In today’s fast-paced world, irregular eating habits—such as skipping meals, rushing through food, or indulging in unhealthy diets—are wreaking havoc on our digestive systems. These habits can damage the digestive system and contribute to the development of peptic ulcers.
A peptic ulcer is an open sore that develops on the inner lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine (duodenum). It occurs when stomach acid erodes the protective mucous layer, exposing underlying tissues and triggering pain or burning sensations.
In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), however, peptic ulcers are viewed not merely as a physical wound, but as a disharmony between the stomach, liver, and spleen systems.
Stress and emotional strain can cause “liver qi stagnation,” which disrupts the smooth flow of energy and affects the stomach, leading to the production of excess internal heat and acid. Meanwhile, irregular eating weakens the spleen and stomach’s ability to transform food and fluids, leading to “stomach heat”—a buildup of internal fire that mirrors the excess acid and irritation seen in ulcers.
Together, these imbalances result in the erosion and inflammation that parallel the ulcer formation seen in modern medicine.
Thus, treatment in TCM aims to cool stomach heat, soothe the liver, regulate vital energy (qi), and restore balance—often through time-tested herbal formulas and mindful lifestyle adjustments.
Herbal Formulas for Peptic Ulcer
Two powerful remedies, featuring cuttlefish bone as a key ingredient, are highlighted in the “Complete Book of Dietary Therapy: Tales of Deliciousness” by Dr. Chen Cunren, a renowned TCM physician from the last century.
Cuttlefish bone, known in TCM as “hai piao xiao,” is the white, flat, and resistant structure inside a cuttlefish. It is commonly used for gastrointestinal disorders as it helps protect the stomach by reducing acid, increases natural buffering chemicals that calm irritation, and boosts protective chemicals that strengthen the stomach’s mucus lining and aid in healing.
Modern research confirms its anti-ulcer and wound-healing properties.
Recipes to Soothe Peptic Ulcer
1. Cuttlefish Bone–Almond Paste
A gentle, nutty remedy to soothe the stomach, reduce acid, and promote healing of mild to moderate ulcers. It helps reduce acidity and ease pain after the symptoms of an acute ulcer subside.
Ingredients
- 3 parts cuttlefish bone powder
- 1 part almond powder (use peeled sweet almonds)
Preparation
- Clean and dry the cuttlefish bone, roast gently until crisp, and grind into fine powder.
- Toast peeled almonds until fragrant, grind into fine powder.
- Mix both powders thoroughly and store in a sealed jar.
Usage
- Take 2 tablespoons of the powder mixture each morning on an empty stomach.
- Stir with hot water to form a smooth paste and take warm.
- Wait about 10 minutes before breakfast.
Precautions
Avoid during active bleeding, pregnancy, or severe constipation. Consult a TCM practitioner before long-term use.
2. Cuttlefish Bone–Licorice Paste
This formula is ideal for soothing deeper ulcers or chronic gastritis, characterized by symptoms such as pain, burning, or acid reflux. Licorice is known in both TCM and modern medicine for its mucosal-protective and anti-inflammatory properties, and to enhance ulcer healing and relieve discomfort.
Ingredients
- 7 parts cuttlefish bone powder
- 13 parts licorice root (甘草 Gan Cao) powder
Preparation
Mix cuttlefish powder and licorice powder together.
Usage
Each morning, combine approximately 2 tablespoons of the powder with hot water to form a paste. Then, add sufficient water to the paste to form a liquid and drink it on an empty stomach.
Precautions
Avoid excessive licorice intake if you have high blood pressure, edema, or kidney disease.
Premade cuttlefish powder is available through online stores, as well as Asian and natural food markets.
3. A Vegetarian Formula for Ulcer Healing
For those who avoid animal-based ingredients, this plant-based TCM formula strengthens the stomach lining, promotes tissue repair, and reduces inflammation.
Ingredients
- Bletilla striata (Bai Ji): stops bleeding, promotes tissue regeneration
- Panax notoginseng (San Qi): improves microcirculation, reduces inflammation
- Salvia miltiorrhiza (Dan Shen): increases blood flow and aids repair
- Malt (Mai Ya): harmonizes digestion
Preparation
Mix in a 1:1 ratio and grind into a fine powder.
Usage
Take 1 to 2 teaspoons with warm water on an empty stomach once daily.
Precautions
Avoid use during pregnancy or menstruation due to Dan Shen’s blood-activating effect.
8 Essential Tips for Managing Peptic Ulcers
To promote healing and achieve optimal recovery:
- Stick to a consistent meal schedule with small, frequent portions.
- Chew each bite at least 30 times, and for harder-to-digest foods, aim for 50 times or more.
- Steer clear of binge eating and excessive drinking.
- Manage stress effectively. Practice deep breathing, gentle qigong, or meditation daily. Keeping a gratitude journal and spending time in nature can also calm the liver qi.
- Refrain from overly acidic or spicy foods, and avoid drinking milk during episodes of stomach pain.
- Limit the use of painkillers, as they can harm the stomach.
- Eliminate smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid iron supplements, as they can trigger severe nausea.
Most patients with peptic ulcer disease can achieve full recovery through standard treatments combining Western and TCM. However, a small subset of patients seems to suffer chronically without ever fully healing. In severe cases, complications such as gastric or duodenal bleeding may arise, potentially becoming life-threatening.
Based on my observations, there are two main reasons for people suffering from peptic ulcers chronically. The first is that some patients seek medication only for temporary pain relief during episodes of discomfort, without pursuing comprehensive treatment to address the root cause. The second is that many patients rely solely on medication without managing stress—which may influence the progress of peptic ulcer—and emotions, or adopting proper dietary and lifestyle habits.
