%9B%AA%E8%BE%89-Cao%20Xuehui2.pdf
• Me and Qi (2024). Vaginal Prolapse According to TCM. Retrieved October 7, 2024 from: https://www.meandqi.com/symptoms/vaginal%20prolapse
