In the treasure trove of traditional Chinese medicine for treating spleen and stomach diseases, mineral and shell-based medicines, with their unique ability to "neutralize acid, protect the mucosa, and promote tissue regeneration," often overcome stubborn ailments.
Today, we will introduce a pair of "golden partners" that have repeatedly achieved remarkable success in the battle against reversing atrophic gastritis and calming reflux esophagitisCalcined Ark Shell and Cuttlebone。
Many patients with chronic stomach diseases, especially those with atrophic gastritis accompanied by intestinal metaplasia, often suffer from persistent bloating, stomach pain, acid reflux, and heartburn.
Although I have tried tonic herbs such as Codonopsis pilosula and Astragalus, the results were not satisfactory and even led to a feeling of increased "blockage."
This is often due to long-term obstruction of the stomach's meridians and collaterals, leading to poor circulation of qi and blood, which prevents even the best "nutrients" from nourishing the damaged gastric mucosa.
At this moment,Calcined Ark Shell与CuttleboneWith itsAntacid and analgesic, astringent and tissue-regenerating, promoting meridian flow and resolving massesThe characteristics become the key to unblocking the "stomach collaterals"
- Calcined Ark Shell: Prepared from the shells of the Arcidae family, it has a neutral nature and a sweet-salty taste. It excels at resolving phlegm, dispersing stasis, inhibiting acid, and relieving pain. It is particularly effective in resolving local inflammation and hyperplastic lesions of the gastric mucosa.
- Cuttlebone: Made from the internal shell of cuttlefish, it is slightly warm in nature and salty and astringent in taste. It can astringe to stop bleeding, secure essence and stop leukorrhea, counteract acidity and astringe sores, and promote mucosal repair.
The combination of the two, one attacking and one defending: calcined concha arcae promotes circulation and disperses nodules, resolving stasis and stagnation; cuttlebone protects the membrane and promotes tissue regeneration, reducing gastric acid erosion, making it a "natural shield" for gastric mucosal repair.
Modern research reveals that the synergistic mechanism of this combination lies in
Powerful acid suppression:
calcined ark shell contains calcium carbonate, neutralizing stomach acid and relieving heartburn and acid reflux
Cuttlebone regulates nerves and inhibits abnormal gastric acid secretion.
Repair Mucosa:
Cuttlebone promotes the convergence of ulcer surfaces and accelerates mucosal regeneration;
Calcined Ark Shell improves local circulation and eliminates mucosal edema.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial: Both can inhibit Helicobacter pylori and block the risk of atrophic gastritis turning into cancer.
Case Witness
Atrophic gastritis with intestinal metaplasia, stomach pain, postprandial fullness like a stone, frequent belching and acid reflux, dark purple tongue with ecchymosis.
Gastroscopy shows C1-type atrophy, grade A reflux esophagitis, severe nocturnal heartburn pain, long-term dependence on acid-suppressing medication.
Differentiation: Spleen and stomach deficiency, qi stagnation and blood stasis, stomach qi ascending counterflow.
New Formula: Monarch Drug: Calcined Concha Arcae (to reduce acid and dissipate nodules) + Sepiae Endoconcha (to protect the membrane and promote tissue regeneration)
Assistants: Astragalus and Atractylodes strengthen the spleen; Notoginseng and Zedoary activate blood; Coptis clears stagnant heat; Bupleurum and Scutellaria soothe the liver and clear the stomach; Pinellia directs rebellious qi downward; Bitter Orange relieves distension.
Effect: After 6 months of treatment, atrophy reversed to superficial gastritis, weight increased, and symptoms completely disappeared.
Syndrome Differentiation Applicability:
Suitable for stomach pain and acid reflux, mucosal erosion (for those with a red tongue and yellow greasy coating). For those with deficiency-cold, add dried ginger and white atractylodes to harmonize.
Dosage and Decoction Method
Calcined Ark Shell 10~15g (needs to be decocted first for 30 minutes)
Sepiae Endoconcha 6~10g.
Both are dry in nature, often paired with licorice and ophiopogon to replenish qi and nourish yin, preventing stomach damage.
I deeply understand the torment that atrophic gastritis and reflux esophagitis inflict on patients. In traditional Chinese medicine, the key to treating such stubborn diseases lies inAccurate syndrome differentiation, adept use of mineral medicines, simultaneous attack and reinforcement。
The classic combination of calcined ark shell and cuttlebone can directly target the lesion, achieving mucosal repair and pathological reversal!
