Introduction:
Mouth ulcers, also known as canker sores, can cause discomfort and pain, affecting eating and speaking. While modern treatments offer relief, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) provides time-tested remedies that address both the symptoms and root causes of these painful sores. ‘Bencao Gangmu’ (Compendium of Materia Medica) outlines several herbal treatments that target inflammation, heat, and imbalances in the body that contribute to mouth ulcers. This article explores the best TCM herbs for treating mouth ulcers, their dosages, and how they work to restore oral health.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies for Mouth Ulcers: Insights from Bencao Gangmu
Key Herbs for Treating Mouth Ulcers
- Coptis (Huang Lian – 黄连)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Coptis is known for its strong heat-clearing and detoxifying properties. It’s particularly effective in treating mouth ulcers caused by excessive internal heat and inflammation.
- How to Use: Usually taken as a decoction or in powder form, Coptis helps to cool down internal heat and speed up healing of mouth sores.
- Mint (Bo He – 薄荷)
- Dosage: 3-6 grams
- Properties: Mint is a cooling herb in TCM that helps relieve pain and inflammation in the mouth. It’s also known for its ability to clear wind-heat, which is often associated with oral ulcers.
- How to Use: Brewed as a tea or applied directly to the sore in a cooled infusion, mint provides quick relief from pain and irritation.
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao – 甘草)
- Dosage: 3-9 grams
- Properties: Licorice Root is often used to harmonize formulas and reduce inflammation. It has a soothing effect on mouth ulcers, helping to relieve pain and promote healing.
- How to Use: Commonly added to teas or made into a gargle solution, Licorice Root can be used daily to treat and prevent mouth ulcers.
- Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang – 生地黄)
- Dosage: 9-30 grams
- Properties: Rehmannia helps cool the blood and clear heat, making it ideal for treating mouth ulcers that arise from heat and inflammation in the body. It also nourishes the yin, which can help prevent recurrence of ulcers.
- How to Use: Rehmannia is typically taken as part of a decoction or powder, helping to address deeper imbalances in the body that cause mouth sores.
Herbal Formula for Mouth Ulcer Relief (Based on Bencao Gangmu)
Ingredients:
- Coptis (Huang Lian): 6 grams
- Mint (Bo He): 4 grams
- Licorice Root (Gan Cao): 5 grams
- Rehmannia (Sheng Di Huang): 10 grams
Preparation:
- Boil the herbs in 500ml of water for 20 minutes until the water reduces by half.
- Strain the mixture and divide it into two servings.
- Gargle with the decoction twice daily or drink it to help relieve mouth ulcer pain and promote faster healing.
External Application for Mouth Ulcers
To reduce pain and inflammation, mix powdered Coptis and Mint with water to create a paste. Apply the paste directly to the mouth ulcer and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before rinsing. This external treatment can provide immediate relief and speed up the healing process.
Why TCM is Effective for Mouth Ulcers
Traditional Chinese Medicine views mouth ulcers as a result of internal heat, often stemming from imbalances in the stomach or liver. TCM herbs work by cooling the body, reducing inflammation, and addressing the root causes of these imbalances. By treating both the symptoms and underlying issues, TCM offers a comprehensive approach to healing mouth ulcers and preventing their recurrence.
Conclusion:
The herbal remedies from ‘Bencao Gangmu’ for mouth ulcers provide natural, effective relief without the side effects of modern medications. These herbs not only soothe pain and inflammation but also address the root causes, ensuring long-term relief and better oral health. For those looking for a natural approach to treating mouth ulcers, Traditional Chinese Medicine offers time-tested solutions.
References:
- Li Shizhen. “Compendium of Materia Medica” (Bencao Gangmu), 1596.