Is Pulsatilla effective for treating mouth ulcers?

Apr 18, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In general, if stomatitis presents with symptoms such as redness, swelling, and pain of the oral mucosa, recurrent episodes accompanied by halitosis or constipation, it may be classified in TCM as a syndrome of dampness-heat toxin accumulation. In such cases, the herb Pulsatilla (Baitouweng), which clears heat and resolves toxicity, cools the blood, and reduces swelling, may help alleviate symptoms. It can be used as a mouth rinse prepared by decoction or taken internally in combination with other heat-clearing herbs. However, it is ineffective for yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity or infectious ulcers and may potentially worsen symptoms.

Pulsatilla may be effective in treating mouth ulcers of the damp-heat toxin accumulation type, but it is ineffective and may worsen symptoms in cases of yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity or infectious ulcers. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If mouth ulcers present with redness, swelling, and pain of the oral mucosa, recurrent episodes accompanied by bad breath or constipation, and are diagnosed in TCM as damp-heat toxin accumulation syndrome, Pulsatilla may help relieve symptoms due to its functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood, and reducing swelling. It can be used as a mouth rinse after decoction or taken internally in combination with other heat-clearing herbs.

If mouth ulcers are caused by vitamin deficiency, immune factors, or viral infection (e.g., herpetic stomatitis), Pulsatilla cannot target these causes. For individuals with yin deficiency and fire hyperactivity, its bitter-cold nature may further damage yin and worsen symptoms such as dry mouth and thirst. Using it alone for ulcers accompanied by erosion and bleeding may irritate the wound and is strictly contraindicated.

Patients with mouth ulcers are advised to first seek medical consultation to determine the underlying cause. External use of Pulsatilla requires dilution and brief mouth rinsing; internal use must be prescribed according to TCM syndrome differentiation by a licensed practitioner. Discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention if ulcers spread, fever develops, or pain worsens after using the herb.

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