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Symptom family: Oral and Throat Ulcers and Sores
Sub-symptom(s): Tongue Ulcers Lip Sores
Did you mean? Mouth Ulcers Stomatitis
Explore below more details about what might cause Mouth ulcers according to TCM.
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Common Symptoms: Restlessness Thirst Insomnia Feeling Of Heat Cardiac Burning Sensation Anxiety Tongue Ulcers Dark Urine
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Mouth ulcers, 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... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Insomnia, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
Heart Fire blazing | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
Pericardium Fire | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, 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... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
Stomach Heat or Fire | Mouth ulcers, 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... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Toxic-Heat | Mouth ulcers, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Bai Hu Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Shi Wei Bai Du San | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Zi Dang Gao | Er Qing Gao | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
Toxic-Heat Stagnation | Mouth ulcers, Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Tonsil swelling... see more | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin |
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Common Symptoms: Generalized Fatigue Restless Sleeplessness Dry Stools Irritability Heart Palpitations With Anxiety Poor Concentration Nocturnal Emission Poor Memory
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Mouth ulcers, 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... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Yin and Blood Deficiency | Mouth sores, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
In TCM "Shen" refers to the mind or spirit, and a Shen disturbance is a pattern of disharmony that affects the mental and emotional state. This concept reflects the TCM belief in the deep interconnectedness of mind and body. Symptoms of Shen disturbance can vary widely but often include anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, confusion, or in severe cases, hallucinations or delirium. These symptoms indicate an imbalance in the body's energies affecting the heart, which in TCM is not only the center of blood circulation but also the seat of the mind and consciousness. The root of Shen disturbance can be traced to various factors, including emotional stress, physical illness, or an imbalance in fundamental substances like Qi, Yin, or Yang.... see more
Common Symptoms: Palpitations Thirst Tongue Ulcers Restlessness Anxiety Feeling Of Heat Insomnia Flushed Face
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Fire blazing | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
Pericardium Fire | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, 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... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Yin and Blood Deficiency | Mouth sores, Irritability, Heart palpitations with anxiety, Generalized fatigue, Restless sleeplessness, Poor concentration, Nocturnal emission, Poor memory, Dry stools, Mouth ulcers, Menopausal symptoms... see more | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold | Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Damp-Cold | Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain, Cold extremities, Arthralgia, Diarrhea, Feeling of heaviness... see more | Wei Ling Tang |
In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Insomnia, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Heart Fire blazing | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Palpitations, Thirst, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San |
In TCM the Pericardium is more than a physical membrane protecting the heart; it's considered an organ system that acts as the "Heart's protector." It plays a crucial role in safeguarding the heart from external pathogenic factors and emotional disturbances. The Pericardium is also involved in regulating blood circulation and influencing emotional well-being, especially in terms of relationships and intimacy. When the Pericardium malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to symptoms that mirror heart issues, such as chest pain or palpitations, but often with an emotional component like difficulty in forming emotional connections or excessive vulnerability to external stressors. Additionally, a disturbed Pericardium can result in sleep disturbances, anxiety, and in severe cases, mental confusion, reflecting its integral role in both physical heart protection and emotional balance.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Pericardium Fire | Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, 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... see more | Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan |
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Stomach Heat or Fire | Mouth ulcers, 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... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mouth ulcers, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Zi Xue Dan | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Fei Er Wan | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Hua Ban Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
Sang Ju Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Bai Hu Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Toxic-Heat |
Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Yin and Blood Deficiency or Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Yin and Blood Deficiency, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Suitable for Mind Disturbance patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire
Learn moreFormula | Patterns Suitable For |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Zi Xue Dan | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Yin and Blood Deficiency
Learn moreSuitable for Cold patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Damp-Cold
Learn moreSuitable for Dampness patterns that may cause mouth ulcers, such as Damp-Cold
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat or Toxic-Heat Stagnation.
One such formula is Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Heart Fire blazing |
Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire.
One such formula is Xie Xin Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Xie Xin Tang | Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire |
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
Liang Ge San | Heart Fire blazing |
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Yin and Blood Deficiency or Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan, with unprepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Yin and Blood Deficiency, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Heart Fire blazing or Pericardium Fire.
One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Ying Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
---|---|
Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Damp-Cold.
One such formula is Wei Ling Tang, with water plantain as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Fei Er Wan, with quisqualis fruit as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Sang Ju Yin, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
These formulas are suitable for some mouth ulcers-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
Explore below some acupoints used to address mouth ulcers, organized by meridian.
Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.
Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.
When a fist is made, with the ulnar side downward and elbow flexed, the point is 5 cun above Yangxi LI-5 at the wrist crease, 1 cun distal to the midpoint of the line joining Yangxi LI-5 and Quchi LI-11.
On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.
On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.
On the ulnar side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.
2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.
In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.
On the palmar surface, between the 4th and 5th metacarpal bones. When a fist is made, the point is where the tip of the little finger rests.