Can Sedum sarmentosum treat bad breath?
Jun 23, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting diuresis. When halitosis is caused by excessive stomach fire and damp-heat in the intestines, accompanied by symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, and yellow greasy tongue coating, appropriate use of Sedum sarmentosum under the guidance of a TCM physician may help alleviate damp-heat in the body, improve the gastrointestinal environment, and thereby provide certain adjunctive benefits in relieving halitosis. It can be taken internally as a decoction or combined with other heat-clearing herbs.
Generally speaking, if bad breath is caused by internal dampness and heat, Sedum sarmentosum (垂盆草) may be used as an adjunct to improve the condition. However, it may not be effective for bad breath caused by other factors. If abnormalities occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Sedum sarmentosum is cool in nature and has functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, and promoting diuresis. When bad breath is caused by excessive stomach fire or damp-heat in the intestines, accompanied by symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, constipation, and yellow greasy tongue coating, appropriate use of Sedum sarmentosum under the guidance of a TCM practitioner might help alleviate bad breath by clearing damp-heat from the body and improving the gastrointestinal environment. It can be taken internally as a decoction or combined with other heat-clearing herbs.
If bad breath is caused by poor oral hygiene, dental caries, periodontitis or other oral diseases, or systemic conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infection, indigestion, or rhinitis, Sedum sarmentosum cannot address the root cause. Local oral issues should be treated with dental procedures such as scaling or filling, while systemic diseases require targeted, comprehensive treatment for the underlying cause. Relying solely on Sedum sarmentosum is unlikely to eliminate the odor.
When experiencing bad breath, one should not blindly rely on Sedum sarmentosum. It is important to first identify the underlying cause. It is recommended to visit a hospital's dental department or relevant specialty for examination. If necessary, seek syndrome differentiation and treatment from a TCM practitioner. Follow professional guidance for standardized treatment and avoid self-medicating, which may delay proper care.
