Ulcers

The Chinese have developed three basic strategies against ulcers: boosting the patient's immune system, particularly if the patient is weak or old, to enable the body to fight off the disease; attacking the ulcers by clearing toxic heat in the body; and ensuring proper circulation of blood and energy.

Herbs to boost the immune system are presented in class 16, while herbs to promote blood circulation are presented in class 11, and herbs to promote energy circulation are presented in class 12. The herbs that attack ulcers by clearing toxic heat are in this class and are fairly strong herbs that should be used with great care.

This class of herbs is divided into six subclasses. The first subclass consists of herbs for reducing heat, counteracting toxic effects, and healing swelling. The second subclass consists of herbs for reducing heat, benefiting water metabolism, and removing dampness. The third subclass consists of herbs for removing sputum and dispersing coagulations. The fourth subclass consists of herbs for transforming sputum and softening hardness. The fifth subclass consists of herbs for opening up the passages of meridians and activating them. The sixth subclass consists of other miscellaneous herbs for ulcers.