Stomatitis in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different stomatitis patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Stomatitis is a broad term referring to inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the soft tissue structures in the mouth. This condition can affect the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. Stomatitis can manifest in various forms, including redness, swelling, and the development of painful sores or ulcers. The causes of stomatitis are diverse, ranging from viral or bacterial infections to allergic reactions, nutritional deficiencies, or systemic diseases.
Common symptoms include pain, burning sensations, difficulty eating or swallowing, and increased sensitivity to hot or spicy foods. One particular form of stomatitis is aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores, which are small, shallow lesions that develop on the soft tissues of the mouth. While most cases of stomatitis are benign and self-limiting, persistent or severe cases may require medical attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches stomatitis through the lens of pattern diagnosis, a fundamental concept that distinguishes it from Western medical approaches. In TCM, stomatitis is seen as a manifestation of underlying imbalances within the body's energy systems, particularly involving the Stomach, Heart, and Spleen.
This holistic view considers not just the localized symptoms in the mouth, but how they relate to overall bodily functions, energy flow, and organ interactions. Identifying the correct pattern is crucial because it guides the entire treatment strategy. For stomatitis, patterns might involve Heat accumulation, Fire blazing, or disharmony between different organs. By addressing these root patterns, TCM aims to restore balance and promote healing more comprehensively than treating the inflammation in isolation.
TCM Patterns for Stomatitis
Heat
Causes: Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Mouth ulcers
Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Along with: Restlessness, Insomnia, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning
Heart Fire blazing
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Along with: Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth
Pericardium Fire
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Stomach Heat or Fire
Mouth ulcers
Along with: Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne
Toxic-Heat
Mouth ulcers
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Tonsil swelling
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Mouth ulcers
Along with: Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Tonsil swelling
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Mouth ulcers, Mouth sores
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Mouth ulcers
Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones
Yin and Blood Deficiency
Mouth sores
Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms
Mind Disturbance
Causes: Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Heart Fire blazing
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Along with: Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth
Pericardium Fire
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Mouth sores
Yin and Blood Deficiency
Mouth sores
Along with: Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms
Cold
Causes: Mouth ulcers
Damp-Cold
Mouth ulcers
Along with: White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness
Dampness
Causes: Mouth ulcers
Damp-Cold
Mouth ulcers
Along with: White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness
Herbal Formulas for Stomatitis
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address stomatitis
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Yin and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth sores
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission...
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Liang Ge San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner
- Draining the Middle Burner
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia...
Wei Ling Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes urination
- Warms the Yang
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Promotes the movement of Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Damp-Cold
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities...
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Causes Fire to descend
- Eliminates irritability
- Calms the spirit
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Drains Fire
- Stabilizes the Exterior
- Stops sweating
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Xie Xin Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Dries Dampness
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia...
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation...
Zi Xue Dan
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia...
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation...
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Heart
- Augments the Qi and Yin
- Stops turbid painful urinary dribbling
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia...
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Dao Chi San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Heart
- Promotes urination
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Restlessness, Insomnia, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain...
Qing Wei San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Yin
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Xie Huang San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Stagnant Fire from the Spleen and Stomach
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Fei Er Wan
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Kills parasites
- Reduces accumulation
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Stomach Heat or Fire
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these stomatitis patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Stomatitis Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Mouth ulcers
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...