It was the Sung dynasty physician, Li Kao (also known as Li Dong Yuan), who asserted in his famous text, the Pi Wei Lun (Treatise on the Spleen and Stomach), that the primary challenges to people of his era were disharmonies of digestion due to overeating, irregular eating and the over-consumption of rich and exotic foods. The result of these unwholesome habits − the life styles primarily of the affluent members of the Confucian middle class and aristocracy − resulted in the irregular movement of Qi affecting the Spleen and Stomach due to food stagnation and food accumulation (Shi Zhi and Shi Ji). His teachings became canonized in the School of Replenishing the Spleen and Stomach (Bu Pi Wei Bai). And nothing is more somatically emblematic of accumulation and stagnation than irregularity of intestinal activity. The irregular, excessive and hasty consumption of food interferes with the natural, rhythmic activity of the gut. Also, a diet that is customarily composed mainly of starchy and protein-rich foods along with a lack of adequate fluids and the indigestible fiber contained in fruits and vegetables burdens the small intestine and colon with a surplus of dense matter that occasionally causes the stool to become dry, hard and compacted. This temporary accumulation of compressed material over-stretches the intestinal organs and can inhibit peristalsis. As we age, the healthy resiliency of the gut − the harmonious and complementary functions of the Spleen and Stomach − may be impeded by inappropriate dietary habits which result in a depletion of Qi, Moisture and Blood of the Stomach and Intestines. Go Litely is a gentle formula that replenishes Moisture and Blood, regulates Qi and supports normal intestinal function. In this formula, the presence of Chinese rhubarb rhizome and root and Cascara sagrada bark is carefully balanced with herbs that moisturize, lubricate and regulate the Qi of the Stomach and Intestines. In combination with appropriate changes in diet, exercise and eating habits, Go Litely will support a more comfortable and natural rhythm to elimination. RATIONALE Dry fried Black sesame seed, Apricot seed, dry fried peeled Peach seed, Dong quai root, prepared Rehmannia root and Broomrape herb together moisten and lubricate the Intestines to ease occasional constipation that results from prolonged Dryness. Additionally, prepared Rehmannia root, Dong quai root and Broomrape herb are warm herbs that enrich Essence and Blood and supplement the Yin and Yang of the Kidneys: depletion of Kidney Yin and Yang, especially in the elderly, can lead to Dryness as well as Qi deficiency, both of which affect the tone and lubrication of the Large Intestine. Large-leaf gentian root, Chinese amomum fruit, Saussurea root and dry fried Bitter orange mature fruit assist the other ingredients by discharging damp Heat and regulating and activating the Qi of the Liver, Gallbladder, Stomach and Intestines. Chinese licorice root and rhizome moderates and harmonizes the action of all of the ingredients in the formula.
