Treat persistent canker sores with TCM
Mouth ulcers, oral ulcers, canker sores -- these refer to superficial ulcers that are round or oval in size and occur on the oral mucosa. They are one of the most common oral mucosal diseases in clinical practice. The incidence rate in women is higher than that in men, and can occur all year round. Periodic recurrence is the characteristic of this disease. The specific cause of the disease is not very clear; there is usually no serious underlying cause for oral ulcers, so most of the time symptomatic treatment is used.
80% are mild ulcers
Recurrent oral ulcers can be roughly divided into three types: mild, herpetic and severe. Mild is the most common, starting with small red spots or blisters, burning discomfort, and quickly rupture into small ulcers. At this time, the pain becomes more severe, and the ulcer diameter is 2 mm to 5 mm. The ulcer heals in about 2 weeks, and no scars are left after healing. The number of ulcers in each attack is generally 1 to 5.
Oral Chinese Patent Medicine
According to traditional Chinese medicine, common oral ulcers in daily life can be categorized into 4 types: excessive heart fire, liver depression and fire, gastrointestinal heat accumulation, and yin deficiency and fire.
1. Excessive heart fire: Oral ulcers or erosions, red and painful, difficulty eating, restlessness, dry mouth and thirst, short and red urine, red tongue-tip, thin and yellow tongue coating.
2. Liver depression and fire: Oral ulcers, red color, ulcer affected by emotions, women with irregular menstruation, slightly red tongue.
Jia Wei Xiao Yao Pills Ultra Concentrated 加味逍遥丸 can be used to soothe the liver and regulate qi, purge fire and detoxify.
3. Heat accumulation in the stomach and intestines: oral ulcers or erosions in the mouth, redness around the mouth, pain and refusal to eat, bad breath, excessive saliva, short and yellow urine, dry stool, red face, red tongue, thin and yellow tongue coating.
Niu Huang Chieh Tu Pien can be used to clear away heat and detoxify, clear the bowels and purge fire.
4. Yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire: Oral and tongue ulcers or erosions, redness around the ulcer, not very painful, clear saliva flowing from the mouth, fatigue, red cheeks, thirst without desire to drink, pale red tongue with little tongue coating.
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan 知柏地黄丸 can be used to nourish yin and reduce fire, suitable for recurrent oral ulcers caused by yin deficiency and hyperactivity of fire.
Other options:
Huang Lien Shang Ching Pien 黄连上清片: Suitable for oral ulcers caused by heat accumulation in the heart and spleen. Heat accumulation in the heart and spleen is often caused by spicy food, excessive alcohol, and irritability, which can cause oral inflammation. Symptoms include restlessness, insomnia, thirst, bad breath, dry stools, and short yellow urine.
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan 补中益气丸: can replenish the middle qi and are suitable for recurrent oral ulcers caused by spleen deficiency and Yin fire. Common ulcers are long-lasting and difficult to heal, with little secretion and no obvious congestion. They are often accompanied by abdominal distension, poor appetite, loose stools, fatigue, shortness of breath and spontaneous sweating. All symptoms are aggravated after activities and fatigue. The tongue is pale or light red, the tongue coating is thin and white, and the pulse is deep and weak.
Topical Chinese Patent Medicine
In addition to oral medications, we can also use topical medications for recurrent oral ulcers, which is much quicker and more convenient. Watermelon frost is known as somewhat of an 'oral elixir', being very effective against canker sores, as well as nasopharyngitis, laryngitis, toothache due to the excessive internal heat, swollen and aching gum, stomatitis, non acclimation, stiff tongue, scalds, burns traumas, etc,.
You can find a few options of watermelon frost here:
Sanjin Watermelon Frost Insufflations 桂林三金西瓜霜
Compound Watermelon Frost 複方西瓜霜噴劑
Traditional Chinese medicine advantages
Traditional Chinese medicine has great advantages in treating recurrent oral ulcers. It focuses on etiological treatment, regulates the functions of various organs, emphasizes syndrome differentiation and treatment, and has significant effects. In particular, Chinese herbal medicine can significantly reduce the recurrence rate of oral ulcers, relieve patients' pain, and improve the quality of life.
While taking medication for recurrent oral ulcers, you should constantly improve the related recurrence factors in your daily life, such as avoiding excessive fatigue and trying not to stay up late; avoid all spicy and irritating foods in your diet, such as peppers, mutton, seafood, processed snacks such as chips, etc.; avoid emotional tension and keep a stable mood as much as you can.