Traditional Chinese Medicine Remedies for Tongue Diseases from Qian Jin Fang

This prescription from Qian Jin Fang by Sun Simiao focuses on treating various tongue diseases, such as ulcers, swelling, and bleeding, which are often related to heat in the heart. The remedies use natural herbs like Scutellaria, Rehmannia, Pinellia, and Ginger to reduce inflammation and promote healing. The treatments also involve techniques like herbal rinses and cauterization, reflecting the holistic approach of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

Tongue Diseases (Fourth Section)
(Author: Sun Simiao, from “Qian Jin Fang”)
(11 formulas)

The tongue is connected to the heart, and when there is heat in the heart, ulcers or cracks can appear on the tongue, leading to redness and swelling of the lips. Below are remedies for such conditions.

Formula for Reducing Heat in the Tongue:

Ingredients: Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga), She Gan (Belamcanda chinensis) (3 liang each), Cypress Leaves (1 sheng, finely chopped), Isatis Root (2 liang), Bitter Bamboo Leaves (5 he), Honey (8 he), Fresh Reed Root, White Rose Root Bark (5 liang each), Raw Scrophularia Juice (3 he), Rehmannia Juice (5 he).

Boil the first 10 ingredients in 4 sheng of water, reducing it to 1 sheng. Remove the dregs, then add Scrophularia juice and boil twice, followed by Rehmannia juice for two more boils. Add honey and continue to boil until 1 sheng 7 he of liquid remains. Soak cotton in the liquid and place it on the tongue, gently swallowing the juice.

Formula for Heart Deficiency Heat (Ulcers, Stiff Tongue, Neck Pain):

Ingredients: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Sheng Ma, Peony (Shao Yao), Gardenia Seeds (Zhi Zi Ren), Rice Paper Pith (Tong Cao) (2 liang each), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Isatis Root, Apricot Seeds (1.5 liang each), Fresh Ginger, Gypsum (Shi Gao) (4 liang each).

Boil the 10 ingredients in 19 sheng of water, reducing to 3.5 sheng. Divide into four doses and drink three times during the day and once at night. The dregs can be boiled again for a second use.

Emergency Treatment for Sudden Tongue Swelling:

When the tongue swells and fills the mouth, obstructing breathing, immediate treatment is required to avoid fatal outcomes. Use a finger or small blade to scrape or puncture the sides of the tongue to release fluids. If the swelling persists, apply a salve to the area.

Another Formula:

Pierce the large veins under the tongue to allow blood to flow. Avoid puncturing the central vein, as it may lead to uncontrollable bleeding and death. If bleeding does not stop, use a hot iron instrument to cauterize the wound.

Formula for Tongue Swelling:

Ingredients: Pinellia (Ban Xia) (12 pieces), Vinegar (1 sheng).

Boil the Pinellia in vinegar until reduced to 8 he. Swish the liquid in the mouth and spit it out, adding 1 liang of fresh ginger for improved results.

Vinegar and Sugar Remedy:

Hold a small amount of sugar and vinegar in the mouth. The heat will dissipate.

Remedy for Tongue Swelling Like a Pig Bladder:

Use soot from the bottom of a pot mixed with vinegar to apply to the tongue. After removing the initial application, reapply fresh soot. If there is bleeding, apply the mixture to stop it. Often, there may be visible “worms” under the tongue that resemble grubs or ants. Heat a metal nail and burn the head of the worm; the swelling will reduce.

Remedy for Severe Tongue Swelling:

Ingredients: Insects (30), Salt (1 sheng).

Boil the two ingredients in 3 sheng of water, reducing to three boils. Hold the liquid in the mouth and swallow slowly, three times a day.

Remedy for Stiff Tongue:

Ingredients: Alum, Cinnamon Bark.

Grind these two ingredients into a fine powder and place it under the tongue for immediate relief.

Remedy for Black Holes in the Tongue with Bleeding:

Ingredients: Salt, Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bai), Rhubarb (Da Huang) (5 liang each), Ginseng, Cinnamon Bark, Licorice (2 liang each).

Grind these seven ingredients into a fine powder and mix with honey to form pills. Take 10 pills, the size of a wuzi (about the size of a small berry), three times a day. For severe cases, cauterize the affected areas with a hot iron.

Remedy for Profuse Tongue Bleeding:

Heat a metal comb until red-hot and cauterize the bleeding hole.