Wuji Powder for Gastric Ulcer and Gastric Hemorrhage

In my previous article I introduced Zuojin Wan, which commonly suppresses gastric acid and treats gastritis, gastric ulcer, and other stomach disorders (see the link for details). But for patients with gastric ulcer and gastric bleeding, Zuojin Wan alone is not enough; it must be combined with Wuji Powder.

Wuji Powder is made from the Chinese herbs Wu Zei Gu (cuttlebone, Sepiae Endoconcha) and Bai Ji (Bletillae Rhizoma) in a 2:1 ratio, ground together into a powder. To take it, simply dissolve the powder in warm water, or fill capsules. Take 2-3 times daily, 3-9 g each time, depending on the patient's condition.

The Wu Zei Gu in Wuji Powder suppresses gastric acid and suits patients with excess acid secretion. Bai Ji is a potent hemostatic that can rapidly repair damaged gastric mucosa. Animal experiments confirm that after perforating a dog's stomach, pouring in a suspension made from Bai Ji powder can repair the perforation within five minutes. I have written about Bai Ji's effects before; it is the most effective Chinese herb for lung and gastric bleeding.

Combining Wu Zei Gu with Bai Ji controls excess gastric acid secretion while repairing the stomach damage caused by gastric ulcer, and works well for the excess acid and gastric bleeding caused by gastritis and gastric ulcer. Clinically Wuji Powder is commonly used for stomach disorders presenting with stomach pain, acid regurgitation, heartburn, hematemesis or melena, purple-dark tongue, and wiry or fine, rough pulse.

However, when Bai Ji is used in excessive doses, it can have some side effects. I have observed that some patients develop sinus tachycardia after taking large doses of Bai Ji. This may be related to Bai Ji's procoagulant effect. Therefore, patients with a history of heart disease should be cautious when taking Wuji Powder; start with a small dose and increase gradually. If the patient feels even slight cardiac discomfort, reduce the dose.