GI Care™

TCM herbal formula for acid reflux, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer, gastritis, and H. pylori infection — antiulcer; antacid; antibiotic against H. pylori; analgesic; gastroprotective; quells Stomach fire; spreads Liver qi stagnation; strengthens middle jiao

⚠️ Do not use in patients with atrophic gastritis with decreased or absent gastric acid secretion — this formula neutralizes and suppresses stomach acid and may worsen that condition. Patients with cholecystitis or cholelithiasis are often misdiagnosed as having GI problems — correct diagnosis is critical. Allergy warning: Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata) contains wheat — persons with wheat allergy should not take this product. Rule out atrophic gastritis before treating ulcers — if untreated, atrophic gastritis may lead to gastric carcinoma. Patients on NSAIDs may have asymptomatic ulcers — check regularly.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Peptic ulcer disease — gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer

* Gastritis

* Acid reflux with heartburn, foul breath, bitter taste in the mouth, indigestion

* Generalized gastrointestinal (GI) disorders: nausea, vomiting, indigestion, belching, bloating, epigastric fullness, and food sensitivities

Background: Gastrointestinal disorders such as gastritis, gastric reflux, gastric ulcer, and duodenal ulcer are common conditions caused by infection (H. pylori), lifestyle (stress, cigarette smoking, alcohol), diet (spicy and pungent food), and drugs (NSAIDs). These factors damage mucosa and disrupt its defense and repair functions, affecting the esophagus (GERD), stomach (gastritis, gastric ulcer), and duodenum (duodenal ulcer). Optimal treatment requires lifestyle changes, diet modifications, and medical intervention to treat infection and repair mucosal damage.

TCM differentiation: Gastrointestinal disorders are complex patterns characterized by both excess and deficiency — excess refers to Stomach heat (hyperacidity), and yin deficiency refers to damaged mucosa of the digestive tract. Causes may be external (infection, alcohol, smoking, drugs) or internal (stress). GI Care uses herbs to clear heat, regulate Liver qi circulation, strengthen the Stomach, and restore normal digestive functions.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis / Coptis / Goldthread / Berberine): inhibits secretion of gastric acid — blunts increase of MDA and hydroxyl ion (OH), decreases nitric oxide level and superoxide dismutase activity from gastric mucus; marked protective effect against gastric lesions and ulcerative formation induced by stress and alcohol; protects and treats gastric lesion induced by H. pylori LPS — inhibits epithelial cell apoptosis and suppresses gastric mucosal inflammation; antibiotic against H. pylori; combined with Di Yu — effectively treated 117 patients with acute GI bleeding; combined with Wu Zhu Yu — marked protective effect against aspirin-induced gastric mucus membrane damage

— Wu Zhu Yu (Fructus Evodiae / Evodia): antiulcer — marked effectiveness in preventing and treating stomach ulcers by reducing gastric acid secretion; gastroprotective — protects stomach against gastric lesions by strengthening gastric mucosal lining and promoting nitric oxide synthesis in local gastric mucosa; combined with Huang Lian — protects against aspirin-induced gastric damage; directs Stomach qi downward to treat vomiting, nausea, and acid regurgitation

— Hai Piao Xiao (Endoconcha Sepiae / Cuttlefish Bone): high content of calcium carbonate — effective antacid to neutralize gastric acid; antiulcer; neutralizes excessive stomach acid and eases heartburn

— Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis / Corydalis): strong analgesic effect to relieve pain — analgesic potency comparable to morphine and codeine; antiulcer

— Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae / Scutellaria Baicalensis): antibiotic against H. pylori; clears heat and eliminates toxins; clinical study — H. pylori infection treated with 75.9% rate of effectiveness using formula containing Huang Qin + Bai Hua She She Cao + others

— Bai Hua She She Cao (Herba Hedyotis / Hedyotis / Oldenlandia): antibiotic against H. pylori; clears heat and eliminates toxins; 75.9% effectiveness formula ingredient

— Pu Gong Ying (Herba Taraxaci / Dandelion): antibiotic; clears heat and eliminates toxins

— Shen Qu (Massa Fermentata / Medicated Leaven): contains multiple enzymes to facilitate digestion of starches and carbohydrates; aids digestion; protects stomach lining; contains wheat — contraindicated in wheat allergy

— Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis / Chinese Gall / Gallnut): hemostatic — stops GI bleeding; provides coating for stomach; expedites recovery of peptic and duodenal ulcers; clinical study — 29 out of 33 patients (91%) had bleeding successfully stopped after one week

— Di Yu (Radix Sanguisorbae / Sanguisorba / Burnet Root): hemostatic — stops GI bleeding; provides coating for stomach; expedites recovery of ulcers; combined with Huang Lian — effectively treated 117 patients with acute GI bleeding

— Huang Qi (Radix Astragali / Astragalus): tonifies Spleen; augments qi; essential in rebuilding the gastrointestinal system

— Sha Ren (Fructus Amomi / Amomum / Cardamom): promotes movement of qi; strengthens Stomach; treats abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and diarrhea

— Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba / White Peony Root): neutralizes excessive stomach acid; eases heartburn; relieves abdominal pain

— Zhe Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii / Fritillaria Thunberg / Zhejiang Fritillary): neutralizes excessive stomach acid; eases heartburn

— Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri / Bupleurum): spreads constrained Liver qi; relieves abdominal pain and distension

— Xiang Fu (Rhizoma Cyperi / Cyperus / Nut Grass): spreads constrained Liver qi; relieves abdominal pain and distension

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiulcer / gastric acid suppression — Huang Lian (gastric acid secretion↓, MDA↓, OH↓, NO↓, SOD↓); Wu Zhu Yu (gastric acid secretion↓, mucosal lining↑, NO synthesis↑); Hai Piao Xiao (calcium carbonate, antacid); Yan Hu Suo (analgesic, antiulcer)

* Antibiotic against H. pylori — Huang Lian (H. pylori LPS protection, epithelial apoptosis↓, mucosal inflammation↓); Huang Qin + Bai Hua She She Cao (75.9% effective, clinical study); Pu Gong Ying

* Analgesic — Yan Hu Suo (morphine/codeine-comparable potency)

* Hemostatic / gastroprotective — Wu Bei Zi (91% / 29 of 33 patients, GI bleeding); Di Yu + Huang Lian (117 acute GI bleeding patients); Shen Qu (digestive enzymes, starch/carbohydrate digestion); Wu Zhu Yu + Huang Lian (aspirin-induced gastric damage protection)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Quells Stomach fire; drains fire from Stomach and Liver (Huang Lian)

* Directs Stomach qi downward; treats vomiting, nausea, acid regurgitation (Wu Zhu Yu)

* Neutralizes excessive stomach acid; eases heartburn (Hai Piao Xiao, Bai Shao, Zhe Bei Mu)

* Clears heat; eliminates toxins; antibiotic (Huang Qin, Bai Hua She She Cao, Pu Gong Ying)

* Spreads constrained Liver qi; relieves abdominal pain and distension (Chai Hu, Xiang Fu)

* Strengthens Spleen; tonifies middle jiao; rebuilds GI system (Huang Qi, Sha Ren)

* Stops bleeding; coats stomach; expedites ulcer recovery (Di Yu, Wu Bei Zi)

* Aids digestion; protects stomach lining (Shen Qu)

DOSAGE

Standard: 4 capsules three times daily on an empty stomach, 1–2 hours before meals. For maximum effect, lie down for 10 minutes following ingestion.

Supplementary formulas: Stress-related stomach problems, irritability, nervousness, anxiety — add Calm or Calm (ES). Restlessness, stress, insomnia with underlying deficiency — add Calm ZZZ. Bleeding — add Notoginseng 9. Severe pain — add Herbal ANG. Gallbladder disorders (cholecystitis, gallstones) — combine with Dissolve (GS). Hepatic disorders (hepatitis, liver cirrhosis) — combine with Liver DTX. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) — use GI Harmony instead. Ulcerative colitis — use GI Care (UC) instead. Tonify constitution and nourish blood — combine with Schisandra ZZZ or Imperial Tonic. Constipation — combine with Gentle Lax (Excess) or Gentle Lax (Deficient). Hemorrhoids — add GI Care (HMR). Nausea, vomiting, poor appetite from chemotherapy — use C/R Support instead. Excess appetite, obesity — combine with Herbalite. Excess fire — add Gardenia Complex. Excessive damp/phlegm — add Pinellia Complex. Bacterial infection in digestive tract — add Herbal ABX. Viral infection in digestive tract — add Herbal AVR.

Nutrition: Drink a large amount of water at the first sign of heartburn. Plan regular meals and chew slowly and thoroughly. Increase nourishing, cooling foods: Mexican yam, yam, radishes, potatoes, carrots, melons, cucumbers, beets, turnips, malanga, celeriac, taro, and rutabaga. Increase papayas and pineapples (contain bromelain, a digestive enzyme). Acidophilus is helpful for digestion. Avoid lentils, peanuts, and soybeans (contain enzyme inhibitors). Avoid spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables: pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, and wasabi. Avoid fried, spicy, or greasy foods, refined sugar, tea, coffee, caffeine, salt, chocolate, strong spices, and carbonated drinks. Avoid sour and acidic foods and fruits. Avoid alcohol and caffeine — both increase stomach acid and interfere with ulcer treatment.

Tao of Nutrition — Peptic Ulcers (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease): Eat potatoes, honey, cabbage, ginger, figs, papayas, squid bone, peanut oil, kale, and persimmons. Drink fig juice. Drink potato juice daily on an empty stomach for at least 2 weeks. Drink warm kale juice or cabbage juice on an empty stomach to help heal the ulcer. Take 2 teaspoons of peanut oil every morning on an empty stomach to help close the wound. Take 2 tablespoons of steamed honey on an empty stomach in the mornings. Cook ginger (thumb-sized amount) with rice for breakfast on an empty stomach. Dry and charcoal persimmon, grind into powder, take 1 tablespoon in warm water. Avoid spicy foods, hot foods, stimulants, shellfish, coffee, smoking, alcohol, fried foods, and stress.

Lifestyle: Avoid alcohol completely. Stop smoking and avoid secondhand smoke. Avoid stress — do not eat when angry, overly tired, or stressed; always chew food thoroughly. Avoid NSAIDs (aspirin, Motrin/ibuprofen, Naprosyn/naproxen) — very damaging to the stomach. Do not rely on antacids excessively — they suppress symptoms but do not treat the cause. Control oral infections, emotional disturbances, and diet triggers for gastritis. Keep the digestive tract warm — use a hot compress or hot water bottle on the stomach whenever possible.

CASE STUDIES

— 50-year-old female: Persistent proctitis for 2 years; superficial wiry pulse. GI Care + Astringent Complex (50:50). Result after 3 bottles: symptoms disappeared; 4 months later symptoms never returned and medical tests came back negative.

— W.M., 54-year-old female: Stomach aches and pains with IBS-type symptoms; pain after eating, worse with cold/sweet foods; high stress; Stomach qi deficiency and cold, Kidney yang deficiency, developing ulcer. GI Care 4 caps 3x daily + dietary recommendations. Result at 1 month: only occasional discomfort from over-indulging. Continued at smaller dose for another month.

— 54-year-old female clerk: Belching, esophageal reflux, acid regurgitation; nighttime cough with thick sticky phlegm; vomiting; prescribed Prilosec (omeprazole) but preferred not to take pharmaceuticals. GI Care 4 caps daily. Result at 2 weeks: able to stop Prilosec; no acid reflux, slept well, no phlegm or mucus. Still doing well 4 months later.

— T.T., 48-year-old female: Bloating, burping, upper and lower quadrant discomfort; wiry pulse, swollen dusky tongue; Liver qi stagnation with Spleen and Kidney yang deficiencies; Western diagnosis GERD. GI Care. Result: more effective than OTC antacids she had previously tried.

— A.F., 35-year-old female: Poor appetite, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, rectal bleeding; thin thready pulse, geographic red tongue with no coating; Liver and Kidney yin deficiencies with damp-heat in lower jiao; Western diagnosis Crohn's disease. GI Care. Result at 1 week: diarrhea improved. Result at 5 weeks: diarrhea normalized; fatigue improved.

— R.S., 62-year-old female: Chronic heartburn most of adult life; hepatitis C history; Liver qi stagnation with Stomach fire; acid reflux. GI Care 3 caps 3x daily + diet change. Result: heartburn kept away 80% of the time.

— J.R., 17-year-old female: Nausea, epigastric fullness, dull abdominal pain, intermittent abdominal pain, alternating diarrhea and constipation; Liver qi stagnation with Stomach fire rising. GI Care + 3 acupuncture treatments. Result at 1 month: abdominal pain minimal with increased periods of relief; nausea resolved; bowel movements normalized. (Note: patient improved even with occasional non-compliance.)

— 45-year-old female: Stomach sensitivity worsening with stress; acid reflux; Liver qi stagnation with heat. GI Care. Result: free of stomach pain for 2 years; described as "a gentle formula."

Related Reading

Also see: GI Harmony – for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) | GI Care (UC) – for ulcerative colitis | GI Care (HMR) – for hemorrhoids | Dissolve (GS) – for gallbladder disorders and gallstones | Liver DTX – for hepatic disorders | Notoginseng 9 – for GI bleeding | Herbal ABX – for bacterial infection in the digestive tract | Gardenia Complex – for excess fire | Calm – for stress-related stomach problems | Digestive Health & GI Support Collection.