Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Gastric and duodenal ulcers are often closely related to the digestive action of gastric acid and pepsin. The sites of occurrence are mostly in the stomach and duodenum, and a few can occur in the lower esophagus, gastrojejunostomy site, Meckel’s diverticulum, etc. This condition is a multi-etiological wellness that can be caused by factors such as heredity, geographical environment, mental stimulation, dietary habits, and medications. It is more common in young and middle-aged adults.
The signs of imbalance of this condition are long-term, periodic, rhythmic upper abdominal pain, accompanied by acid reflux, nausea, vomiting, belching, constipation, and indigestion. Potential complications may include perforation, massive hemorrhage, pyloric obstruction, and malignant transformation.
Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies this condition into the following types for pattern differentiation and supports:
1. Liver and Stomach Qi Stagnation: distending pain in the epigastrium, fullness and tightness in both hypochondria, helps with occasional by belching or passing gas, irritability and sighing, chest tightness, poor appetite, acid reflux, bitter taste in the mouth, dizziness, thin white tongue coating, wiry pulse. The method is to help regulate Qi and move stagnation, and to support soothing the Liver and harmonizing the Stomach.
2. Liver and Stomach Heat Stagnation: Epigastric pain with urgent onset and a burning sensation, no marked relief after eating, or little food easily triggering pain, bitter and dry mouth with preference for cold drinks, acid regurgitation, epigastric discomfort, irritability and tendency to anger, constipation. Tongue: red with yellow coating. Pulse: wiry or rapid. supports principle: supports healthy stomach function and promotes a balanced internal environment, while supporting comfortable Liver qi movement.
3. Blood Stasis Obstructing the Collaterals: Stomach pain like stabbing or cutting, pain fixed in location, history of vomiting blood or black stools, tongue body purple-dark or with petechiae. The therapeutic approach is to support healthy blood circulation and promote comfortable movement of the collaterals and stomach harmony.
4. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency Cold: Dull stomach pain, preference for pressure and warmth, pain worse on empty stomach, pain helps with occasional after eating, post-meal abdominal distension, fatigue and lack of strength, mental exhaustion and reluctance to speak, aversion to cold with cold extremities, loose stools, vomiting of clear thin fluid, pale tender tongue with teeth marks on the edges, thin white coating, deep fine or slow pulse. The therapeutic approach should support the Spleen and harmonize the stomach, and help maintain a warm internal environment by supporting the middle burner.
1.Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) and Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu) Tea
Ingredients: 4 g Coptis chinensis (Huanglian), 1.5 g Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu).
Preparation: Grind Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) and Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu) into coarse granules, place in a thermos flask, pour in boiling water, and consume as a tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports a balanced internal environment and helps with occasional discomfort, while promoting the smooth flow of Qi. Traditionally used to support digestive comfort in cases of Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation.
2.Arcae Concha (Walenzi) Tea
Ingredients: Arcae concha (Walenzi) 20g, Citri reticulatae pericarpium (Chenpi) 10g, Magnoliae officinalis cortex (Houpo) 10g.
Preparation: Grind Arcae Concha (WaLengZi) into powder. Cut Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chen Pi, tangerine peel) and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Hou Po, magnolia bark) into coarse pieces. Place all into a thermos, pour in boiling water, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports healthy qi circulation and helps helps with occasional stagnation, while promoting the resolution of phlegm and masses. This formula is beneficial for patterns of Liver-Stomach Qi Stagnation, helping to maintain digestive comfort.
3.Dangshen Baizhu Cha (Codonopsis and Atractylodes Tea)
Ingredients: Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 15g, Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 10g, Zingiber officinale (Paojiang) 10g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) 3g.
Preparation: Grind the above 4 ingredients into coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. Take one dose daily.
supports healthy Spleen and stomach function, helps maintain internal warmth and dispel cold. Intended for individuals with a Spleen-Stomach Deficiency Cold pattern to support digestive comfort.
4.Corydalis yanhusuo (Yanhusuo) Tea
Ingredients: Corydalis yanhusuo (Yanhusuo) 9g, Trogopterus dung (Wulingzhi) 6g, Typha pollen (Puhuang) 3g.
Preparation: Grind the above three ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a cup, and steep with boiling water. Consume as a tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports healthy blood circulation, promotes smooth meridian flow, and helps maintain stomach harmony. supports individuals with blood stasis obstructing the collaterals pattern.
5.Danshen Danggui Cha (Salvia and Angelica Tea)
Ingredients: Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen), Angelica sinensis (Danggui), and Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao), 10g each; Trogopterus Dung (Wulingzhi) and Corydalis yanhusuo (Yanhusuo), 6g each; processed Boswellia carterii (Frankincense), Santalum album (Tanxiang), processed Commiphora myrrha (Myrrh), and Amomum villosum (Sharen), 3g each; and 5g of Dragon’s Blood (Xuejie).
Preparation method: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour boiling water over it, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports healthy blood circulation, promotes comfortable movement of meridians, and harmonizes stomach function. Particularly suitable for patterns of blood stasis obstructing collaterals.
6.Danpi Zhizi Cha (Moutan and Gardenia Tea)
Ingredients: Paeonia suffruticosa (Mudanpi) 10g, Gardenia jasminoides (Zhizi) 10g, Prunella vulgaris (Xiakucao) 10g, Citrus reticulata (Qingpi) 10g, Fritillaria thunbergii (Zhebeimu) 10g, Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) 10g, Melia toosendan (Chuanlianzi) 10g, Curcuma wenyujin (Yujin) 10g, Taraxacum mongolicum (Pugongying) 12g, Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) 6g, Evodia rutaecarpa (Wuzhuyu) 3g.
Preparation: Decoct the above herbs in water, then remove the dregs and take the decoction. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Effects: helps maintain a balanced internal environment in the digestive system and supports the smooth flow of Liver Qi. Traditionally used to support general digestive comfort for individuals presenting with the pattern of Liver-Stomach Heat Stagnation.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Interesting article! I’ve had ulcers for years and never considered TCM teas. Which pattern would you suggest for stress-related flare-ups? Would love to try a natural approach before reaching for meds again.
Interesting read! I’ve been dealing with occasional stomach issues and always appreciate natural approaches. Do these teas work best as preventatives or during flare-ups? Would love to try the licorice root one mentioned in TCM patterns.
I’ve been dealing with stomach issues for years and never thought to try TCM teas for relief. The licorice and chamomile options sound soothing! Has anyone here tried these alongside conventional treatment? Would love to hear what worked for you.
Interesting! I’ve been struggling with acid reflux and didn’t realize TCM had specific teas for different ulcer patterns. Does anyone have experience with licorice or ginger-based blends for stomach lining repair? Would love to try a natural approach before resorting to meds.
Interesting to see TCM approaches for ulcers! I’ve been dealing with some digestive issues and might give these herbal teas a try. Do you have any tips on how to balance these with a regular diet? Thanks for sharing this alternative perspective!