Interior purgation therapy is not only used for relieving intestinal stagnancy, but also for removing accumulated heat, fire, toxins and even retained fluid inside the body; the disharmonies are categorized as interior excess according to the diagnostic principles. Physicians often use this therapy for individuals presented with high fever, thirst, irritability, constipation, abdominal distention, a red tongue with yellow and greasy fur, and a rapid pulse. 

Common purgative herbs include Chinese rhubarb, immature bitter orange and areca seed. In external medicine, physicians often use this therapy for yang syndrome of carbuncles. Sample Prescription: Golden Thread Rhizome Decoction for Dispersion (nei shu huang lian tang) . In the prescription, golden thread rhizome and rhubarb serve as the main ingredients for purgation. The whole combination works by promoting bowel movement to remove stagnations, so that the toxic fire and heat can be expelled through bowel movements.

On the other hand, poor bowel movements can be due to inadequate lubrication in the stomach and intestines; people with this condition need extra moisture to promote bowel movements. Besides constipation, individuals often experience thirst, poor appetite, abdominal distention, a yellow greasy tongue coating, the pulse is thready and rapid.  Intestinal lubricating ingredients include Mongolian snakegourd seed, hemp seed, dwarf flowering cherry seed and honey.