Skip to main content
    Annual subscribers get the entire Medi-Chi library — modern versions of the classics and the seasonal TCM dietetics cookbooks — FREESee the libraryClinical Education Tool — This platform provides educational resources for TCM practitioners and students. It does not issue medical certificates, prescriptions, or clinical diagnoses.
    Medi-Chi logo — AI-powered TCM diagnosis tool
    Medi-Chi
    digestive

    Recurrent Mouth Ulcers (aphthous stomatitis)

    Also known as: mouth ulcers, canker sores, aphthous ulcers, aphthous stomatitis

    Recurrent mouth ulcers are small painful sores inside the mouth that heal in 1–2 weeks. Chinese medicine treats them as Kǒu Chuāng with Heart-Spleen Heat, Stomach Heat, or Yin deficiency with Empty Heat patterns. Persistent or unusual ulcers need medical review.

    Plain-English one-pager you can print or hand to a patient. Free, no sign-in needed.

    All clinical details on this page are for practitioner premium subscribers only.
    Checking your practitioner access
    Verifying your Medi-Chi access…

    Lifestyle & Diet

    • •Most ulcers heal in 1–2 weeks; numbing gels and salt-water rinses ease the pain.
    • •Avoid spicy, acidic and sharp foods during flares.
    • •Ask the GP to check B12, folate, iron and coeliac disease if ulcers keep returning.
    • •Try SLS-free toothpaste — it reduces recurrences for some people.

    Cautions & Contraindications

    See sources
    • •Any ulcer persisting beyond 3 weeks needs medical or dental review before continued treatment.[,]
    • •Never use Mu Tong (Aristolochia risk); Dan Zhu Ye is the safe substitute in Dao Chi San.[]

    When to reassess or seek care again

    See sources

    Track flare frequency and triggers over 2–3 months. Confirm blood tests for recurrent cases; refer any ulcer persisting beyond 3 weeks.

    Explore more diseases

    Achilles tendinopathy (adjunctive care)Acid reflux (GERD)Acne vulgarisAcne VulgarisAcute and Chronic DiarrhoeaAcute bronchitisAcute cystitisAcute gastritis

    Sources & Further Reading

    Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.

    1. Mouth ulcers — Healthdirect
      Healthdirect Australia · 2024
    2. Aphthous ulcers — NICE CKS
      NICE · 2023
    3. Mouth ulcers — Better Health Channel
      Better Health Channel (Victoria) · 2024
    4. Chinese medicine practitioner safety standards
      AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024

    Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.