What are the differences between Microgard and Microgard Plus?
Both Microgard and Microgard Plus offer distinct advantages depending on individual health needs. Microgard is more suited for those with heat-related digestive issues, while Microgard Plus caters to individuals with cold-related digestive problems and overall stagnation.
Understanding these differences is critical to choosing the most effective supplement for you.
Both Formulas Are Good For
- Clearing phlegm and dampness
- Relieving food stagnation
- Reducing inflammation and repairing the digestive system
- Promoting good gut bacteria
- Counteracting effects of the American diet
Microgard Vs Microgard Plus
Microgard
Similar to Formulas (Bao He + Po Chai)
Microgard is tailored for hot fluid retention in the middle gastrointestinal area, with symptoms like:
- Hard stools that may start hard and then become loose.
- Bad breath and anxiety with excess energy.
- Dry, hard stools resembling sheep droppings, with a burning sensation around the anus.
- Putrid breath
- Frontal headaches
Microgard is more neutral and less warming than Microgard Plus
This formula is suitable for skinny, acute, yang body types, such as skinny vegans, or It’s a larger, overweight, and very yang male needing to address heat and dampness.
Microgard Plus
Similar Formulas (Bao He + Yue Ju Jian Jen)
This formula is particularly effective for signs of cold in the middle gastrointestinal area, characterized by:
- Irregular bowel movements.
- Soft stools, combined with lethargy or depression.
- Heavyness and weakness in the limbs.
- Fatigue and sleepiness.
- A lack of appetite
- Weight gain accompanied by anxiety without energy.
- Gas, bloating, nausea
Microgard Plus is warmer and contains herbs that aid in reducing body fat.
This formula is ideal for overweight or obese individuals with a ‘cold yin’ body type, often indicated by a puffy face.
Key Questions
When considering Microgard vs Microgard Plus, Here are some key questions
1. Appetite Levels: Are you experiencing normal hunger, or is your appetite diminished or strong
2. Stool Quality: What is the consistency bowel movements? Loose or Hard
3. Emotional State: Do you feel depressed or anxious?
Cold vs Hot Body Types
In traditional medicine, body types are often categorized as ‘Yang’ (hot) or ‘Yin’ (cold), each with distinct characteristics. A Yang, or hot, body type typically exhibits signs of heat, such as a preference for cool environments, and often experiences conditions like dry skin, restlessness, and a strong appetite.
In contrast, a Yin, or cold, body type is characterized by a preference for warmth, lower energy levels, and tendencies towards fatigue, lethargy, and a slower metabolism.
Understanding these body types can provide valuable insights into which formula is right for you.
Microgard Yang Body Type
First, imagine someone with a strong appetite who experiences hard stools and often feels anxious with a burst of energy.
This profile, often described as ‘hot’ in traditional medicine, might benefit more from Microgard, which is cooler. Its ingredients are tailored to address such heat-related digestive issues.
Microgard Plus Yin Body Type
On the other hand, consider a person who has a reduced appetite, deals with soft, irregular stools, and often feels lethargic or depressed.
This ‘cold’ profile, indicating a different set of digestive and emotional needs, may find Microgard Plus more beneficial.
Common Ingredients in Both Formulas
Microgard and Microgard Plus share several key ingredients:
Regulating Qi
These herbs ensure the smooth flow of Qi, help ease tension, and improve digestion. They address issues like bloating, pain, and emotional imbalances like stress or frustration.
- Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root)
- Hua Ju Hong (Red Tangerine Peel)
Releasing and Calming Wind
These herbs expel pathogenic influences, often called ‘wind,’ from the body. These herbs work by opening the pores, promoting sweating, and thus expelling wind from the body
- Bo He (Mint)
- Ge Gen (Kudzu Root)
- Bai Zhi (Angelica Root)
- Gou Teng (Cat's Claw)
- Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root)
Draining Dampness
These herbs focus on addressing imbalances caused by the accumulation of bodily fluids or dampness. They work by promoting the elimination of excess moisture and improving water metabolism in the body.
- Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome)
- Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed)
- Fu Ling (Poria)
- Huo Xiang (Patchouli) Damp Clearningm
These herbs add a cooling effect, move Qi in the digestive tract, transform dampness, and relieve food stagnation.
- Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) Qi Regulating
- Ji Li (Tribulus Fruit) Wind-Extinguishing
- Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower) Wind-Heat Releasing
- Dao Ya (Rice Husk) Food Stagnation
These herbs help with overeating, eating too quickly, and consuming difficult-to-digest. They improve efficient digestion and processing within the gastrointestinal system.
- Shan Zha (Hawthorn Berry) Food Stagnation
- Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) Food Stagnation
- Gu Ya (Rice Sprout) Food Stagnation
- Shi Chang Pu (Sweetflag Rhizome) Orifice-Opening
- Bai Ji Li (Tribulus Fruit) Wind-Extinguishing
Both supplements offer natural approaches to digestive health, but their distinct herbal compositions ensure they meet the varied needs of individuals experiencing different digestive imbalances.
Valley Health Marketplace
Microgard nurtures beneficial bacteria while eliminating harmful ones. Crucial for a well-functioning digestive system, relieving food stagnation and repairing inflammation.
Microgard Plus nurtures beneficial bacteria while eliminating harmful ones. Crucial for a well-functioning digestive system and counteracting the effects of the American diet.
About the Author
Willard Sheppy is a writer and healthcare practitioner who seamlessly melds scientific knowledge with practical applications in engaging and authoritative articles. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Oregon State University and a Master’s in Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine from the distinguished Oregon College of Oriental Medicine.
In his work, Willard skillfully combines his extensive educational background in scientific research with his practical experience as a healthcare practitioner. Willard balances his life with martial arts and cherished family adventures. As a father of three, he often leads his family on camping and hiking trips along the breathtaking Oregon coast.
Connect with Willard on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/valleyhealthclinic or learn more about his services at valleyhealthclinic.com. Embark on this journey towards holistic health with Willard!
