Gentle Lax (Deficient)

• Constipation
• Chronic, habitual constipation with dry, hard stool
• Deficient-type constipation in postpartum, postsurgical, or convalescing individuals
• Mild colon cleanser

• Emollient effect to lubricate the bowel and moisten the Intestines
• Laxative effect to relieve mild to moderate constipation
• Treats chronic constipation associated with hemorrhoids by reducing inflammation
  
  

• During nursing and pregnancy
• Individuals with a sensitive gastrointestinal tract should take this formula with caution, as it may be irritating to the stomach and intestinal mucosa. Those who experience
  stomach discomfort should reduce the dosage and take the herbs with food.
• A more serious etiology should be suspected if the constipation is accompanied by vomiting, blood in the stools, weight loss, or a distended, tympanitic abdomen.
• This herbal formula contains herbs that invigorate blood circulation, such as Dang Gui Wei (Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis). Therefore, patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (warfarin), should use this formula with caution, or not at all, as there may be a higher risk of bleeding and
  bruising;
• The following warning statement is required by the State of California: ―This product contains Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei). Read and follow directions carefully.
  Do not use if you have or develop diarrhea, loose stools, or abdominal pain because Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) may worsen these conditions and be harmful to your health. Consult your physician if you have frequent diarrhea or if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.
• According to most textbooks and contemporary references, the classic entry of "He Shou Wu" is now separated into two entries: the unprepared Sheng Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori)and thepreparedZhi He Shou Wu(Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata), as they have significantly different therapeutic effects and side effects. Sheng Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori) is a stimulant laxative that treats constipation, but may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and in rare cases, liver disorder (dose- and time-dependent, and reversible upon discontinuation). On the other hand, Zhi He Shou Wu (Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata) is a tonic herb that is safe and well-tolerated. The dramatic changes in the therapeutic effect and safety profile are attributed to the long and complicated processing of the root with Hei Dou (Semen Sojae) through repeated blending, cooking, and drying procedures. When properly processed, the chemical composition of the root changes significantly. Many new compounds are generated from the Maillard reaction (four furanones, two furans, two nitrogen compounds, one pyran, one alcohol and one sulfur
  compound). Furthermore, the preparation process causes changes in the composition of sugars and 16 kinds of amino acids; it also reduces the pH of the herb from 6.28 to 5.61. In summary, these changes give rise to the tonic effects of thepreparedroots, and eliminate the adverse reactions associated with the unprepared roots. Note: Due to medical risks and legal liabilities, it is prudent to exercise caution and not use this herb in either prepared or unprepared forms in patients with pre-existing or risk factors of liver diseases.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Eat plenty of foods with high fiber, such as fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, cabbage, peas, sweet potatoes, and whole grains.
• Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses per day.
• Prunes or prune juice are very effective to regulate bowels and relieve mild cases of constipation.
• A combination of wild or raw honey with fresh grapefruit will also relieve dry stool or constipation.
• Black sesame with wild honey is a helpful combination to soften stool and facilitate bowel movement.
• Increase intake of nourishing, cooling foods/roots such as Mexican yam, yam, radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, malanga, celeriac, taro, and rutabaga.
• Avoid deep-fried foods. Follow a low-fat diet.
• Avoid fatty and spicy foods that may irritate the mucous membranes of the intestines.
• Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables such as pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, funnel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi.
• Avoid stress, anxiety and tension whenever possible.
• Exercise regularly to increase peristalsis of the intestines. Walking is one of the best exercises as it massages the intestines to regulate the bowels.
• Do not suppress the urge to relieve the bowels. Suppressing the urge is one of the main causes of chronic constipation. Empty the bowels whenever there is a desire, especially in the morning when the digestive system is most active.
• Massaging the abdomen along the directional flow of the large intestine (clock-wise) will also help.
• Patients with hemorrhoids should not lift anything heavy.

Take 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. Individuals with sensitive gastrointestinal tracts should decrease the dosage and increase the dosing
frequency to avoid stomach discomfort. For example, take 2 capsules four or five times daily, instead of taking 4 capsules three times daily.

• Radix Paeoniae Alba
• Semen Platycladi
• Radix et Rhizoma Rhei
• Extremitas Radix Angelicae Sinensis
• Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis
• Semen Cassiae
• Semen Armeniacae Amarum
• Radix Ophiopogonis
• Semen Persicae
• Radix Scrophulariae
• Semen Pruni
• Radix Polygoni Multiflori Praeparata
• Fructus Aurantii Immaturus