What is Gastritis?
Gastritis represents a group of conditions characterized by inflammation of the stomach lining, often leading to discomfort, indigestion, and, in severe cases, bleeding. This umbrella term encompasses various forms, including acute and chronic gastritis, each with its unique causes and symptoms. The condition can manifest from infections, prolonged use of NSAIDs, alcohol consumption, or autoimmune disorders, making it a common yet complex ailment requiring precise diagnosis and management.
How Does TCM View Gastritis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches gastritis through a holistic lens, focusing on restoring balance and harmony within the body’s systems. Unlike Western medicine, which often targets the symptoms, TCM seeks to understand the root cause of gastritis based on disharmony patterns such as Qi Stagnation, Phlegm-Heat, or Yang Deficiency. This deep understanding of the body's energetic balance is crucial for tailoring treatment plans that not only alleviate symptoms but also promote long-term health and well-being.
Causes of Gastritis According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, gastritis is understood through an intricate lens of energetic imbalances within the body. When Liver Qi becomes rebellious and invades the Stomach, it disrupts the stomach's ability to descend Qi, leading to symptoms like acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting.
Similarly, Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner can manifest as a burning sensation in the stomach, excessive hunger, or a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount. Wind-Cold or Interior Cold entering the body can cause a sudden onset of symptoms, including sharp stomach pain, preference for warmth, and aversion to cold. Identifying these patterns is essential for TCM practitioners to provide tailored treatments that address both the root causes and the symptoms experienced by the patient.
To counteract the effects of Rebellious Liver Qi invading the Stomach, formulas like Xiao Yao San and Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang are used to harmonize the liver and stomach, promoting the smooth flow of Qi and alleviating symptoms. For conditions marked by Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, Huang Lian Tang and Xiao Xian Xiong Tang are preferred to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore the stomach's function.
In cases of Wind-Cold or Interior Cold affecting the stomach, warming formulas such as Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang and Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang are selected to expel cold and warm the middle burner, providing relief from cold-induced symptoms. These specialized treatments reflect TCM’s comprehensive approach, targeting the specific patterns of disharmony to effectively manage gastritis.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address gastritis, organized by formula type.
- Formulas that promote qi movement
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines
- Formulas for a rebellious qi
- Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen
- Formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that stop bleeding
- Formulas that vent membrane source
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that expel dampness
- Formulas that clear heat
- Formulas that moisten intestines and unblock bowels
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that warm interior cold
- 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 tonify qi and blood
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and transform phlegm
- Formulas that induce vomiting
Formulas that promote Qi movement
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 Si Mo Tang, with lindera root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that promote qi movement" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
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 Jia Long Gu Mu Li 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 gastritis
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
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 Huang Qi Jian Zhong Tang, with milkvetch root 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 gastritis
Formulas that tonify Qi
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 Sheng Yang Yi Wei Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
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 gastritis
Formulas that harmonize Stomach-Intestines
Gastritis 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.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that harmonize stomach-Intestines" recommended for gastritis
Formulas for a rebellious Qi
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 Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang, with tangerine peel as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas for a rebellious qi" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen
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 Si Ni San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Warm the Interior
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 Wu Ji San, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that release the exterior and warm the interior" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
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 gastritis
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
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 gastritis
Formulas that stop bleeding
Gastritis 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.
All "formulas that stop bleeding" recommended for gastritis
Formulas that vent membrane source
Gastritis 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.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
Gastritis 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 San Ren Tang, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that expel Dampness
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas in cases where dampness obstructs the body's normal functions, necessitating herbs that specifically target and expel dampness.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat
Gastritis 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.
Formulas that moisten Intestines and unblock bowels
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas if it results from dryness affecting the intestines, leading to constipation or difficulty in bowel movement.
One such formula is Ma Zi Ren Wan, with hemp seeds as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Gastritis 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.
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
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
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 warm and transform water and Dampness
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
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
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
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
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
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 tonify Qi and Blood
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.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Gastritis 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.
Formulas that clear Heat and transform Phlegm
Gastritis 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.
Formulas that induce vomiting
Gastritis can be treated by these formulas when the condition is caused by the presence harmful substances that require induced vomiting to expel them as part of the treatment.
One such formula is Gua Di San, with melon stalk as a key herb.
Acupoints for Gastritis
In managing gastritis from a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, specific acupoints are selected to target the underlying patterns contributing to the condition. For dealing with Rebellious Liver Qi that invades the Stomach, acupoints such as Zusanli (ST-36) and Taichong (LR-3) can be effective in harmonizing the Liver and Stomach Qi, promoting the smooth flow of energy and alleviating symptoms like nausea and vomiting.
To address Phlegm-Heat in the Middle Burner, acupoints like Neiguan (PC-6) and Fenglong (ST-40) are used to clear Heat, transform Phlegm, and restore the digestive system's balance. For symptoms arising from Wind-Cold or Interior Cold, Moxibustion at Zhongwan (CV-12) and Shenque (CV-8) can be particularly beneficial in warming the middle, dispelling Cold, and relieving abdominal pain. These targeted acupoint selections exemplify TCM's nuanced approach, employing specific points to directly counteract the patterns of imbalance causing gastritis.
See more details below about Jiali EX-HN, an acupoint used to address gastritis.
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
TCM Herbs for Gastritis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address gastritis, organized by herb category.
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Cool herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Aromatic herbs that transform dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that relieve food stagnation
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
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 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 gastritis
Herbs that regulate Qi
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 gastritis,
like Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that regulate Qi" recommended for gastritis
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
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 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 gastritis
Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Gastritis 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 Bamboo Shavings (Zhu Ru),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis,
like Ju Pi Zhu Ru Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough" recommended for gastritis
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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 gastritis,
like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for gastritis
Herbs that drain Dampness
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 gastritis,
like Wu Ji San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for gastritis
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
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 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 gastritis
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Gastritis 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 gastritis,
like Ban Xia Xie Xin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for gastritis
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
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 gastritis,
like Chai Hu Gui Jiang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for gastritis
Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness
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 gastritis,
like Wei Ling Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Aromatic herbs that transform Dampness" recommended for gastritis
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
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 gastritis,
like Dan Shen Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for gastritis
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
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 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 gastritis
Herbs that cool the Blood
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 gastritis,
like Yi Wei Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for gastritis
Herbs that stop bleeding
Gastritis 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 gastritis,
like Huang Tu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stop bleeding" recommended for gastritis
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Gastritis 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 gastritis,
like Zhi Zi Chi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for gastritis
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Gastritis 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 gastritis,
like Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis,
like San Ren Tang.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Gastritis can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Hemp Seeds (Huo Ma Ren),
a key herb in some formulas recommended for gastritis,
like Ma Zi Ren Wan.
Herbs that relieve Food Stagnation
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 gastritis,
like Bao He Wan.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
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 gastritis,
like Dang Gui Shao Yao San.
