3He Zi - Medicijn Terminalia Vrucht - Fructus Chebulae

He Zi (Chebula Fruit) is a neutral, bitter, and sour herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) valued for its ability to astringe the Lung, stop cough, and bind the intestines to stop diarrhea. It is derived from the dried mature fruit of Terminalia chebula and is used for both respiratory and digestive disorders. In TCM, He Zi is particularly effective for chronic cough, hoarseness, and loss of voice, as well as persistent diarrhea and dysentery. It is also applied externally or used in gargles for sore throat and inflammation of the mouth.

Functies en voordelen

Astringes the Lung and Stops Cough
Relieves chronic cough and benefits the voice, especially in cases of Lung Qi leakage.

Binds the Intestines and Stops Diarrhea
Treats chronic diarrhea, dysentery, and weakness in the digestive system.

Improves Throat and Voice Health
Reduces inflammation and restores vocal clarity in hoarseness or loss of voice.

Benefits the Throat When Used Externally
Used as a gargle for sore throat, mouth ulcers, and gum swelling.

Indicaties (wie kan er baat bij hebben?)
✔ Individuals with chronic cough or hoarseness.
✔ People with persistent diarrhea or dysentery.
✔ Those with throat irritation or inflammation.
✔ Patients with vocal strain from overuse.

Diagnose van tong en pols in TCM
Tongue: Pale or red with thin coating, depending on underlying condition.
Pulse: Thin or weak in chronic cases, slippery or rapid in diarrhea with damp-heat.

Verwante TCM-patronen
Lung Qi Leakage – Causes chronic cough and weak voice.
Chronic Diarrhea from Spleen Deficiency – Results in loose stools and fatigue.
Damp-Heat Dysentery – Leads to abdominal pain and mucus in stools.

Klinische toepassingen (alleen ter referentie)
Chronic Cough and Hoarseness – Astringes Lung Qi and restores the voice.
Chronic Diarrhea – Strengthens Spleen and binds intestines.
Sore Throat – Used in gargles to reduce inflammation and pain.
Dysentery – Helps stop persistent bowel issues from deficiency or damp-heat.

Common Herbal Formulas with He Zi
Often combined with Wu Wei Zi and Ying Su Ke for chronic cough, or with Rou Dou Kou and Chi Shi Zhi for chronic diarrhea.

Voorzorgsmaatregelen en contra-indicaties
Avoid in cases of excess heat in the Lungs or intestines.
Not suitable for early-stage coughs with thick phlegm.
Use with caution in patients with constipation due to astringent nature.

Aanbevelingen voor levensstijl en dieet
✔ Eat foods that support digestion and Lung health, such as rice porridge, pears, and honey.
✔ Avoid excessive raw, cold foods that weaken the Spleen.
✔ Rest the voice when experiencing hoarseness.
✔ Drink warm teas to soothe the throat.

Conclusie
He Zi (Chebula Fruit) is a neutral, astringent herb in TCM that stops cough, benefits the voice, and binds the intestines to treat chronic diarrhea. It is especially useful for persistent cough, hoarseness, sore throat, and long-term digestive weakness.