<%@LANGUAGE="JAVASCRIPT" CODEPAGE="65001"%>

Stomach Bloating

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes excess fluid retention to the kidneys’ lack of yang, or vital energy. For centuries, TCM practitioners have relied on specific botanicals to help restore balance to the kidneys, which depend on the careful regulation of bodily electrolytes (acids, sodium, chlorine, and potassium). All of these electrolytes (named for their ability to conduct electricity) play a role in calibrating fluid metabolism throughout the body, particularly in three critical areas where much of the body’s water is stored: 1) inside cells; 2) in the narrow spaces between tissues and organs; and 3) inside blood vessels (Tierra n.d.).

Though fine-tuning the electrolytes within the kidneys is one important aspect of it, TCM’s approach to expell excess fluid is comprehensive and includes supporting the entire endocrine/hormonal system, of which the kidneys are but one part. Balancing this bodily system can be especially beneficial to women who experience water retention stemming from hormonal fluctuations.

Supplementing your diet with traditional herbs from ancient Chinese medicine can support healthy kidney function, assist in removing excess water from the body, and help you feel more comfortable.

Botanicals to help reduce stomach bloating:

Asian water plantain (Alisma plantago-aquatica) has been used for centuries to support water metabolism, which can help stimulate the elimination of excess fluid and bolster kidney and bladder function. Asian water plantain may also help support prostate and urinary health in older men.

Cornsilk (Zea mays), has traditionally been used to help reduce water retention. Further analysis has shown that cornsilk also may support kidney function (Chang 1986).

Polyporus umbellatus help reduce water retention without depleting potassium from the body.  Potassium is an important electrolyte that is often washed out along with excess fluid (Hobbs 1995).

Morus alba (White mulberry) also helps dispel excess water without increasing the output of potassium (Chang 1986).

Chinese cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) is hailed by TCM for supporting the spleen and kidneys and is often administered to people with excess fluid retention (Yeung 1996).

Atractylodes macrocephala is an herb with a reputation for promoting vitality and energy, removing surplus water, supporting lean muscle tissue, and enhancing endurance