Symptom family: Gastrointestinal Ulcers
Sub-symptom(s): Gastric Ulcer Peptic Ulcer Bleeding Duodenal Ulcers
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.
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.
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.
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.
Peptic ulcer 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 Li Zhong Wan, with dried ginger as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer 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.
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) |
Peptic ulcer 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.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Dan Shen Yin | Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) |
Dang Gui Shao Yao San | White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) |
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by various factors leading to bleeding, requiring hemostatic actions.
One such formula is Huang Tu Tang, with stove earth as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Huang Tu Tang | Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu) |
Shi Hui San | Japanese Thistle (Da Ji), Field Thistles (Xiao Ji) |
Peptic ulcer 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.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Liu Jun Zi Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Si Jun Zi Tang | Ginseng (Ren Shen) |
Peptic ulcer 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 Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Key herbs |
---|---|
Si Ni San | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Xiao Yao San | Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu) |
Peptic ulcer 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
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when the symptom arises from disharmony between the stomach and intestines, often leading to digestive issues.
One such formula is Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it results from blockages in the body, often manifested as masses or lumps, needing actions that open and resolve these obstructions.
One such formula is Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when there is a combined deficiency of both Qi and Blood, requiring comprehensive tonification.
One such formula is Gui Pi Tang, with ginseng as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness if it results from heat combined with damp conditions in the body.
One such formula is Lian Po Yin, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by severe weakness leading to symptoms related to the Intestines or the lower Abdomen.
One such formula is Tao Hua Tang, with red halloysite as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it is caused by parasitic infections, requiring anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate the parasites.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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 Xiao Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Xiao Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm if it is linked to heat leading to phlegm accumulation.
One such formula is Xiao Xian Xiong Tang, with snake gourd as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by formulas that clear Heat if it is caused by an excess of heat or fire in the body.
One such formula is Zuo Jin Wan, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Peptic ulcer 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 Gu Chong Tang, with cornelian cherries as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address peptic ulcer, organized by herb category.
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Gui Pi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Ginseng (Ren Shen) | Gui Pi Tang | Gui Zhi Ren Shen Tang | Liu Jun Zi Tang | Si Jun Zi Tang |
Milkvetch Roots (Huang Qi) | Gui Pi Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Atractylodes Rhizomes (Bai Zhu) | Gui Pi Tang | Yue Ju Wan |
Maltose (Yi Tang) | Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang |
Liquorice (Gan Cao) | Gui Pi Tang |
Jiaogulan (Jiao Gu Lan) | Not applicable |
Peptic ulcer 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 Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Gan Cao Gan Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Stove Earth (Zao Xin Tu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Huang Tu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer 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 Red Halloysite (Chi Shi Zhi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Tao Hua Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Red Sage Roots (Dan Shen) | Dan Shen Yin |
Szechuan Lovage Roots (Chuan Xiong) | Yue Ju Wan |
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Er Chen Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
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 |
Peptic ulcer 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 Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Lian Po Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Houpu Magnolia Bark (Hou Pu) | Lian Po Yin |
Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) | Ping Wei San |
Peptic ulcer 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 Propolis (Feng Jiao), which is directly recommended for peptic ulcer.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.
Peptic ulcer 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 peptic ulcer, like Mai Men Dong Tang.
Peptic ulcer 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 Gourds (Gua Lou), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Xiao Xian Xiong Tang.
Peptic ulcer can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Peptic ulcer 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 Field Thistles (Xiao Ji), a key herb in some formulas recommended for peptic ulcer, like Shi Hui San.