Swollen Gumsaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Oral Inflammations and Infections
Root Causes of Swollen Gums in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Swollen gums according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Stomach
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 Swollen Gums
Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Bleeding Gums Toothache Headaches Stomatitis Periodontitis
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Swelling gums, 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, 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 |
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Swelling gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang |
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 Swollen Gums
Common Symptoms: Dry Mouth Restlessness Constipation Bleeding Gums Toothache Headaches Stomatitis Periodontitis
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Swelling gums, 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, 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 |
| Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat | Swelling gums, Toothache, Headaches, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Diabetes, Viral myocarditis, Breast engorgement, Breast lumps... see more | Yu Nu Jian | Wen Dan Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Swollen Gums
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address swollen gums, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
Top Formula for Heat:
Yu Nu Jian
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause swollen gums, such as Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Swollen Gums Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Yu Nu Jian | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
| Wen Dan Tang | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
| 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 |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some swollen gums-causing patterns like Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Yu Nu Jian, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for swollen gums
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yu Nu Jian | Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat |
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
These formulas are suitable for some swollen gums-causing patterns like Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
These formulas are suitable for some swollen gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some swollen gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Fei Er Wan, with quisqualis fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some swollen gums-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Acupoints for Swollen Gums
Explore below some acupoints used to address swollen gums, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Gall Bladder Channel
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
- Triple Burner Channel
- Small Intestine Channel
- Governing Vessel
Muchuang GB-16
1 cun posterior to the Toulingqi GB-15 or 1.5 cun posterior to the anterior hairline, on the pupil line which is 2.25 cun lateral to the midline.
