Peptic Ulceraccording to TCM

What is Peptic Ulcer?

A Peptic Ulcer refers to open sores that develop on the inner lining of the stomach and the upper portion of the small intestine. The main symptom of Peptic Ulcers is a burning stomach pain, but they may also cause bloating, belching, intolerance to fatty foods, heartburn, and nausea. The main types include Gastric Ulcers, which occur on the stomach lining, and Duodenal Ulcers, found in the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic Ulcer Bleeding signifies a severe complication where an ulcer leads to bleeding, potentially causing serious health issues.

How does TCM view Peptic Ulcer?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Peptic Ulcers are seen as a manifestation of imbalance within the body's internal systems. TCM identifies various patterns of disharmony leading to ulcers, such as Qi Stagnation, Blood Stasis, or the invasion of pathogenic factors like Heat or Cold. This holistic approach emphasizes the need to identify and address the specific underlying pattern of disharmony, moving beyond mere symptom treatment to foster a return to the body's natural state of balance and health.

Causes of Peptic Ulcer according to TCM

TCM attributes the development of Peptic Ulcers to several internal disharmonies, such as: Qi and Blood Stagnation, where the flow of Qi and Blood through the body is impeded, leading to pain and ulcer formation; or Cold invading the Stomach, characterized by a sharp, intense stomach pain that is alleviated by warmth.

These patterns reflect a disruption in the body's natural harmony and energy flow, necessitating treatments that aim to restore balance, promote the smooth flow of Qi and Blood, and dispel Cold.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Peptic Ulcer

In treating Peptic Ulcers, TCM utilizes a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For patterns involving Qi And Blood Stagnation, formulas such as Chai Hu Shu Gan San and Jin Ling Zi San are recommended to promote the movement of Qi and alleviate Stagnation.

Liang Fu Wan and Da Jian Zhong Tang are used for Cold patterns, warming the middle and dispelling Cold to relieve pain. These treatments illustrate TCM's comprehensive approach, focusing on rebalancing internal energies and addressing the root causes of Peptic Ulcers.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address peptic ulcer, organized by formula type.

  • By Formula Type
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that promote qi movement
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that stop bleeding
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
  • Formulas that vent membrane source
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that warm interior cold
  • Formulas that tonify qi and blood
  • Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
  • Formulas that bind up intestines and secure abandoned conditions
  • Formulas that expel parasites
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
  • Formulas for a rebellious qi
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat
  • Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for peptic ulcer

Formula Key herbs
Er Chen Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi)
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)
Wen Dan Tang Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia)

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for peptic ulcer

Formula Key herbs
Dan Shen Yin Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen)
Dang Gui Shao Yao San White Peony Roots (Bai Shao)

All "formulas that stop bleeding" recommended for peptic ulcer

Formula Key herbs
Huang Tu Tang Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu)
Shi Hui San Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), Field Thistles (Xiao Ji)

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for peptic ulcer

Formula Key herbs
Liu Jun Zi Tang Ginseng (Ren Shen)
Si Jun Zi Tang Ginseng (Ren Shen)

All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for peptic ulcer

Formula Key herbs
Si Ni San Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu)
Xiao Yao San Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu)

TCM Herbs for Peptic Ulcer

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address peptic ulcer, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Herbs that stop bleeding
  • Herbs that regulate qi
  • Herbs that stabilize and bind
  • Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Herbs that invigorate the blood
  • Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
  • Herbs for external application
  • Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
  • Purgative herbs that drain downward
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Herbs that drain dampness
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
  • Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
  • Herbs that cool the blood

"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang | Li Zhong Wan
Lesser Galangal Rhizomes (Gao Liang jiang) Liang Fu Wan
Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu) Wu Zhu Yu Tang
Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao) Da Jian Zhong Tang

"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu) Huang Tu Tang
Japanese Thistle (Da Ji) Shi Hui San
Bletilla Rhizomes (Bai Ji) Not applicable

"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi) Er Chen Tang
Sichuan Chinaberries (Chuan Lian Zi) Jin Ling Zi San
Coco-Grass Rhizomes (Xiang Fu) Liang Fu Wan

"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi) Tao Hua Tang
Chinese Plums (Wu Mei) Wu Mei Wan
Cornelian Cherries (Shan Zhu Yu) Gu Chong Tang

"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi) Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang | Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Xiao Qing Long Tang
Ephedra (Ma Huang) Xiao Qing Long Tang

"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) Dan Shen Yin
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) Yue Ju Wan

"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia) Er Chen Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Wen Dan Tang
Inula Flowers (Xuan Fu Hua) Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang

"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for peptic ulcer

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) Lian Po Yin
Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) Ping Wei San