Hangekobokuto is a chinese formula to help with digestion and stress.
Hangekobokuto, also known as Plum-pit Chi ("lump in the throat") and Banxia-houpo-tang, is a Traditional Chinese Medicine that combines five different therapeutic plants. The mixture is used for laryngitis, esophageal spasms, muscle cramps and digestive disorders related to stress or anxiety. In one study published in the "Advanced Access Publication" in 2007, researcher Tetsuro Oikawa found that Hangekobokutu significantly reduced symptoms of gas, bloating, indigestion and irritable bowel syndrome in patients. In another study in the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology" in 2000, researcher Lan Luo states Hangokobokuto had significant anti-depressant action, similar to Prozac, when given to patients.
Pinellia (Pinellia ternatae)
In Hangekobokuto, Pinellia is the ingredient found in highest quantities. Pinellia is an important herb in Chinese Medicine and is used in many mixtures for wet coughs, asthma, lung congestion, phlegm, nausea, vomiting and digestive problems. It is also one of the herbs used for moxibustion treatment, where the heat of burning plants is used to directly stimulate acupuncture points on the skin. Pinellia ternata is a banned herb in the USA due to the ephedrine alkaloids found in the plant and should be avoided by those with high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.
Hoelen (Wolfiporia extensa/Poria cocos)
Hoelen is the name of a mushroom that has been used for food and medicine in both North America and China. Traditional Chinese herbalists prescribe Hoelen in formulas for digestive problems, nausea and stress. In a study published in the "Chinese Journal of Modern Developments in Traditional Medicine" in 1991, researcher Y.L. Li found Hoelen was effective in treating diarrhea in children. During the study Hoelen increased immune function, inhibited diarrhea-causing germs and accelerated the recovery of digestion in patients.
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale rhizome)
Ginger root is a common plant used for medicine in North America, China and Europe, most often for treating digestive complaints as well as inflammation and coughs. In a review of six scientific studies on ginger root, published in "The British Journal of Anaesthesia" in 2000, ginger root was found by researchers E. Ernst and M.H. Pittler to be superior to placebo and equal to standard medications in treating seasickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Perilla (Perilla frutescens)
Perilla is a native plant to Eastern Asia and is cultivated for its seeds, oil and leaves. Medicinally, the leaves are used to treat cough and lung afflictions, influenza, food poisoning, inflammation and allergies. In one small study published in 2004 in "Experimental Biology and Medicine", Hirohisa Takano states that Perilla enriched with rosmarinic acid helped to reduce all symptoms in patients with hay fever.
Magnolia bark (Magnolia officinalis cortex)
Magnolia bark is growing in popularity in the Western world as the scientific community discovers more about the anti-anxiety, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-cancer effects of this Chinese herb. Magnolia bark contains one percent honokiol, a plant chemical that has been found to exert anti-anxiety actions in animals, according H. Kuribara in a study published in "The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology" in 1999.
