Ailments of the mouth can be painful as well as embarrassing for some. Mouth ulcers, aphthous (canker) sores, inflammation of mouth edges, and swollen gums, amongst others, can affect eating, speaking, and even quality of sleep. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) offers some remedies to ease these maladies of the mouth.
TCM believes that oral discomforts are mainly a result of excessive stomach or large intestine “fire.”
In TCM, the human body has a “meridian” system responsible for transporting “qi” and blood throughout the body. Qi and blood are the basic substances that constitute the body and maintain all its physiological activities. The body has 12 main meridians, corresponding to 12 viscera (internal organs), from which further flow to the hands, feet, head, and face originates.
Blockage of meridians will affect the proper movement of the essential substances, allowing “evil qi” or “disease qi” (a range of factors that cause diseases) the chance to invade, resulting in a potential variety of abnormalities.
TCM regards wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, and fire as the six exogenous factors that cause diseases.
Stomach fire refers to excessive heat in the stomach, which can lead to a dry mouth, bad breath, red and swollen gums, and chapped lips. Likewise, large intestine fire refers to excess heat in the large intestine, which can lead to constipation, bitter mouth, tongue sores, and throat inflammation. These “evil fires” will rise to the mouth along the stomach and large intestine meridians, causing various discomforts.
Therefore, from a TCM perspective, to prevent and treat oral complications, we must target and eliminate the “evil fires” by first regulating the functions of the stomach and large intestine, followed by keeping the mouth clean and hygienic to avoid infection or deterioration. Finally, we should also pay attention to the regularity and balance of diet and lifestyle to enhance resistance and immunity.
Mouth Ulcers Treated With Fritillaria and Bletilla
A TCM classic “Compendium of Materia Medica” records that Fritillaria thunbergii (a flowering plant species in the lily family) is a medicinal material that can be used to treat oral ulcers. It has the effects of clearing away heat, detoxifying, moisturizing the throat, and relieving cough.
Modern research also shows that Fritillaria has important medicinal value and can treat cough, inflammation, gastric ulcer, high blood pressure, diarrhea, bronchitis, and more.
For patients with oral ulcers such as white sores, Fritillaria thunbergii can be ground into a fine powder, blended with honey, and applied to the ulcers in the mouth. Repeat 5 to 6 times a day, and the ulcer will improve quickly.
Bletilla striata (Chinese ground orchid) is another medicinal herb that can be used to treat oral ulcers and inflammation. It has the effects of clearing away heat, stopping bleeding, reducing swelling, and promoting muscle growth. Grind Bletilla striata into a fine powder and apply in the same way as mentioned above.
Acupoints to Treat Swollen Gums
In TCM theory, the upper teeth belong to the stomach meridian, and the lower teeth to the large intestine meridian. It is therefore recommended to eat less, or simply avoid spicy, fried, and other agitating foods, to keep from adding heat and fire to the stomach or large intestine, which will cause swelling and pain in the gums.
If the gums are swollen and painful, you can press the “Hegu acupoint” on your hands and the “Neiting acupoint” on your feet. These two acupoints lie on the large intestine and stomach meridians respectively, and both can help eliminate large intestine and stomach fire.
Hegu acupoint is at the purlicue (the space formed between your extended thumb and forefinger), Neiting is at the seam between the second and third toes. Frequent pressing of these points plays a role in extinguishing stomach fire and maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
8 Foods for Better Oral Health
I recommend eight kinds of fruits and vegetables—regular consumption of which can prevent and relieve gum swelling and pain:
1. Pitaya (dragon fruit).
2. Banana.
3. Kiwi fruit.
4. Pear.
5. Watermelon.
6. Loofah.
7. Celery.
8. Mung beans.
Licorice for Swollen Tongue
Conditions of the mouth such as swelling of the tongue, numbness, stiffness, and reduced agility, could indicate a serious illness that merits medical treatment. If though, it is not severe, licorice can be tried as a treatment.
To Prepare and Use a Licorice Rinse:
Preparation:
Boil licorice roots into a thick juice, then cool and strain.
To use:
Hold and swish the rinse in the mouth for a while, then spit it out. Repeat as needed to relieve symptoms.
The above remedy has long been recorded in the “Compendium of Materia Medica.” In addition, studies have confirmed that licorice can be used to treat oral, gastrointestinal, and various skin diseases.
Note: Some of the above-mentioned herbs may sound unfamiliar, but many are available in health food and Asian grocery stores. Because everyone’s physical constitution is different, please consult a professional physician for specific treatment options.
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