What Is Constipation Relief Supplement?
Constipation Relief is a traditional Chinese herbal formula designed to support occasional and recurring constipation, hard or dry stools, irregular bowel movements, abdominal bloating, fullness, digestive stagnation, and healthy bowel regularity.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), constipation may develop when excessive Heat and dryness accumulate in the Stomach and Intestines, consume body fluids, and make stools dry, hard, and difficult to pass. This pattern is traditionally associated with Yangming Organ Heat, in which Heat, food residue, dryness, and stagnation interfere with normal elimination.
Individuals may experience hard or dry stools, several days without a bowel movement, abdominal fullness, bloating, pressure, thirst, dry mouth, preference for cold drinks, bad breath, dark urine, or feelings of internal warmth.
Constipation Relief is traditionally used to clear accumulated Heat, soften hardness, support healthy Qi movement, relieve digestive stagnation, and promote comfortable elimination. It is commonly chosen for difficult bowel movements, intestinal dryness, abdominal fullness, and irregular bowel habits associated with Heat and stagnation.*
Common Signs of Constipation and Intestinal Heat in Traditional Chinese Medicine
- Occasional or recurring constipation
- Hard, dry, or difficult-to-pass stools
- Going several days without a bowel movement
- Irregular or infrequent bowel movements
- Straining or incomplete elimination
- Abdominal bloating, fullness, or pressure
- Digestive stagnation after eating
- Sluggish digestion
- Dry mouth or increased thirst
- Preference for cold drinks
- Bad breath associated with digestive Heat
- Dark or concentrated urine
- Feelings of internal warmth
- Signs of accumulated Heat in the Stomach and Intestines
Why Choose Silkie Herbs Constipation Relief?
- Based on traditional Chinese herbal principles
- Formulated for occasional and recurring constipation patterns
- Traditionally used to promote regular bowel movements
- Helps address intestinal Heat, dryness, and stagnation
- Supports healthy Qi movement through the digestive system
- Supports comfortable elimination and bowel regularity
- Helps relieve abdominal fullness and bloating
- Made with carefully selected medicinal herbs
- Designed to address the underlying TCM pattern
Suggested Combination for Comprehensive Digestive and Bowel Support
Constipation Relief may be paired with Spleen Support, Heartburn Formula, or Kidney Support Yin when digestive weakness, upper digestive discomfort, or Yin and fluid deficiency accompanies constipation.
In TCM, healthy bowel movements depend on proper digestion, smooth Qi movement, adequate body fluids, and balanced Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, and Large Intestine function.
Spleen Support may be considered when constipation occurs with weak digestion, bloating after meals, fatigue, heaviness, food stagnation, or Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency. Supporting digestive function helps maintain the normal movement of food through the gastrointestinal system.*
Heartburn Formula may be considered when constipation occurs with occasional heartburn, acid regurgitation, indigestion, belching, upper abdominal fullness, or rebellious Stomach Qi. It provides broader digestive support when upper and lower digestive concerns occur together.*
Kidney Support Yin may be considered when constipation occurs with pronounced dryness, insufficient fluids, night sweating, hot flashes, or dry mouth and throat. In TCM, adequate Yin and fluids help moisten the Intestines and support comfortable elimination.*
Together, these formulas provide broader TCM support for intestinal Heat, digestive stagnation, healthy Qi movement, body fluids, and regular elimination. The appropriate combination depends on the individual’s underlying TCM pattern.*
Non-GMO | Gluten-Free | No refined sugar, corn, or dairy | No artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, chemical binders, or wax
100% Pure all natural herbs, blended, made, and packaged in the USA
*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.
Benefits of Constipation Relief Supplement
Supports Regular and Comfortable Bowel Movements*
Constipation Relief is traditionally used to support bowel regularity and comfortable elimination. It may be appropriate for individuals experiencing infrequent bowel movements, difficult elimination, or recurring constipation associated with intestinal Heat, dryness, and stagnation.
Helps Relieve Occasional and Recurring Constipation*
This formula is traditionally used for occasional and recurring patterns of difficult bowel movements. By addressing intestinal Heat, dryness, stagnation, and impaired Qi movement, it supports healthier bowel habits according to traditional Chinese herbal principles.
Supports Relief From Hard, Dry, and Difficult-to-Pass Stools*
Excessive Heat in the Stomach and Intestines may consume body fluids and cause stools to become increasingly dry, hard, or difficult to pass. This formula is traditionally used to clear accumulated Heat, soften hardness, and support smoother elimination.
Promotes Healthy Intestinal Movement and Complete Elimination*
Healthy intestinal movement is important for regular and complete bowel movements. This formula traditionally supports the natural downward movement of the digestive system and helps reduce feelings of incomplete elimination, retained stool, or digestive congestion.
Helps Reduce Bloating and Abdominal Fullness*
Constipation may occur with abdominal bloating, fullness, pressure, or the sensation that the digestive system is backed up. This formula traditionally supports the movement of accumulated stagnation to promote greater digestive comfort.
Supports Healthy Qi Movement Through the Digestive System*
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, digestion and elimination depend on the smooth movement and descending function of Qi. This formula traditionally supports healthy Qi movement when stagnation contributes to constipation, bloating, abdominal pressure, or irregular bowel movements.
Helps Clear Intestinal Heat and Stagnation*
Constipation Relief is traditionally used for patterns involving accumulated Heat, dryness, food residue, and stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines. Clearing Heat and moving stagnation supports more comfortable elimination while addressing the underlying TCM pattern.
Supports Healthy Digestion and the Movement of Food*
Retained food may contribute to bloating, fullness, poor appetite, belching, digestive congestion, and irregular bowel movements. This formula traditionally supports healthy digestion and helps move accumulated food residue through the gastrointestinal system.
Supports Intestinal Moisture and Long-Term Bowel Balance*
Constipation associated with intestinal Heat frequently presents with dry, hard, or compacted stools. This formula is traditionally used to support intestinal moisture, comfortable elimination, healthy bowel regularity, and long-term digestive balance.
Individual results may vary. Improvement occurs gradually as intestinal Heat, stagnation, Qi movement, and digestive balance are supported.
*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.
Common Signs You May Need Constipation Relief
This formula is most appropriate for Traditional Chinese Medicine patterns associated with intestinal Heat, Yangming Organ Heat, dryness, food stagnation, and impaired digestive Qi movement. Different individuals may experience different symptoms, including:
Occasional or Recurring Constipation
Constipation may occur temporarily or develop into a recurring pattern. Individuals may experience fewer bowel movements than usual, prolonged time between bowel movements, or an ongoing disruption in normal bowel regularity.
Hard, Dry, or Difficult-to-Pass Stools
Stools may become unusually dry, firm, hard, compacted, or difficult to eliminate. According to TCM, this pattern commonly develops when intestinal Heat consumes the fluids needed to keep the stool adequately moistened.
Infrequent Bowel Movements
Some individuals may go several days without a bowel movement or notice that elimination occurs much less frequently than their normal pattern. This may be accompanied by increasing abdominal fullness, bloating, or digestive discomfort.
Straining or Incomplete Elimination
Bowel movements may require excessive effort or prolonged straining. Some individuals may pass stool but continue to feel that the bowels have not emptied completely, resulting in pressure, heaviness, or repeated urges to eliminate.
Abdominal Fullness, Bloating, or Pressure
Constipation and intestinal stagnation may contribute to bloating, distention, tightness, fullness, or pressure in the abdomen. These sensations may become more noticeable when several days pass without complete elimination.
Intestinal Heat and Dryness
Signs of intestinal Heat may include dry stools, thirst, dry mouth, feelings of internal warmth, concentrated urine, or digestive discomfort associated with Heat. Excessive Heat may consume fluids and make bowel movements increasingly difficult.
Constipation Associated With Food Stagnation
Overeating or consuming excessive rich, greasy, fried, spicy, or difficult-to-digest foods may contribute to food accumulation and stagnation. Constipation may occur with bloating, belching, poor appetite, fullness after meals, or a sensation that food remains in the digestive system.
Thirst, Dry Mouth, or Preference for Cold Drinks
When Heat consumes body fluids, individuals may experience increased thirst, dryness of the mouth or tongue, and a stronger preference for cool or cold beverages. These signs may occur together with hard stools and feelings of internal warmth.
Bad Breath or a Thick Yellow Tongue Coating
Digestive Heat and retained food may be accompanied by unpleasant breath or a thick, greasy, yellow, or dry yellow tongue coating. In TCM, these signs may indicate accumulated Heat and stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines.
This formula is most appropriate for constipation associated with intestinal Heat, dryness, food stagnation, abdominal fullness, and difficult elimination rather than patterns primarily associated with Cold or severe deficiency.
Individuals with complex, recurring, or long-standing constipation patterns may benefit from additional traditional herbal support selected according to the underlying TCM imbalance to promote bowel regularity, healthy Qi movement, intestinal balance, and long-term digestive wellness.
Diet and Lifestyle Tips for Constipation & Bowel Regularity
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), healthy bowel movements depend on proper digestive function, adequate intestinal moisture, smooth Qi movement, and the body’s ability to move waste through the intestines. Irregular meals, inadequate hydration, rich foods, internal Heat, and digestive stagnation may contribute to constipation, bloating, abdominal fullness, and irregular elimination.
Daily Habits to Support Bowel Regularity
For best results while using Constipation Relief:
- Eat balanced, appropriately portioned meals at consistent times.
- Choose warm, freshly prepared, easily digested foods whenever possible.
- Drink lukewarm or room-temperature water regularly throughout the day.
- Stay physically active with walking, stretching, Tai Chi, Qigong, or other gentle movement.
- Establish a consistent daily bowel routine.
- Avoid repeatedly ignoring the natural urge to have a bowel movement.
- Allow approximately 2½ to 3 hours between the final meal and bedtime.
- Get adequate rest and maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Manage stress through relaxation, meditation, or deep breathing.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to excessive cold or direct air conditioning when it aggravates symptoms.
Foods & Habits to Limit
Individuals experiencing constipation or digestive stagnation may benefit from limiting:
- Excessive raw or difficult-to-digest foods when digestion is weak
- Excess sugar, sweets, and sugary beverages
- Greasy, oily, or deep-fried foods
- Excessive dairy products
- Pungent, heavily seasoned, or excessively spicy foods
- Pickled and heavily preserved foods
- Burnt or heavily charred meats
- Alcohol and excessive coffee
- Smoking and tobacco products
- Cold or iced beverages, including iced smoothies
- Large meals, overeating, and irregular eating schedules
- Prolonged inactivity or sitting for extended periods
Foods Traditionally Supportive of Digestive and Bowel Health
A balanced diet may include warm cooked vegetables, soups, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, squash, cooked pears, whole grains, legumes, and other fiber-containing foods appropriate for the individual’s digestive tolerance.
Adequate hydration is also important for maintaining intestinal moisture and comfortable elimination. Fiber intake should be increased gradually and accompanied by sufficient fluids, especially when digestion is sensitive or bowel movements are already difficult.
Supporting Bowel Regularity from Within
Traditional Chinese Medicine recognizes several patterns that may contribute to constipation, including intestinal Heat, dryness, Qi stagnation, food stagnation, insufficient intestinal moisture, and digestive weakness. Supporting regular elimination therefore involves more than temporarily stimulating a bowel movement; the individual’s underlying pattern, hydration, diet, activity level, digestion, and daily routine should also be considered.
Consistent meals, adequate hydration, regular movement, proper rest, balanced food choices, and healthy bowel habits can complement a traditional Chinese herbal wellness routine and support comfortable digestion, bowel regularity, and long-term gastrointestinal wellness.
Individual needs may vary according to constitution, digestive tolerance, health status, and Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern.
Key Ingredients in Constipation Relief Supplement
Constipation Relief contains a carefully selected combination of traditional Chinese herbs and ingredients traditionally used together to promote bowel regularity, address digestive stagnation, support intestinal moisture, and encourage comfortable elimination.
Black Cohosh Rhizome (Sheng Ma)
Traditionally used in Chinese herbal practice to regulate the movement of Qi and support the body's natural lifting and descending functions. Sheng Ma is commonly incorporated into balanced formulas to help harmonize digestive function and support proper movement through the gastrointestinal system.
Thorowax Root (Chai Hu)
Traditionally used to promote the smooth movement of Liver Qi and relieve patterns of Qi stagnation. Chai Hu may be incorporated into digestive formulas when constrained Qi contributes to abdominal fullness, digestive discomfort, or irregular elimination.
Glaubers' Salt (Mang Xiao)
Traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to soften hardness, moisten the intestines, and promote downward movement when dryness and accumulation interfere with normal bowel movements. Mang Xiao is particularly associated with traditional patterns involving intestinal Heat, dry stool, abdominal fullness, and constipation.
Angelica Root (Dang Gui)
Traditionally used to nourish and support healthy Blood while helping moisten the intestines. Dang Gui is frequently included in traditional formulas when dryness or insufficient nourishment contributes to difficult or irregular bowel movements.
Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao)
Traditionally used to harmonize herbal formulas, support digestive function, and moderate the actions of stronger herbs. Prepared Licorice Root helps bring the individual ingredients together into a balanced traditional formula.
Pure Honey
Used as the traditional binding agent for Silkie Herbs honey-bound herbal pills. Honey has historically been used to harmonize herbal formulas, support digestion, help preserve freshness, and improve palatability.
Together, these ingredients have traditionally been used to support bowel regularity, promote comfortable elimination, soften dry stool, encourage healthy intestinal movement, and address patterns associated with digestive stagnation, abdominal bloating, fullness, and constipation.*
*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.
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Serving Size: 10 pills Servings Per Container: 30 Amount Per Serving: 3,000 mg |
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Herbal Blend: Black Cohosh Rhizome Thorowax Root Glaubers' Salt Angelica Root Prepared Licorice Root |
| Other ingredient: Pure Honey (Traditional Binding Agent) |
How to Take Constipation Relief Supplement
Adults or teenagers may take 3–10 pills once or twice daily with warm water as needed, or as directed by a qualified Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner. If taking medications or other supplements, allow at least 2 hours before or after using this product.
Healthy bowel regularity is influenced by many factors, including hydration, diet, digestive function, physical activity, stress, and daily bowel habits. Individual response may vary depending on the underlying pattern and degree of digestive stagnation.
For best results, use as directed while maintaining regular meals, adequate hydration, and healthy daily bowel habits. Because this formula contains traditionally downward-draining herbs, it should be used according to individual need rather than as a general long-term daily wellness formula unless directed by a qualified practitioner.
Research on Herbs in Constipation Relief Supplement
Modern research has examined herbs used in Constipation Relief Supplement, particularly Thorowax Root (Chai Hu), Black Cohosh Rhizome (Sheng Ma), Angelica Root (Dang Gui), and Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao). Published studies and reviews have explored their traditional uses and potential effects involving gastrointestinal function, intestinal movement, colonic mucus secretion, bowel frequency, stool consistency, abdominal comfort, and digestive balance.
A meta-analysis evaluated randomized controlled trials involving adults with functional constipation who used Modified Buzhong-Yiqi-Tang, a separate multi-herb formula containing Chai Hu, Sheng Ma, Dang Gui, and Zhi Gan Cao. The review examined bowel movement frequency and other constipation-related outcomes, while also noting limitations in the methodological quality of the included trials.
Research on Angelica Root and ligustilide, one of its naturally occurring constituents, has investigated intestinal movement, colonic mucus secretion, and TRPA1-related pathways in laboratory and animal models. A separate systematic review of herbal preparations for constipation-predominant irritable bowel syndrome examined bowel frequency, stool consistency, abdominal discomfort, digestive function, and quality-of-life outcomes.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, Constipation Relief is formulated for patterns involving intestinal Heat, dryness, Qi stagnation, food stagnation, insufficient intestinal moisture, and impaired movement of the Large Intestine. The ingredients are traditionally combined to clear accumulated Heat, soften hardness, support healthy Qi movement, maintain intestinal moisture, relieve abdominal fullness, and promote regular elimination.
Current research applies to the individual herbs and their naturally occurring compounds. It should not be interpreted as clinical proof that the finished Constipation Relief formula diagnoses, treats, cures, or prevents any disease.
Research References
Herbal Formula Modified Buzhong-Yiqi-Tang for Functional Constipation in Adults: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5820555/
Ligustilide Improves Functional Constipation by Non-Covalently Activating TRPA1 in Colon Tissue
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39489358/
Herbal Remedies for Constipation-Predominant Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10574070/
Why Silkie Herbs
Silkie formulas are rooted in five generations of traditional herbal practice—not trend-based supplement marketing.
- 5th-Generation Herbalist Family Tradition
- Traditional Chinese Herbal Formulas
- Traditional Honey-Bound Herbal Pills
- No Capsules
- No Compressed Tablets
- No Artificial Binders or Fillers
- No Lubricants or Flow Agents
- Made in the USA
- Third-Party Tested
- Carefully Selected Medicinal Herbs
- Traditional Herb Preparation Methods (Pao Zhi)
- Classical Formula Design
Silkie Herbs formulas are rooted in five generations of Traditional Chinese Medicine herbal practice. Rather than following supplement trends, our formulas are based on traditional herbal principles passed down through generations and refined through decades of practical experience.
Unlike most modern supplements, Silkie Herbs uses traditional honey-bound herbal pills instead of capsules or compressed tablets. We do not use capsule shells, artificial fillers, synthetic binders, lubricants, flow agents, chemical coatings, or wax. Pure honey is used as the only binding agent to form the finely ground herbs into small traditional pills.
Modern research has examined honey’s naturally low water activity, acidity, and antimicrobial characteristics. In Silkie formulas, honey is used primarily as a traditional binding agent, while the quality and purity of every finished formula are verified through third-party testing.
Every formula is manufactured in the United States using carefully selected medicinal herbs and traditional preparation methods. Each batch undergoes third-party testing for identity, purity, heavy metals, pesticides, and microbial contaminants to help ensure quality and consistency.
True healing takes time. Silkie formulas honor the body’s natural ability to restore balance—the way herbal medicine has always been practiced.
100% Pure all natural herbs, blended, made, and packaged in the USA
Important Safety Information and Cautions
Keep out of reach of children. Use only as directed. If discomfort or irritation occurs, discontinue use and seek professional guidance.
Traditional Chinese herbal formulas should be selected according to the individual’s Traditional Chinese Medicine pattern. For personalized guidance, consult a professional TCM practitioner.
Consult a qualified healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.
Traditional Herbs in Constipation Relief
Thorowax Root
Thorowax Root (Chai Hu) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Liver Qi and support the smooth movement of Qi throughout the digestive system. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for abdominal fullness, digestive stagnation, constrained Qi, and irregular elimination.
Traditional Herbs in Constipation Relief
Thorowax Root
Thorowax Root (Chai Hu) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to regulate Liver Qi and support the smooth movement of Qi throughout the digestive system. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for abdominal fullness, digestive stagnation, constrained Qi, and irregular elimination.
Black Cohosh Rhizome
Black Cohosh Rhizome (Sheng Ma) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to raise clear Yang Qi, clear Heat, and support the proper movement of Qi. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for sinking Qi, digestive weakness, abdominal fullness, and bowel patterns involving impaired Qi movement.
Glauber’s Salt
Glauber’s Salt (Mang Xiao) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to soften hardness, clear accumulated Heat, and promote downward elimination. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for hard, dry stools, abdominal fullness, intestinal Heat, and constipation involving internal accumulation.
Angelica Root
Angelica Root (Dang Gui) is traditionally used in Chinese herbal medicine to nourish and invigorate Blood while helping moisten the Intestines. In TCM, it is commonly included in formulas for intestinal dryness, insufficient Blood nourishment, hard stools, and difficult bowel movements.
honey is the only binding agent
no artificial fillers or ingredients
herbs harvested at the height of potency
100% Natural
Our herbal supplements are made with natural honey as the binder. Honey can support the lungs, intestine, spleen, and stomach; It works as a natural preservative with antibacterial and healing properties. Unlike other herbal supplement companies that use starch, magnesium, and other chemical substances as binders for their supplements, we only use 100% honey. We also avoid using vegetable capsules because they require chemical components to form the capsule shape.
Peak Harvest Herbs
The herbs in our herbal pill blends are harvested at the height of their potency and they are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre-or post-season, but in our view, there is no substitute for premium quality.
5 Generations
Over five generations we have collected, tested and refined Chinese herbal formulas that themselves draw from 3,000 years of experience of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Traditional Chinese Medicine is a profound pathway to create the life you were born to live. It's a timeless bridge that can initiate and support change and growth in any and every life dimension: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
Message From Ann
“Good Health is crucial for our overall well-being. It encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects, and it's important to prioritize taking care of ourselves to lead a fulfilling life. Emphasizing prevention over cure is paramount for maintaining this balance. Without health, life can become incredibly challenging. It affects our ability to pursue our goals, enjoy our relationships, and experience daily life to the fullest. Good health forms the foundation for everything else we want to achieve and experience.” - Ann Tam
Click below for
Ann's Story
Here's my story.
If you feel skeptical or unsure of Chinese herbal remedies, I could hardly blame you. I wasn't a believer either until my daughter grew very sick and my father (the 4th generation herbalist) helped her get better with herbs.
I was born into a family of herbalists. My father, my grandfather, my great-grandfather, great-great grandfather were all herbalists. I represent the 5th generation in this long lineage dating back to Imperial China.
When I was three or four years old, I started to learn herbal songs and how to identify herbs. As I got older, I was taught how to process the herbs while working in my dad’s clinic in Vietnam. After we immigrated to the United States, my dad asked me if I wanted to pursue a career in TCM as an herbalist or acupuncturist. I said, “No, just leave me alone, Dad. I will find something I enjoy doing for work.” So, he left me alone to find my own way.
I wanted nothing to do with herbal medicine until I gave birth to my second daughter, Catherine, who was born with severe gastric reflux. When Catherine was 10 days old, I had to take her to the ER for IV injections into her little hand because she couldn’t keep milk down. Besides vomiting, she also was having diarrhea. Catherine was losing nutrition from both ends, so her tiny body was shrinking. At that time my dad warned me, “She needs to be treated with herbal medicine, otherwise she will have seizures later on.” I didn’t fully understand what my dad was talking about, so I ignored him.
My daughter got so ill that she could only take half an ounce of milk per hour. Before feeding her, I would use a syringe and shoot Zantac into her mouth to lessen the vomiting. As time passed, she needed milk more often, and consequently more Zantac. By the time Catherine was 8 months old, she needed to be fed and medicated 11 times a day.
I could hardly sleep, eat, shower or rest. Even at night, I had to drape my daughter over my shoulder for her to sleep. If I put Catherine down, she would vomit. I barely had time to squeeze in a 5-minute shower once or twice a week for myself. I was exhausted, but what could I do? I had to care for my daughter and do my best to survive each day with the hope that she would get better or at the very least her condition would not worsen.
Catherine had to wear a turtleneck with two sweaters along with a baby cap and scarf to be outside during the heat of summer, even when temperatures were 100 plus degrees. If I didn’t cover her up, she would have a runny nose, cough, and non stop vomiting. How will she be able to go to school or anywhere with air conditioning?
One day we went to a Vietnamese pho restaurant. After I set Catherine down into the high-chair, I turned around and adjusted my chair. Then I heard a woman’s shout, “Look at her!” I looked in the direction she pointed. It was Catherine…her eyes rolled up and her entire body stiff and shaking with fluid coming out of her mouth. Someone said, “Squeeze some lemon into her mouth.” I did it without hesitating and Catherine’s body relaxed.
We rushed her to the ER. For 3 days she was in the NICU where they monitored her brain. The doctors told me I was lucky because my daughter’s seizure didn’t last for more than 3 minutes which would have damaged her brain. After that I always carried a piece of lemon because I had no idea when my baby girl might have another seizure.
The seizures started to come weekly, so the doctor prescribed anti-seizure medication. Catherine wasn’t even 1 year of age, and already she was taking Zantac 11 times plus anti-seizure medicine 3 times a day. It was nearly impossible to administer the anti-seizure medicine because whenever I took out the syringe, she would cry and start vomiting.
I took Catherine to see a specialist at CHOC. I asked, “Doctor, have you ever seen any infant with this condition get well?” The doctor replied, “It depends. Some will grow out of it, but some don’t. If they don’t, then they will have to take medication for the rest of their life.”
“What do you mean by grow out of it?” The doctor explained that Catherine might get better by herself as she got older.
My mind was racing. “All this time the prescribed medication has not been treating her stomach?” The doctor said, “No, it only helps to guide the food down, so she won’t vomit it back up. That’s why you have to give it to her before the feeding.”
“Well, what if she doesn’t grow out of it?” In that case, Catherine will be dependent upon medication for the rest of her life. The doctor further informed me that she too was born with gastro reflux and is still taking medicine for the condition.
Her statement was like lightning in my brain. If the doctor can’t even treat herself for gastro reflux, how can she help my daughter? Seeing the futility of my path, I turned to my dad for help.
My dad advised me to stop all western drugs and to give her an herbal prescription 3 times a day. Administering medicine 3 times instead of 14 times a day to Catherine was a godsend to me. Even though it sounded too good to be true, I figured that I could still give Zantac to Catherine if she didn’t get better or continued to vomit.
After one month of herbs 3 times a day, Catherine vomited less and less. To test Catherine, I let her cry to see if she would vomit. She didn’t, so I knew she was getting better. After another month of herbal medicine, Catherine was able to wear less clothing without getting a runny nose, coughing, or vomiting. After 3 months of herbal formulas, she stopped having episodes of gastro reflux and seizure. Catherine will enjoy a normal, healthy life.
Because of Catherine’s dramatic recovery, I was sold on Chinese medicine and asked my dad to treat me. I fainted very easily, especially during the winter. After a few months of herbal formulas, I have never fainted again.
I started to have time to think and tried to understand why a piece of lemon helps to relax the muscles and stop a seizure. Lemon is a common citrus, yet it has magical powers that we don’t understand and underestimate. I wanted to learn more and find answers, so I decided to go to China which has a long history of herbal medicine. I went to TCM schools in China and Hong Kong and worked in the TCM hospitals to learn from the best herbal doctors in the world.
When I was there, I knew one day I would want to become an herbalist, but how can I get a steady supply of high-quality herbs. My dad and I backpacked across China and visited many farmlands. We interviewed farmers to grow herbs for us. Our products are used with the highest quality herbs that have been harvested at the height of their potency. They are substantially more expensive than less potent herbs that were harvested in the pre- or post-season.
After I came back to the United State, I worked with my dad and learned from his experiences and studied the formulas that our ancestors passed down. What I have been through helped me to understand the importance of health. Without health, don’t even talk about career, beauty, education, freedom, etc. I now have worked with many families who have suffered as I have. Their endearing appreciation drives me to work harder.
Our namesake "Silkie" is a Chinese breed of chicken that is well known for its calm and friendly temperament. They are gentle and caring and make wonderful mothers. A Silkie loves nothing more than brooding a cluster of eggs, whether they are hers or not, even if they are "duck eggs". We share the same outlook and care for our clients the same way we care for our own family.