What is the traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation for recurrent oral ulcers

Recurrent oral ulcers in traditional Chinese medicine are mainly related to factors such as heat accumulation in the heart and spleen, yin deficiency and excessive fire, damp heat in the spleen and stomach, insufficient qi and blood, and liver depression and qi stagnation. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that oral ulcers are often caused by internal and external factors leading to dysfunction of the organs, resulting in local mucosal damage.

1. Heat accumulation in the heart and spleen

Long term consumption of spicy food or emotional anxiety can lead to heat accumulation in the heart and spleen, causing heat pathogens to attack the mouth and form ulcers. Manifested as ulcer redness, swelling, and obvious pain, accompanied by symptoms such as bad breath and constipation. Treatment requires clearing heat and purging fire. Commonly used are modified Daochi San and Xiehuang San, and traditional Chinese medicine decoctions containing ingredients such as Huanglian and Gardenia can alleviate symptoms. Avoid spicy food in daily life and maintain emotional stability.

2. Yin deficiency and excessive fire

Staying up late or suffering from prolonged illness can easily cause Yin deficiency and excessive fire, which can burn the oral mucosa. Ulcers are superficial, with a slight redness around them, accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, and restlessness and heat in the five hearts. You can choose Zhibai Dihuang Pill or Xuanmai Ganju Granules to nourish yin and reduce fire, combined with substitute tea drinks such as Dendrobium and Ophiopogon japonicus. It is necessary to have a regular schedule and reduce the intake of warm and dry foods.

Thirdly, damp heat in the spleen and stomach

Overconsumption of fat, sweet, and thick flavors or external dampness can easily cause damp heat in the spleen and stomach, and damp heat fumigation can lead to ulcers. The ulcer surface is covered with yellow and white secretions, accompanied by sticky mouth and yellow and greasy tongue coating. The treatment is suitable for clearing heat and dispelling dampness. Commonly used are Ganlu Disinfectant Pills or Huoxiang Zhengqi Soft Capsules, combined with dietary therapies such as Coix seed and adzuki beans. It is necessary to control sweet and greasy foods and exercise appropriately to sweat.

4. Insufficient Qi and Blood

Long term illness, weakness, or excessive fatigue can lead to insufficient Qi and blood, resulting in the loss of nourishment of oral mucosa and the formation of chronic ulcers. Ulcers have a pale color, slow healing, accompanied by fatigue, pale complexion, etc. You can take Guipi Wan or Bazhen Granules to nourish qi and blood, and daily use Huangqi and Danggui stewed soup for dietary therapy. Ensure adequate nutrient intake and avoid overexertion.

Fifth, liver depression and qi stagnation

Poor emotions can easily lead to liver qi stagnation, and prolonged stagnation can cause fire to rise in the mouth. Ulcers often occur on the lingual or buccal mucosa, accompanied by bloating and emotional fluctuations. Treatment requires soothing the liver and relieving depression, commonly using Chaihu Shugan San or Xiaoyao Wan, combined with tea drinks such as roses and Buddha's hands. Maintain a happy mood and engage in moderate soothing exercises. Patients with recurrent oral ulcers should pay attention to maintaining oral hygiene and rinse their mouth with diluted salt water after meals. A light diet is recommended, with plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits such as kiwifruit and broccoli to supplement vitamins. Avoid staying up late and feeling mentally tense, and avoid eating spicy and stimulating foods during attacks. If the ulcer persists for 2 weeks without healing or is accompanied by systemic symptoms, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly for a combination of traditional Chinese and Western medicine diagnosis and treatment to rule out the possibility of systemic diseases such as Behcet's disease.