Mouth Ulcersaccording to TCM

*redirected from Mouth sores

Symptom family: Oral and Throat Ulcers and Sores

Sub-symptom(s): Tongue Ulcers Lip Sores

Did you mean? Mouth Ulcers Stomatitis

Root Causes of Mouth Ulcers in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Mouth ulcers according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Dampness
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

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

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

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

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Mind Disturbance

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

Mind Disturbance Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

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

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

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

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Dampness

"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

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Small Intestine

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

Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Heart

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

Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Pericardium

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

Pericardium Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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
Detailed description of the cause

Stomach

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

Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Mouth Ulcers

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

TCM Herbal Formulas for Mouth Ulcers

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address mouth ulcers, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Heat
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Mind Disturbance
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Cold
  • Dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • External formulas for external disorders
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
  • Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
  • Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
  • Formulas that expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
  • Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
  • Formulas that clear wind-Heat
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness

All Formulas Recommended for Mouth Ulcers Caused by Heat

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Mouth Ulcers Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula 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

All Formulas Recommended for Mouth Ulcers Caused by Mind Disturbance

Formula 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

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for mouth ulcers

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

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for mouth ulcers

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

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for mouth ulcers

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

All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for mouth ulcers

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

All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for mouth ulcers

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

All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for mouth ulcers

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Qing Ying Tang Toxic-Heat
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang Toxic-Heat

All "formulas that clear external abscesses and sores" recommended for mouth ulcers

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Shi Wei Bai Du San Toxic-Heat
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang Toxic-Heat

Acupoints for Mouth Ulcers

Explore below some acupoints used to address mouth ulcers, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
  • Large Intestine Channel
  • Governing Vessel
  • Directing Vessel
  • Small Intestine Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
  • Pericardium Channel
  • Heart Channel
Jiali EX-HN

Jiali EX-HN

Inside the mouth, on the mucosa of the cheek, 1 cun posterior to the corner of the mouth.

Hegu LI-4

Hegu LI-4

Between the 1st and 2nd metacarpal bones, approximately in the middle of the 2nd metacarpal bone on the radial side.

Wenliu LI-7

Wenliu LI-7

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.

Duiduan DU-27

Duiduan DU-27

On the midline, at the junction of the philtrum and the upper lip.

Lianquan REN-23

Lianquan REN-23

On the anterior midline of the neck, above the Adm's apple, in the depression at the upper border of the hyoid bone.

Shaoze SI-1

Shaoze SI-1

On the ulnar side of the little finger, about 0.1 cun posterior to the corner of the nail.

Waiguan TB-5

Waiguan TB-5

2 cun above Yangchi TB-4 at the dorsal wrist joint space, between the radius and ulna.

Laogong P-8

Laogong P-8

In the center of the palm, between the 2nd and the 3rd metacarpal bones, proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joint.

Shaofu HE-8

Shaofu HE-8

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.