Acute Gastroenteritis

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), acute gastroenteritis is commonly attributed to invasion of Cold-Dampness, Summer Heat-Dampness, Food Stagnation, or underlying Spleen-Stomach Yang deficiency. The primary manifestations are vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and digestive dysfunction.

Treatment focuses on transforming dampness, regulating the Stomach and Intestines, stopping vomiting and diarrhea, and supporting digestive function.

Cold-Dampness

Common Signs

• Acute vomiting and diarrhea

• Watery stools without foul odor

• Abdominal pain with rumbling

• Stomachache

• Clear urine

• Headache

• Body aches

• Joint pain

• Difficulty moving

• Edema of the limbs

• Cold sensations in the lower abdomen

• Little or no sweating

Treatment Principle

Transform dampness with aromatic herbs, disperse cold, and dry dampness.

Traditional Formula

Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi-San

Traditional Food Therapy

• Fresh ginger

• Cayenne pepper

• Dill seed

• Fennel

• Mustard seed

• Star anise

• Oregano

• Sweet basil

• Adzuki bean

• Bamboo shoot

• Celery

• Job's tears

Summer Heat-Dampness

Common Signs

• Sudden vomiting and diarrhea

• Fever

• Thirst

• Burning sensation at the anus

• Abdominal fullness

• Chest discomfort

• Loss of appetite

• Acidic vomiting

• Yellow watery stools

• Reddish urine

Treatment Principle

Clear Heat, remove dampness, and regulate the Stomach and Intestines.

Traditional Formula

Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian-Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

• Banana

• Bamboo shoot

• Bitter endive

• Bitter gourd

• Celery

• Cucumber

• Mung bean

• Peppermint

• Purslane

• Crab

• Job's tears

• Adzuki bean

Food Stagnation (Stomach Indigestion)

Common Signs

• Vomiting and diarrhea together

• Abdominal pain relieved after bowel movement

• Abdominal bloating

• Belching

• Poor appetite

• Sour regurgitation

• Bad breath

• Extremely foul-smelling stools

• Stomachache

• Insomnia

Treatment Principle

Promote digestion and regulate the Stomach and Intestines.

Traditional Formula

Bao-He-Wan

Traditional Food Therapy

• Radish

• Grapefruit

• Tomato

• Water chestnut

• Coriander

• Cardamom seed

• Malt

• Tea

• Peach

• Jackfruit

Spleen-Stomach Yang Deficiency

Common Signs

• Recurrent vomiting and diarrhea

• Vomiting undigested food

• Cold limbs

• Fatigue

• Poor appetite

• Pale complexion

• Clear urine

• Abdominal pain relieved by warmth and pressure

• Pain worsened by hunger and fatigue

• Shortness of breath

• Water sounds in the stomach

• Intermittent low-sounding hiccups

Treatment Principle

Warm the middle burner, dispel cold, strengthen the Spleen and Stomach.

Traditional Formula

Fu-Zi-Li-Zhong-Wan

Traditional Food Therapy

• Cinnamon

• Garlic

• Beef

• Carp

• Cardamom seed

• Cayenne pepper

• Fennel

• Nutmeg

• Mustard seed

• Mutton

Traditional Dietary Approaches

Cold-Damp Gastroenteritis

Favor warming foods:

• Ginger

• Garlic

• Fennel

• Cinnamon

• Warm broths

Summer Heat-Damp Gastroenteritis

Favor cooling foods:

• Cucumber

• Mung bean

• Bitter gourd

• Banana

• Celery

Food Stagnation

Favor digestive foods:

• Radish

• Grapefruit

• Cardamom

• Coriander

• Tea

Yang Deficiency

Favor warming and strengthening foods:

• Beef

• Mutton

• Cinnamon

• Garlic

• Nutmeg

Related Formulas

• Huo-Xiang-Zheng-Qi-San

• Ge-Gen-Qin-Lian-Tang

• Bao-He-Wan

• Fu-Zi-Li-Zhong-Wan

Important Note

Acute gastroenteritis can cause significant dehydration. Persistent vomiting, inability to keep fluids down, bloody stools, severe abdominal pain, high fever, confusion, or signs of dehydration require prompt medical evaluation.