Oral Ulcers – A Traditional Chinese Medicine Perspective

Healing Mouth Sores by Clearing Heat and Balancing the Internal Organs

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), oral ulcers—commonly referred to as mouth sores or canker sores—are seen not merely as a local problem but as a manifestation of internal disharmony. These small, painful lesions on the tongue, inner cheeks, lips, or gums are often associated with excess Heat, Yin deficiency, or organ imbalances, particularly in the Heart, Stomach, and Spleen systems.While they may resolve spontaneously in Western medicine, TCM focuses on identifying the underlying pattern to treat both the symptoms and the root cause, especially in recurrent or chronic cases.

🔹 Common TCM Causes and Patterns of Oral Ulcers

✅ Heart Fire Blazing Upward

This is one of the most common causes of acute oral ulcers in TCM. The Heart governs the tongue, and when excessive Fire rises due to emotional stress, insomnia, or heat-producing foods, it can manifest as red, painful ulcers—often on the tongue tip—with irritability, restlessness, and dry mouth.

Treatment Principle: Clear Heart Fire, drain HeatHerbal Formula: Dao Chi San (Guide Out the Red Powder)Signs: Red tongue tip, yellow coating, rapid pulse

✅ Stomach Heat or Damp-Heat

Overconsumption of spicy, greasy, or sweet foods can generate Stomach Fire or Damp-Heat, which rises to affect the mouth. Ulcers may be larger, with yellow coating on the tongue, bad breath, constipation, and thirst.

Treatment Principle: Clear Stomach Heat, resolve Dampness

✅ Spleen Qi Deficiency with Damp Accumulation

In chronic cases, especially when ulcers are slow to heal or recur often, Spleen Qi Deficiency may be involved. Poor digestion leads to accumulation of Dampness and weak transformation of nutrients, resulting in poor tissue repair.

Treatment Principle: Strengthen Spleen, eliminate Dampness, support healing

✅ Kidney Yin Deficiency with Empty Heat

This pattern is often seen in chronic, stubborn, or recurring ulcers, especially in older adults or those with night sweats and low back soreness. Kidney Yin fails to nourish the upper body, and internal Heat flares up, leading to ulceration and dryness.

Treatment Principle: Nourish Kidney Yin, clear Deficiency Heat

🔹 Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid spicy, fried, and overly sweet foods during flare-ups

Eat more cooling and moistening foods: pears, cucumber, mung beans, chrysanthemum tea

Stay well hydrated and manage emotional stress

Practice regular sleep and digestion habits to support organ health

✅ Conclusion

In TCM, oral ulcers are not just a surface issue but a reflection of internal heat, imbalance, or deficiency. By identifying the underlying cause—whether Heart Fire, Stomach Heat, Spleen weakness, or Kidney Yin deficiency—TCM offers effective, long-term relief through personalized herbal treatment, acupuncture, and lifestyle guidance.Would you like a version of this text in Chinese, or adapted as a clinic-friendly patient handout? I'm happy to help further!