Many elderly people suffer from constipation. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that constipation in the elderly is generally "virtual secret", which is different from qi deficiency, blood deficiency, yin deficiency and yang deficiency. When using tonic, we should not generalize it, but treat it according to clinical manifestations.

Constipation of qi deficiency type is mostly manifested as dry stool and difficulty in defecation, but it is difficult to defecate in the toilet. Being angry can lead to anger, sweating, shortness of breath, fatigue after defecation, physical weakness, pale face and lazy limbs. The tongue is pale with white fur and weak pulse. Tonifying medicine should be based on invigorating qi, Radix Astragali can be reused, and Radix Codonopsis, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae and Poria can also be added. If the spirit is particularly poor, people who seem to be short of breath and weak can also use ginseng. Generally, raw ginseng is used and stewed with water. Supplemented with hemp seed, plum and other herbs and ingredients for relaxing bowels, honey is taken with warm water.

Constipation due to blood deficiency is characterized by dry stool, difficulty in defecation, dull complexion, palpitation, shortness of breath, forgetfulness, pale lips and thready pulse. Tonic drugs should mainly nourish blood and moisten intestines, such as Radix Rehmanniae, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, Radix Angelicae Sinensis and Polygoni Multiflori Radix. And some intestine-moistening drugs, such as hemp seed, arborvitae seed and pine nuts. Or black sesame, walnut kernel, arborvitae kernel, Prunus mume kernel, etc. Grind into equal parts and mix with honey to take.

Constipation due to yin deficiency is mostly manifested as dry stool such as sheep dung, dizziness and tinnitus, irritability and insomnia, backache and leg weakness, hot flashes and night sweats, red tongue with little fur and rapid pulse. You can eat fresh Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.

Constipation due to yang deficiency is mostly manifested as dry stool or dry stool, long urine, pale face, tepid limbs, cold pain in abdomen, reduced heat pain, and cold pain in waist and knees; The tongue is pale with white fur, and the pulse is deep and late. Tonic drugs should be mainly warming yang, and cistanche deserticola and cinnamon can be used. , plus intestine moistening drugs, such as hemp seed and arborvitae seed.