Bad Breath in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different bad breath patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Bad breath is a condition characterized by an unpleasant odor emanating from the mouth. This condition can be temporary, resulting from certain foods, poor oral hygiene, or dry mouth, but when persistent, it often signals underlying dental or medical issues.
Bad breath can significantly impact social interactions and a person’s confidence. Understanding its causes is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Addressing Bad breath requires a thorough examination to identify and treat its root cause, be it dental decay, gum disease, or other medical conditions.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), bad breath is viewed as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's internal systems. TCM practitioners believe that bad breath is often a symptom of disharmony related to organ function, Qi (vital energy), and the balance of Yin and Yang.
Unlike Western medicine, which primarily focuses on the symptom itself and local factors contributing to bad breath, TCM seeks to identify and correct the internal disharmonies, considering emotional, physiological, and environmental factors. This holistic approach emphasizes the need for a personalized diagnosis to effectively address Bad breath.
TCM Patterns for Bad Breath
Dryness
Causes: Bad breath
Large Intestine Dryness
Bad breath
Along with: Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Emaciation, Dizziness
Dryness in Large Intestine
Bad breath
Along with: Constipation, Thirst, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Mouth ulcers
Phlegm
Causes: Bad breath
Phlegm
Bad breath
Along with: Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Heat
Causes: Bad breath
Stomach Heat or Fire
Bad breath
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Feeling of heat, Acne
Herbal Formulas for Bad Breath
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address bad breath
Zeng Ye Tang
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Essence
- Lubricates Dryness
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Large Intestine Dryness
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Emaciation, Dizziness
Dryness in Large Intestine
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Constipation, Thirst, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution...
Cang Fu Dao Tan Wan
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and Phlegm
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Phlegm
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Stifling sensation in the chest, Head fog, Dizziness
Qing Wei San
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Ma Zi Ren Wan
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Intestines
- Invigorates Qi
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Large Intestine Dryness
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Emaciation, Dizziness
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these bad breath patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Bad Breath Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Bad breath
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...