Ulcerative Colitis — TCM Food Therapy & Dietary Approach

A traditional Chinese medicine perspective on Ulcerative Colitis, combining dietary therapy with syndrome differentiation.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Patterns

In TCM, this condition is differentiated into several patterns, each with a classical herbal formula:

Fulminant Diarrhea·Internal Exuberance of Cold-Damp

Treatment principle: Aromatically Transform Damp, Release the Exterior and Dispel Cold

Formula: Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Agastache Powder to Rectify the Qi)

Fulminant Diarrhea·Damp-Heat Obstructing the Middle

Treatment principle: Clear Heat and Dry Damp, Separate and Dissipate to Check Diarrhea

Formula: Gegen Qinlian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria and Coptis Decoction)

Fulminant Diarrhea·Food Stagnation in the Stomach and Intestines

Treatment principle: Promote Digestion and Remove Stagnation, Harmonize the Middle and Check Diarrhea

Formula: Baohe Wan (Harmony-Preserving Pill) — from *Teachings of Master Danxi*

Chronic Diarrhea·Liver Qi Invading the Spleen

Treatment principle: Repress the Liver and Support the Spleen

Formula: Tongxie Yaofang (Important Formula for Painful Diarrhea)

Chronic Diarrhea·Spleen-Stomach Deficiency

Treatment principle: Fortify the Spleen and Boost Qi, Transform Damp and Check Diarrhea

Formula: Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng, Poria and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) — from *Formulary of the Bureau of the People's Welfare Pharmacies*

Chronic Diarrhea·Decline of Kidney Yang

Treatment principle: Warm the Kidney and Fortify the Spleen, Secure and Astringe to Check Diarrhea

Formula: Fuzi Lizhong Wan (Aconite Center-Regulating Pill); Sishen Wan (Four Spirits Pill)

Damp-Heat Dysentery

Treatment principle: Clear the Intestines and Transform Damp, Regulate Qi and Harmonize Blood

Formula: Shaoyao Tang (Peony Decoction) — from *Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji*

Epidemic Toxin Dysentery

Treatment principle: Clear Heat and Resolve Toxin, Cool Blood and Eliminate Accumulation

Formula: Baitouweng Tang (Pulsatilla Decoction); Shaoyao Tang (Peony Decoction) — from *Su Wen Bing Ji Qi Yi Bao Ming Ji*

Cold-Damp Dysentery

Treatment principle: Warm the Middle and Dry Damp, Regulate Qi and Harmonize Blood

Formula: Buhuanjin Zhengqi San (Priceless Qi-Righting Powder)

Yin-Deficiency Dysentery

Treatment principle: Nourish Yin and Harmonize the Nutritive, Clear the Intestines and Transform Damp

Formula: Huanglian Ejiao Tang (Coptis and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction); Zhuche Wan (Stationary Carriage Pill)

Deficiency-Cold Dysentery

Treatment principle: Warm and Supplement the Spleen and Kidney, Astringe and Secure Against Collapse

Formula: Taohua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction); Zhenren Yangzang Tang (True Man's Decoction to Nourish the Viscera)

Intermittent Dysentery

Treatment principle: Warm the Middle and Clear the Intestines, Regulate Qi and Resolve Stagnation

Formula: Lianli Tang (Coptis Regulate the Middle Decoction)

These formulas are for reference under TCM syndrome differentiation and should only be used under the guidance of a qualified practitioner.

Food Therapy & Diet

Dietary Therapy Recipes

Purslane and Mung Bean Congee: Cook 50g purslane, 50g mung beans and 50g polished rice into congee; twice daily, for abdominal pain and purulent bloody stools.
Ginger, Honey and Radish Tea: Mix 15ml ginger juice, 30g honey, 50ml radish juice and one cup of strong black tea, steam until hot; twice daily. Warms and resolves cold-damp, moves qi and removes stagnation.
Barley and Potato Congee: Bring 100g pearl barley to a boil in water, add 300g peeled and diced potato and cook into congee, season with salt.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.