What Over-the-Counter Chinese Medicine Can Help With Loose Stools

Loose stools are often seen as a sign of chronic diarrhea. From a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) perspective, this condition is commonly associated with spleen deficiency and excessive dampness, which are considered to be related to cold-pattern disorders. In some cases, however, heat accumulation can also cause loose, foul-smelling stools that tend to stick to the toilet bowl.

For cases caused by cold patterns due to spleen weakness, patients may benefit from herbal remedies such as Fuzi Lizhong Wan or Shenling Baizhu San. These formulas aim to warm the body, strengthen the spleen, and reduce dampness. On the other hand, if symptoms suggest an internal heat condition, options like Gegen Qinlian Wan, Xianglian Wan, or Berberine (Huang Lian Su) may be more appropriate to clear heat and resolve dampness.

In Western medicine, loose stools are often linked to gut flora imbalance. Whether the cause is cold or heat related, incorporating probiotics or medications that regulate intestinal bacteria can be an effective addition to treatment. This dual approach—combining TCM principles with modern understanding of gut health—can offer a more comprehensive solution for managing loose stools.