Ulcersaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Skin Ulcers & Open Sores
Sub-symptom(s): Breast Ulcers
What are Ulcers?
Ulcers are open sores or lesions that can develop on the skin or the mucous membranes lining the inside of the body. They are characterized by pain, discomfort, and the breakdown of tissue. Ulcers can manifest in various locations, including the stomach, small intestine, and even on the skin, each with its underlying causes ranging from infections to chronic conditions.
The term "ulcers" encompasses a wide array of specific types, with one particular form being breast ulcers, indicating the diversity and complexity of this symptom. Understanding ulcers is essential for effective diagnosis and treatment, highlighting the importance of recognizing the various forms they can take.
How does TCM view Ulcers?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the concept of a "pattern" is foundational to understanding and treating health issues, including ulcers. A pattern describes a complete picture of disharmony within the body that leads to symptoms like ulcers. Identifying this pattern is crucial because it guides the TCM practitioner in tailoring a treatment strategy that addresses the root cause of the ailment, rather than just its symptoms. This approach ensures that treatment is holistic and personalized, aiming to restore the body's natural balance and promote healing from within.
Causes of Ulcers According to TCM
In the context of ulcers, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) often identifies Qi and Blood Deficiency as a pivotal underlying factor. This condition reflects a depletion of the body's vital energy (Qi) and its nourishing substance (Blood), leading to weakened tissue health and vitality.
Such a Deficiency hampers the body's ability to maintain and repair tissues, rendering it more susceptible to developing ulcers. This perspective underscores the importance of addressing these fundamental Deficiencies to enhance the body's resilience and promote the healing of ulcers from the inside out.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Ulcers
To address the challenge of Qi and Blood Deficiency, TCM turns to specific, nourishing treatments aimed at replenishing the body's foundational energies. The formula Ba Zhen Tang, featuring Ginseng (Ren Shen), serves as a cornerstone in this therapeutic approach. It exemplifies TCM's strategy of tonification—boosting the body's Qi and Blood to strengthen its natural healing abilities. This targeted treatment not only aims at the symptomatic relief of ulcers but also at revitalizing the body's core vitality, laying the groundwork for sustained health and well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address ulcers, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
- External formulas for external disorders
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Ulcers can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Ba Zhen Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
External formulas for External disorders
Ulcers can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Jing Fang Bai Du San, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Ulcers
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address ulcers, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs for external application
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that dispel wind and dampness
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Achyranthes Roots (Niu Xi) | Not applicable |
| Dragon's Blood (Xue Jie) | Not applicable |
| Frankincense (Ru Xiang) | Not applicable |
| Motherwort Herbs (Yi Mu Cao) | Not applicable |
| Myrrh (Mo Yao) | Not applicable |
| Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Not applicable |
| Safflowers (Hong Hua) | Not applicable |
Herbs for external application
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Beeswax (Feng La), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs for external application" recommended for ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Beeswax (Feng La) | Not applicable |
| Minium (Qian Dan) | Not applicable |
| Sesame Oil (Ma You) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcers, like Jing Fang Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Jing Fang Bai Du San |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Jing Fang Bai Du San |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Jing Fang Bai Du San |
Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when it is due to the invasion or accumulation of wind and dampness, which often affects the muscles and joints.
One such herb is Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcers, like Jing Fang Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that dispel Wind and Dampness" recommended for ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Pubescent Angelica Roots (Du Huo) | Jing Fang Bai Du San |
| Honeycomb (Feng Fang) | Not applicable |
Herbs that regulate Qi
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Plum Flowers (Mei Hua), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for ulcers
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Plum Flowers (Mei Hua) | Not applicable |
| Green Tangerine Peel (Qing Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Cuttlebones (Hai Piao Shao), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Chinese Senega Roots (Yuan Zhi), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Croton Fruits (Ba Dou), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Gold Coin Herb (Jin Qian Cao), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Selanginella Herbs (Shi shang Bai), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Tortoise Plastrons (Gui Ban), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when it is related to heat-phlegm accumulation, aiding in dissolving phlegm and soothing the respiratory system.
One such herb is Snake Gourd Seeds (Gua Lou Ren), which is directly recommended for ulcers.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Ginseng (Ren Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcers, like Ba Zhen Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Ulcers can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for ulcers, like Ba Zhen Tang.