Source Qi was formulated based on the clinical observations of Misha Cohen, OMD, L.Ac. and Andrew Gaeddert, RH in treating cryptosporidiosis in AIDS and other chronic diarrhea patients. The formula was tested in an earlier form at the Quan Yin Healing Arts Center and in various private practices and adjusted by the formulators according to the accumulated experience.
The chief herb is phellodendron (huang bai), which clears heat and eliminates dampness, going to the large intestine, liver, and gallbladder, where it builds yin and energizes the lower jiao. Astragalus (huang qi), tonifies the spleen and augments the Qi when combined with Asian ginseng (ren shen), helps resolve lack of appetite, fatigue, and diarrhea. Bai-zhu atractylodes (bai zhu) addresses weakness, lassitude, and loose stools associated with spleen deficiency, and cang-zhu atractylodes (cang zhu) tonifies the spleen and dispels dampness. Dioscorea (shan yao), lotus seed (lian zi), and Job’s Tears (coix lacryma-jobi) tonify the spleen and relieve diarrhea. Black cohosh (sheng ma) raises the yang and lifts sunken Qi, and guides the effects of the other herbs upward. Ginger (gan jiang) warms the middle and expels cold, and restores the yang from collapse. Bupleurum (chai hu) raises the yang qi in spleen/stomach deficiency patterns and treats diarrhea due to collapse of spleen qi. Nutmeg seed (rou dou kou) warms the spleen and stomach and is used primarily for cold diarrhea. Licorice (gan cao) harmonizes the formula and Radish (lai fu zi) relieves food stagnation and eliminates bloating.
Therapeutic Actions
Treats diarrhea accompanied by sinking of Qi, extreme deficiency of the spleen/stomach, prolapse of the anus, loss of appetite, food not being digested, fluids not being absorbed and “Passing straight through,” extreme thirst, insufficient fluids, weight loss and wasting of the limbs, fever and chills.
Source Qi may be taken for any type of chronic deficiency-cold diarrhea in which stomach/spleen injury is present. This formula was developed based on the treatment of cryptosporidiosis, a parasitic disease affecting AIDS patients, and which typically causes watery diarrhea, fatigue, loss of weight, and poor appetite. However, the formula may be used for other deficiency-cold chronic diarrhea conditions, such as those associated with Crohn’s disease, colitis, a wide range of parasite infestations, or chronic viral or bacterial infections.
Chinese Therapeutic Effects
Strengthens the spleen/stomach
Increases digestive function
Astringes the fluids
Tonifies Qi
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose, treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using these or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious condition.