GI Care II™

TCM herbal formula for traveler's diarrhea, gastroenteritis, dysentery, food poisoning, and GI infection with damp-heat — antibiotic; antitoxic; gastroprotective; dispels damp-heat in the Intestines; binds Intestines and stops diarrhea; promotes digestion; relieves pain

⚠️ Contraindicated for diarrhea caused by deficiency and cold, Spleen qi deficiency, or Spleen and Kidney yang deficiencies. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Allergy warning: Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata) contains wheat — persons with wheat allergy should not take this product. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all. 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." Diarrhea is a symptom, not a disease — if it persists after 1–2 weeks, have a stool sample examined microscopically.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* GI infection and inflammation: traveler's diarrhea, gastroenteritis, enteritis, dysentery, food poisoning, and other gastrointestinal disorders with diarrhea, foul-smelling stools with burning sensations of the anus, abdominal discomfort and pain, borborygmus, possibly nausea, vomiting, and a feeling of incomplete defecation (tenesmus)

* GI disorders with damp-heat

* All excess types of diarrhea characterized by heat and dampness

* Monosodium glutamate (MSG) poisoning

Background: Traveler's diarrhea, dysentery, gastroenteritis, and enteritis are generally caused by invasion of foreign substances or micro-organisms that cause inflammation of the lining of the stomach, small intestine, and large intestine. Common causes include infection (bacteria, virus, or parasites), plant toxins (mushrooms), chemical toxins (heavy metals, MSG), and drugs (antibiotics, antihelminthics, cytotoxic agents, colchicine, digoxin, NSAIDs). Clinical manifestations include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and discomfort, diarrhea with foul-smelling stools with burning sensations of the anus, and in some cases, presence of blood, mucus, WBC, or RBC in the stools.

TCM differentiation: These conditions are characterized by damp-heat in the Intestines, leading to pain, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, urgency, tenesmus, burning sensation of the anus after defecation, and diarrhea with or without mucus or blood. GI Care II uses herbs to dispel damp-heat in the Intestines, promote digestion, relieve pain, and bind the Intestines to stop diarrhea.

GI Care II vs. GI Care (UC):

— GI Care II is designed for active infection and inflammation of the intestines due to improper food intake — bacteria lodged in the intestines need to be purged out, so purgative herbs such as Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) are used.

— GI Care (UC) is designed for chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease without active infection — it contains herbs to generate new tissue and repair the normal flora of the intestines.

Clinical notes:

— Take for at least 7 days in cases of acute infection to completely expel pathogens.

— For colitis or traveler's diarrhea, continue for an additional 2–3 days after all symptoms subside to ensure all pathogenic factors are cleared and prevent development of chronic colitis. Follow with GI Tonic for 3–5 days to strengthen the Spleen.

— Excellent formula to carry while traveling to prevent or treat traveler's diarrhea and other GI infections.

— Multiple antibiotic herbs are used for two reasons: (1) combining herbs increases antibiotic effect more than tenfold; (2) isolated use of single ingredients increases risk of bacterial and viral resistance and mutation.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis / Coptis / Goldthread / Berberine): individually or in formula — excellent clinical results treating over 1,000 patients with bacterial dysentery with marked effectiveness and low incidence of side effects; antibiotic effectiveness comparable to ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and cefotaxime; clears damp-heat in Intestines

— Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae / Scutellaria Baicalensis): most potent antibiotic in formula — widest spectrum of antibiotic properties; effectiveness comparable to ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and cefotaxime; antipyretic; anti-inflammatory; clears damp-heat in Intestines

— Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae / Kudzu Root / Pueraria): raises yang qi of the Spleen to stop diarrhea; generates fluids to replenish water loss from diarrhea; relieves exterior — effective for intestinal flu and traveler's diarrhea; antispasmodic; antipyretic; anti-inflammatory

— Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba / White Peony Root): antibiotic; antispasmodic — relieves intestinal spasms and cramps; works synergistically with Ge Gen + Gan Cao to relieve abdominal and intestinal pain, spasms, and tenesmus; clinical study — 241 out of 254 patients (94.8%) with intestinal spasms showed significant improvement within 3–6 days

— Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae / Licorice): antitoxin — treats poisoning from drug toxins (chloral hydrate, urethane, cocaine, picrotoxin, caffeine, pilocarpine, nicotine, barbiturates, mercury, lead), food toxins (tetrodotoxin, snake, mushrooms), and others (enterotoxin, herbicides, pesticides) via regulatory effect on endocrine and hepatic systems; analgesic; antispasmodic

— Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens / Fresh Ginger): one of the safest and most effective ways to relieve nausea and vomiting (multiple clinical studies); harmonizes middle jiao

— Fu Ling (Poria): antibiotic; antidiarrheal — clinical study: 93 infants with diarrhea treated 3x daily; complete recovery in 79 cases, improvement in 8 cases; strengthens Spleen

— Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae / White Atractylodes): antidiarrheal — clinical study: 320 infants with diarrhea responded well to 3–4 grams of herbal powder containing Bai Zhu; strengthens Spleen

— Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei / Rhubarb Root): purges damp-heat; dispels turbidity; removes bacteria causing infection; prevents retention of pathogenic factors in Intestines; treats diarrhea with blood — hemorrhagic necrotic enteritis patients report lessened pain and diminished blood in stool within 2–6 doses; see Prop 65 warning above

— Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis / Chinese Gall / Gallnut): astringent — binds Intestines for relief of diarrhea; patches ulcerations to repair intestinal walls; hemostatic — over 90% effective in stopping GI bleeding in 33 patients within 9 days

— Chun Pi (Cortex Ailanthi / Ailanthus Bark / Tree of Heaven): astringent — binds Intestines for relief of diarrhea; patches ulcerations to repair intestinal walls

— Hou Po (Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis / Magnolia Bark): antibiotic; promotes movement of qi; eliminates stagnation, turbidity, bloating, and gas; dispels turbidity and removes bacteria

— Jie Geng (Radix Platycodonis / Platycodon): raises qi of Lung and Large Intestine (zang fu relationship); treats diarrhea and tenesmus by lifting sunken qi

— Bai Zhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae / Angelica Dahurica): dispels pus; ascending effect — assists Jie Geng in lifting sunken qi to treat diarrhea and tenesmus; antispasmodic

— Chuan Mu Xiang (Radix Vladimiriae / Vladimiria): promotes movement of qi; eliminates stagnation, turbidity, bloating, and gas; dispels turbidity and removes bacteria

— Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae / Tangerine Peel): promotes qi movement; harmonizes middle jiao; relieves nausea and vomiting

— Qing Pi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride / Green Tangerine Peel): promotes qi movement; eliminates stagnation and bloating

— Zhi Qiao (Fructus Aurantii / Bitter Orange): promotes qi movement; eliminates stagnation and bloating

— Guang Huo Xiang (Herba Pogostemonis / Patchouli): fragrant — wakes the Spleen; harmonizes middle jiao; dispels dampness; relieves vomiting and nausea

— Zi Su Ye (Folium Perillae / Perilla Leaf): fragrant — wakes the Spleen; harmonizes middle jiao; dispels dampness; antipyretic; anti-inflammatory; relieves vomiting and nausea

— Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi / Cinnamon Bark): moderates heat-clearing effect to prevent damage to Spleen and Stomach

— Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis / Angelica Sinensis / Dong Quai): moderates heat-clearing effect; invigorates blood; caution with anticoagulants

— Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae / Jujube / Chinese Date): harmonizes middle jiao; relieves nausea and vomiting

— Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata / Medicated Leaven): digestive enzymes for starches and carbohydrates; harmonizes middle jiao; contains wheat — contraindicated in wheat allergy

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antibiotic (broad-spectrum) — Huang Lian + Huang Qin (comparable to ampicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, cefotaxime; 1,000+ bacterial dysentery patients); Bai Shao; Hou Po; Fu Ling

* Antidiarrheal — Fu Ling (93 infants, 79 complete recovery); Bai Zhu (320 infants); Ge Gen (raises Spleen yang, generates fluids); Chun Pi + Wu Bei Zi (astringent, intestinal wall repair)

* Antispasmodic / analgesic — Ge Gen + Bai Shao + Gan Cao (241/254 patients, 94.8%, intestinal spasms, 3–6 days); Bai Zhi; Gan Cao

* Antiemetic — Sheng Jiang (multiple clinical studies, safest and most effective for nausea/vomiting)

* Antipyretic / anti-inflammatory — Ge Gen; Huang Qin; Zi Su Ye; Bai Shao

* Antitoxic — Gan Cao (drug, food, and chemical poisoning via endocrine/hepatic regulation)

* Hemostatic / gastroprotective — Da Huang (hemorrhagic necrotic enteritis, blood in stool↓ within 2–6 doses); Wu Bei Zi (90%+ / 33 patients, GI bleeding stopped within 9 days)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Dispels damp-heat in the Intestines (Huang Lian, Huang Qin)

* Raises Spleen yang; stops diarrhea; generates fluids (Ge Gen)

* Binds Intestines; repairs intestinal walls (Chun Pi, Wu Bei Zi)

* Promotes qi movement; eliminates stagnation, turbidity, bloating, and gas (Chuan Mu Xiang, Hou Po, Chen Pi, Qing Pi, Zhi Qiao)

* Purges damp-heat; removes bacteria; prevents pathogen retention (Da Huang, Chuan Mu Xiang, Hou Po)

* Raises sunken qi; treats tenesmus (Jie Geng, Bai Zhi)

* Harmonizes middle jiao; relieves nausea and vomiting (Chen Pi, Sheng Jiang, Da Zao, Shen Qu, Guang Huo Xiang, Zi Su Ye)

* Strengthens Spleen; relieves diarrhea (Fu Ling, Bai Zhu)

* Moderates cold herbs; protects Spleen and Stomach (Rou Gui, Dang Gui)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach with warm water. May increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily if necessary. Take for at least 7 days in acute infection to completely expel pathogens. For colitis or traveler's diarrhea, continue 2–3 days after symptoms subside; follow with GI Tonic for 3–5 days.

Supplementary formulas: Bacterial GI infection — add Herbal ABX. Viral GI infection — add Herbal AVR. More inflammation — add Astringent Complex. Fistula, diverticulitis, or pus-filled abscess with fever — use with Resolve (AI) and Astringent Complex. IBS with bloating and gas — use with GI Harmony. Stress — add Calm or Calm (ES). IBS with constipation — use GI Harmony and Gentle Lax (Deficient) instead. Intestinal and abdominal cramping and pain — use with Flex (SC). MSG poisoning — use with Herbal DTX. Ulcerative colitis — add GI Care (UC). Hemorrhoids — add GI Care (HMR). Excess heat — add Gardenia Complex. Dryness and thirst — add Nourish (Fluids). Bleeding — add Notoginseng 9.

Nutrition: Keep taking plenty of pure water and appropriate foods to prevent dehydration and malnutrition. During recovery, eat easy-to-digest foods early in the meal: soup, porridge, cooked fruits and vegetables. Avoid foods that trigger diarrhea or are hard to digest: sorbitol, dairy products, spicy food, alcohol, and caffeine. Avoid raw, cold, or unsanitary food and beverages. Use a separate chopping board for raw foods to prevent contamination. Do not eat refined sugar during recovery, especially if diarrhea is caused by bacterial infection. Incorporate probiotics — take at least double or triple the normal recommended dosage while on herbs.

Tao of Nutrition — Diarrhea (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease): Eat garlic, black pepper, blueberries, cinnamon, raspberry leaves, lotus seeds, burned rice, yams, sweet potatoes, fresh fig leaves, peas, buckwheat, litchi, guava peel, apple, charcoaled bread, ginger, pearl barley, basil, and unripe prunes. Cook rice porridge with lotus seed and yam or with barley. Cook rice porridge with ginger and black pepper. Eat burnt rice or bread. Take 2 tablespoons dried apples 3x daily on empty stomach with warm water. Drink black tea. Bake 2 bulbs of garlic until black, boil in water, drink the tea. Make tea from dried litchi and Chinese black dates. Make tea from guava peel. Make tea from ginger, fennel, basil, and Chinese black dates. Make tea from unripe prunes. Eat sweet rice porridge. Avoid cold, raw foods, most fruits, juices, and overeating.

Lifestyle: Wash hands prior to eating. Patients with intestinal disturbance from stress should engage in regular exercise, adequate rest, and normal sleep patterns — practice meditation exercises at least twice daily; do something enjoyable to relieve stress. Relax, rest, and drink plenty of water until the condition clears up.

CASE STUDIES

— M.K., 52-year-old female: Traveler's diarrhea with hyperactive bowel sounds; monocytes 18 (normal <7), neutrophils 66% (high), lymphocytes 18% (low) — bacterial infection with possible parasitic component; damp-heat in Intestines. GI Care II 4 caps 3x daily on empty stomach. Result at 5 days: modified to 3 caps 3x daily to finish bottle; no longer experiencing intestinal problems.

— T.P., 6-year-old female: Profuse diarrhea, cramping, and fever for 4 days while traveling in Mexico; damp-heat in Intestines. GI Care II 2 caps 3x daily. Result at day 2: fever subsided, stools and cramping improved. Continued for remainder of trip.

— 35-year-old male: Severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting after eating sushi — food poisoning; damp-heat in Intestines. GI Care II 4 grams 3x daily. Result at 1 hour after first dose: much better, decreased abdominal pain. Result after second dose: all symptoms completely resolved.

Related Reading

Also see: GI Care – for acid reflux, gastric ulcer, and H. pylori | GI Care (UC) – for chronic ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease | GI Harmony – for IBS with bloating, gas, or constipation | GI Care (HMR) – for hemorrhoids | Herbal ABX – for bacterial GI infection | Herbal AVR – for viral GI infection | Herbal DTX – for MSG and chemical poisoning | Astringent Complex – for more inflammation | GI Tonic – to strengthen Spleen after recovery | Digestive Health & GI Support Collection.