What is Chronic Gastritis?
Chronic gastritis, a prolonged inflammation of the stomach lining, unfolds stealthily over time, often with less pronounced symptoms than its acute counterpart. This condition can manifest as a dull or gnawing pain, bloating, and an uncomfortable feeling of fullness after eating. While factors such as long-term use of NSAIDs, infection with Helicobacter pylori, and autoimmune disorders commonly underlie this condition, its persistence can lead to a gradual deterioration of the stomach lining. Identifying and addressing the root cause of chronic gastritis is crucial to prevent potential complications, including ulcers and an increased risk of stomach cancer.
How does TCM view Chronic Gastritis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches chronic gastritis through the lens of disharmony within the body's energetic system. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on symptom management and the elimination of causative agents, TCM seeks to identify and rectify the underlying imbalance—whether it be Qi stagnation, Damp-Phlegm accumulation, or Yin Deficiency.
This holistic perspective not only aims to alleviate the symptoms associated with gastritis but also to restore the body's natural state of balance and health, emphasizing diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being as integral components of treatment.
Causes of Chronic Gastritis According to TCM
Within the framework of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), chronic gastritis is attributed to many patterns, such as Qi Deficiency or Qi Stagnation, Stomach Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold, and the accumulation of Damp-Phlegm. Qi Deficiency manifests as a lack of energy within the Stomach, leading to symptoms like fatigue, loose stools, and a pale tongue. Qi Stagnation, on the other hand, causes a feeling of fullness and discomfort, revealing the Stomach's inability to move its contents effectively.
Stomach Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold describes a coldness and weakness in the stomach's functioning, often resulting in a preference for warm foods and drinks, along with pain that improves with heat application. Additionally, Damp-Phlegm accumulation can create a heavy feeling in the stomach, nausea, and a sensation of having a lump in the throat, indicating an excess of dampness and Phlegm obstructing the proper function of the Stomach.
To address chronic gastritis, TCM recommends formulas that correspond to the underlying patterns of disharmony. For Qi Deficiency, Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, rich in Ginseng (Ren Shen), aims to bolster the Qi of the Stomach and Spleen, enhancing energy and digestive health. In cases of Qi Stagnation, Chai Hu Shu Gan San uses Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) to smooth and regulate the flow of Qi, easing discomfort and bloating.
For those suffering from Stomach Yang Deficiency with Empty Cold, Wu Zhu Yu Tang, incorporating Evodia Fruits (Wu Zhu Yu), warms the middle Jiao, dispelling cold to relieve pain and discomfort. Lastly, to combat Damp-Phlegm, Er Chen Tang, featuring Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia), works to dry dampness and transform Phlegm, clearing obstruction and improving the function of the Stomach. These tailored treatments exemplify the TCM approach to chronic gastritis, focusing on restoring balance and functionality to the digestive system.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address chronic gastritis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that warm interior cold
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
- Formulas that dispel phlegm
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that tonify qi and blood
Formulas that promote Qi movement
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it stems from stagnation or imbalance in the flow of Qi, the vital life energy, within the body.
One such formula is Chai Hu Shu Gan San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Da Jian Zhong Tang, with sichuan pepper as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Er Chen Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that tonify Qi
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Dan Shen Yin, with red sage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from a deficiency in Yin energy, needing nourishment and strengthening of the body's vital essence.
One such formula is Yi Guan Jian
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for chronic gastritis
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to the accumulation of undigested food and stagnation in the digestive system.
One such formula is Bao He Wan, with hawthorn berry as a key herb.
Formulas that warm Interior Cold
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by an internal cold condition, needing treatments that warm the body's interior.
One such formula is Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Warm the Interior
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external cold invasion affecting the body, requiring treatments that expel cold and warm the interior.
One such formula is Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang, with cinnamon twigs as a key herb.
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Formulas that transform Dampness and harmonize Stomach
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is due to dampness affecting the stomach, leading to digestive disturbances.
One such formula is Ping Wei San, with black atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when caused by dryness that impairs the body's moisture balance, necessitating herbs that moisten and alleviate dryness.
One such formula is Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang, with glehnia root as a key herb.
Formulas that secure irregular uterine bleeding and stop vaginal discharge
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it arises from disharmony in the female reproductive system, resulting in symptoms like irregular bleeding or abnormal discharge.
One such formula is Wan Dai Tang, with atractylodes rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dispel Phlegm
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when it is linked to phlegm accumulation, affecting respiratory and other body functions.
One such formula is Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when there's an imbalance between the Liver and Spleen systems, often manifesting as digestive disturbances and emotional fluctuations.
One such formula is Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by the disruption of Qi flow, that causes the normal movement of body processes to go the wrong way.
One such formula is Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang, with inula flower as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi and Blood
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Zhi Gan Cao Tang, with liquorice as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Chronic Gastritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address chronic gastritis, organized by herb category.
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that cool the blood
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Chronic gastritis 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 chronic gastritis,
like Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for chronic gastritis
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Sichuan Pepper (Hua Jiao),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Da Jian Zhong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for chronic gastritis
Herbs that regulate Qi
Chronic gastritis 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 Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for chronic gastritis
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for chronic gastritis
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Chronic gastritis 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 Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for chronic gastritis
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Crow-Dipper Rhizomes (Ban Xia),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for chronic gastritis
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Chronic gastritis 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 Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for chronic gastritis
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these herbs in cases of digestive disturbances due to overeating or consuming hard-to-digest foods, assisting in breaking down and moving food through the digestive system.
One such herb is Hawthorn Berries (Shan Zha),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Bao He Wan.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Chronic gastritis 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 Cinnamon Twigs (Gui Zhi),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Chronic gastritis 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 White Peony Roots (Bai Shao),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Chronic gastritis 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 Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
Chronic gastritis can be treated by these herbs if it stems from damp accumulation, especially in the digestive system, using aromatic properties to transform and dispel dampness.
One such herb is Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Ping Wei San.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Chronic gastritis 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 Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for chronic gastritis,
like Yi Wei Tang.
