GI Care II™

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Overview

GI Care II is a traditional Chinese herbal formula traditionally used to help support digestive comfort during occasional upset stomach, loose stools, and abdominal discomfort, such as when traveling. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this type of acute digestive upset is traditionally associated with damp-heat in the Intestines. This traditional framework is not a medical diagnosis, and this formula is not a substitute for medical care for a suspected infection. Severe, persistent, bloody, or feverish symptoms, or symptoms in a child, require prompt medical evaluation, not self-treatment.

⚠️ Important: Not for diarrhea caused by cold and deficiency patterns, Spleen qi deficiency, or Spleen and Kidney yang deficiency. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Contains Shen Qu, which is derived from wheat — avoid if you have a wheat allergy. Contains Dang Gui, so those on anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin should use with caution or avoid this formula and consult their healthcare provider. California Prop 65 warning: 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 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. Occasional urgency and loose stools are symptoms, not a diagnosis — if these patterns persist beyond 1–2 weeks, seek thorough medical evaluation.

Clinical Applications & Benefits

GI Care II is traditionally used to help support:

• Digestive comfort during occasional upset stomach and loose stools
• General comfort while traveling or after a dietary change
• Easing occasional bloating, cramping, and abdominal discomfort
• Settling occasional nausea alongside digestive upset

People experiencing occasional travel-related digestive upset or acute stomach discomfort traditionally turn to formulas like this one for short-term comfort, always seeking medical care for any severe, persistent, or feverish symptoms.

Key Herbs (TCM Data)

— Huang Lian (Coptis) and Huang Qin (Scutellaria): traditionally regarded as foundational herbs to clear damp-heat and support intestinal comfort.

— Ge Gen (Kudzu Root): traditionally used to support fluid balance and ease occasional loose stools.

— Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and Gan Cao (Licorice): traditionally used together to help ease abdominal cramping and discomfort.

— Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger): traditionally used to help settle occasional nausea.

— Fu Ling (Poria) and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes): traditionally used to strengthen the Spleen and support healthy digestion.

— Da Huang (Rhubarb Root): traditionally used to help clear heat from the Intestines; see the Prop 65 warning above.

— Wu Bei Zi (Chinese Gall) and Chun Pi (Ailanthus Bark): traditionally used as astringent herbs to help ease loose stools.

— Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and other aromatic herbs: traditionally used to support healthy qi movement and ease bloating.

— Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): traditionally used to support healthy blood movement and balance the formula's cooling herbs.

— Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven): traditionally used to support digestion of starches; contains wheat.

Safety & Contraindications

1. Not for diarrhea caused by cold and deficiency patterns, Spleen qi deficiency, or Spleen and Kidney yang deficiency.
2. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.
3. Contains wheat (Shen Qu) — avoid if you have a wheat allergy.
4. Use with caution, or avoid, if taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin, due to the Dang Gui content.
5. Follow the California Prop 65 warning above exactly. Severe, persistent, bloody, or feverish digestive symptoms, or any such symptoms in a child, require prompt medical evaluation and are not appropriate for self-treatment with this or any herbal formula.

Dosage & Directions

Standard dosage: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water; may increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily if needed. This formula is traditionally used for short-term, acute digestive upset; if symptoms persist beyond a few days, seek medical evaluation. Following recovery, this formula is traditionally paired with GI Tonic for a few days to help support ongoing digestive strength.

Supplementary formulas: For more general digestive weakness afterward, this formula is traditionally paired with GI Tonic. For bloating and gas, it is traditionally paired with GI Harmony. For stress-related digestive upset, it is traditionally paired with Calm.

Holistic Nutrition & Lifestyle

Nutrition: Staying well hydrated is important during any digestive upset. Easy-to-digest foods such as soup, porridge, and cooked fruits and vegetables are traditionally recommended during recovery. Dairy, spicy food, alcohol, caffeine, and raw or unsanitary food and beverages are traditionally discouraged. Incorporating probiotics is traditionally recommended to support gut balance during recovery.

Lifestyle: Washing hands before eating and using separate utensils and surfaces for raw foods is traditionally recommended to help prevent digestive upset while traveling. Getting adequate rest and managing stress through relaxation practices is also traditionally encouraged, since digestive upset can sometimes be worsened by stress.

Case Studies

The following reflect individual practitioner experiences and traditional use; results vary and are not guarantees of outcome for any individual, and any severe or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

"A 52-year-old woman experienced digestive upset while traveling, consistent with a damp-heat pattern. She added GI Care II to her routine and reported her digestive comfort had returned within about five days."

"A 35-year-old man experienced abdominal discomfort and nausea after a meal, consistent with a damp-heat pattern. He added GI Care II to his routine and reported his comfort improved within a short time."

Related Reading

Also see: GI Tonic – for restoring digestive strength afterward, GI Harmony – for bloating and gas, and the Digestive & GI Health Collection for related formulas.

Not sure if this is the right formula for you? Start with our Unified Search, browse by symptom with our Symptom & Formula Finder, or use our Lab Test & Formula Reference.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.