Chinese herbal remedies for gastric ulcer include Chai Hu Shu Hepatophoresan, Astragalus Jian Zhong Tang, Beneficial Stomach Tang, Hepatophoresan Decoction, Loss of Smile San, and so on.
Gastric ulcer is a chronic ulcer formed when the gastric mucosa is digested by gastric acid and pepsin, which is categorized as “gastric pain” and “stomach pain” in Chinese medicine. The TCM diagnosis and treatment is divided into five types.
1. Liver and stomach disharmony syndrome: symptoms manifested as distension and pain in the stomach and epigastric region, the pain varies according to emotions and moods, belching (belching), acid reflux, using Chai Hu Shuo Liver Essence to dredge the liver and regulate qi, strengthen the spleen and stomach.
2. Cold deficiency of the spleen and stomach: the patient shows vague stomach pain, coldness, abdominal distension and loose stools (thin and unformed stools), etc. Astragalus Jianzhong Tang is used as the prescription to warm up the middle and disperse the cold (using medicine to warm up the spleen and stomach to disperse the coldness), strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach as the rule of treatment.
3. Stomach yin deficiency (insufficient yin fluid in the stomach) syndrome: using Beneficial Stomach Soup to relieve the patient’s symptoms such as hidden pain in the stomach and epigastrium, poor appetite, and heat in the hands, feet and heart.
4. Liver and stomach heat depletion syndrome: patients with burning pain in the stomach and epigastrium, acidity, bitter and dry mouth, and constipation. To remove heat from the stomach and detoxify the liver, use Hwa Liver Decoction.
5. Stagnant blood stasis in the stomach: stabbing pain in the stomach, accompanied by vomiting of blood or black stools, use Lost Smile San to activate blood circulation and remove blood stasis.
If there is gastric ulcer, it is recommended to treat it as early as possible and follow the doctor’s prescription.