夫口者。足太阴之经。脾之所主。五味之所入也。盖五味入口。藏于脾胃。为之运化津
液
寒。酸则停滞。涩则因燥。淡则由虚。热则从苦从甘也。口臭者。乃腑脏臊腐之不同。蕴积
于胸膈之间而生热。冲发于口也。口疮者。脾气凝滞。风热加之而然。医疗之法。各随其所
因以治之。
夫手少阴心之经也。其气通于舌。是太阴脾之经也。其气通于口。腑脏虚热。热之气乘
心脾
之经也。其脉虚者。病苦少气不足以息。咽干无津液故也。又右手关上脉浮为阳。足少阳胆
之经也。其脉实者。病苦腹中满。饮食不可。咽干燥也。
方
葛根汤 治口舌干焦。
葛根（锉） 甘草（炙各半两） 人参〔三（二）分〕 赤茯苓〔去黑皮一分（两）〕 黄
（锉
一
黄
（去根节一两） 牛黄（研一分） 地骨皮（锉半两） 麦门冬（去心焙一两） 上粗捣筛。
每服
三钱匕。
杏仁散（出圣惠方）治心胃中客热。唇口干燥。或生疮。
杏仁（汤浸去皮尖双仁麸炒微黄） 麦门冬（去心） 赤茯苓 黄连（去须） 栀子仁 黄
芩
地
微炒）
上为散。每服三钱。以水一中盏。入淡竹叶十四片。煎至六分。去滓。每于食后温服。
牛黄丸（出圣惠方）治心脾壅热。口舌干燥。兼烦渴。
牛黄（三分细研） 黄连（二两去须） 黄芩 芎 栀子仁 马牙硝（细研） 甘草
（各一
两炙
研水飞
过）
煎
竹叶汤。
干枣汤 治口舌干焦。
干枣（去核焙） 贝母（去心各一两半） 生干地黄（焙） 胡桃瓤〔各三（二）两〕 陈
橘皮
（去
苗各一两）
上
酸枣丸 治虚劳口干。
酸枣（一升） 酸石榴子 乌梅（各五合） 栝蒌实 葛根 甘草（各三两） 麦门冬
（四两）
覆
茯苓汤 治心热舌干。烦躁。
白茯苓（去黑皮） 大黄（锉炒） 升麻 麦门冬（去心焙） 远志（去心） 人参 葛
根（锉）
甘
栝蒌根散（出圣惠方）治风热口中干燥。舌裂生疮。
栝蒌根（三分） 牛黄〔二（一）分细研〕 白僵蚕（微炒） 白藓皮 川大黄（各半
两锉碎
微
候。
煎淡竹叶
甘草丸 治口中热干。
甘草 人参 半夏 生姜 乌梅肉（各一两半） 枣膏（二两半） 上为末。蜜丸如弹
子
大。旋
栝蒌根汤 治口干渴燥。
栝蒌根（二两） 石膏〔碎二两（分）〕 铅丹（研三分） 赤石脂 白石脂（各半两）
泽泻
（三
拘时。
甘草丸（出圣惠方）治口舌干燥。烦热。
甘草（炙微赤锉） 人参（去芦头） 乌梅肉（各三分微炒） 麦门冬（一两半去心焙）
栝蒌
根（
柴胡散 治口舌干燥。心膈痰壅。
柴胡（去苗一两） 地骨皮 赤茯苓（去黑皮） 枳壳（去瓤麸炒） 旋复花（各半两）
上为
散。
杏仁煎（出圣惠方）治口热舌焦干。
杏仁（去皮尖双仁研半两） 生姜汁（一合） 甘草（炙锉为末半两） 枣（去皮核三
十枚）
蜜（五合） 上先下姜汁与蜜。煎令烊。后入药。煎赤色如饧。每取一丸如枣核大。含化一
枚。
日宜四五丸。
甘露丸（出圣惠方）解壅毒。退风热。治口舌干燥。
寒水石（二斤烧令通赤摊于地上出毒一宿） 铅霜（三分细研） 马牙硝〔三（两）分
细研〕
龙
丸。
如弹
干枣杏仁丸 治口舌干燥。
干枣肉（焙） 杏仁（去皮尖双仁研） 乌梅肉（焙） 甘草（炙锉各一两） 上为末。
炼蜜丸
如弹子大。每服一丸。不拘时候。含化。
含化丸（出圣惠方）治上焦烦热。口舌干燥。心神头目不利。宜服。
石膏（半斤细研水飞过） 寒水石（半斤研如面） 白蜜（半斤） 上以水四大盏。煎
取一大
盏半
又方（出圣惠方）
麦门冬汁（五合） 蜜（三合） 枣肉（三十枚） 上相和。纳瓷瓶中。于饭甑上蒸一
炊久。
取出。每服一茶匙。含咽津。一方。治虚劳口干。以蜜二升和。令任意服。
治口干除热下气方。
石膏（五合碎） 蜜〔一（二）升〕 上以水三升。煮石膏取三升。纳蜜煮取二升。去
滓。
含如枣核大。咽汁尽。更含之。
麦门冬汤 治口舌干燥。心热。
麦门冬（去心焙） 栝蒌根（各一两） 上粗捣筛。每服三钱。水一盏。煎至七分。去
滓。
温服。不拘时候。
治口干方
用羊脂若猪脂鸡子大。擘之。纳半升酢中渍一宿。绞取汁含之。瘥。
治虚劳口干。
用羊脂如鸡子大。醇酒半升。枣七枚擘。合渍七日。取枣食之。立愈。
玄明粉（出危氏方）治实热烦渴。口干燥作烦者。及干喉风。立效。
上用朴硝十斤。防风一斤。煎水泡溶。却用布并花叶纸。澄滤七遍。却于霜下露天露一
夜。却取
一时。通红为度。出火去毒。研为末。每一斤。用甘草三两。每服一茶匙。温熟水调。如实
热烦渴。口干燥作烦者。可略加硼砂脑子。入口噙化。干喉风立效。
主口干。以桑梨蜜。煮食之。
The mouth is the pathway of the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian (Zu Taiyin Pi Jing), which is governed by the Spleen, and it is where the Five Flavors enter. Generally, when the Five Flavors enter the mouth, they are stored in the Spleen and Stomach, where they are transported and transformed to generate Body Fluids (Jin Ye). Cold causes stagnation of fluids, sourness causes retention, astringency arises from dryness, blandness results from deficiency, and heat accompanies bitterness and sweetness. Bad breath (Kou Chou) occurs due to the differing odors of the Zang-Fu organs; these foul accumulations lodge between the chest and diaphragm, generating heat that rushes upward to the mouth. Mouth ulcers (Kou Chuang) result from the stagnation of Spleen Qi combined with an invasion of Wind-Heat. The method of treatment should follow the specific etiology.
The Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian (Shou Shaoyin Xin Jing) has its Qi connecting to the tongue. The Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian has its Qi connecting to the mouth. Deficient Heat in the Zang-Fu organs allows Heat Qi to invade the Heart and Spleen meridians. If the pulse is deficient, the patient suffers from shortness of breath and inability to catch their breath, due to dryness of the throat and lack of fluids. Furthermore, a floating pulse at the Guan position on the right hand indicates a Yang pattern involving the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian (Zu Shaoyang Dan Jing). If the pulse is excess, the patient suffers from abdominal fullness, inability to eat, and dryness of the throat.
Ge Gen Tang (Pueraria Decoction): Treats dryness and scorching of the mouth and tongue.
Ingredients: Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae, sliced), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried, each half liang), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng, 3 or 2 fen), Chi Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with dark skin removed, 1 fen or 1 liang), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae baicalensis, sliced, 1 liang), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis chinensis, rootlets and nodes removed, 1 liang), Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis, finely ground, 1 fen), Di Gu Pi (Cortex Lycii chinensis, sliced, half liang), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, heart removed and roasted, 1 liang). The above ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose consists of 3 qian bi, taken orally.
Xing Ren San (Apricot Seed Powder, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats guest-heat in the Heart and Stomach, dryness of lips and mouth, or formation of ulcers.
Ingredients: Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, soaked in water, skin and pointed end removed, double-kernel, bran-roasted until slightly yellow), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, heart removed), Chi Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with dark skin removed), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis chinensis, rootlets removed), Zhi Zi Ren (Semen Gardeniae jasminoidis), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae baicalensis), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, lightly roasted). The above ingredients are processed into powder. Each dose is 3 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water and 14 leaves of Dan Zhu Ye (Bambusae Folium), reduced to six parts, strained, and taken warm after meals.
Niu Huang Wan (Calculus Bovis Pill, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats congestion-heat in the Heart and Spleen, dryness of mouth and tongue, accompanied by irritability and thirst.
Ingredients: Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis, 3 fen, finely ground), Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis chinensis, 2 liang, rootlets removed), Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae baicalensis), Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Zhi Zi Ren (Semen Gardeniae jasminoidis), Ma Ya Xiao (Natrii Sulfas crystallized, finely ground), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, each 1 liang, honey-fried). The above ingredients are ground into powder and taken with Zhu Ye Tang (Bamboo Leaf Decoction).
Gan Zao Tang (Dried Jujube Decoction): Treats dryness and scorching of the mouth and tongue.
Ingredients: Gan Zao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, pitted and roasted), Bei Mu (Bulbus Fritillariae cirrhosae, heart removed, each 1.5 liang), Sheng Gan Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae glutinosae preparata, roasted), Hu Tao Rang (Endocarpium Juglandis mandshuricae, each 3 or 2 liang), Chen Pi (Pericarpium Citri reticulatae, white pith removed, each 1 liang). The above ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose is 3 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to seven parts, strained, and taken warm.
Suan Zao Wan (Sour Jujube Pill): Treats dry mouth caused by deficiency-labor.
Ingredients: Suan Zao Ren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae, 1 sheng), Suan Shi Liu Zi (Seed Punicae Granati), Wu Mei (Fructus Mume, each 5 he), Gua Lou Shi (Fructus Trichosanthis), Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, each 3 liang), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, 4 liang). The above ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey, and formed into pills the size of wutong seeds. Each dose is 20 pills, taken with warm water.
Fu Ling Tang (Poria Decoction): Treats dry tongue and irritability caused by Heart-Heat.
Ingredients: Bai Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with dark skin removed), Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei palmati, sliced and stir-fried), Sheng Ma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae foetidae), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, heart removed and roasted), Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae tenuifoliae, heart removed), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Ge Gen (Radix Puerariae Lobatae, sliced), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried). The above ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose is 3 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to seven parts, strained, and taken warm.
Gua Lou Gen San (Trichosanthes Root Powder, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats dry mouth and cracked tongue with ulcers caused by Wind-Heat.
Ingredients: Gua Lou Gen (Radix Trichosanthis, 3 fen), Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis, 1-2 fen, finely ground), Bai Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus, lightly roasted), Bai Xian Pi (Cortex Dictamni dasycarpi), Chuan Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei palmati, each half liang, crushed). The above ingredients are processed into powder. Each dose is 2 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to six parts, strained, a few leaves of Dan Zhu Ye added, and taken warm.
Gan Cao Wan (Licorice Pill): Treats heat and dryness in the mouth.
Ingredients: Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae ternatae), Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis recens), Rou Wu Mei (Flesh of Fructus Mume, each 1.5 liang), Zao Gao (Paste of Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, 2.5 liang). The above ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with honey, and formed into pills the size of a bullet. Take as needed, holding in the mouth to dissolve.
Gua Lou Gen Tang (Trichosanthes Root Decoction): Treats dry mouth and excessive thirst.
Ingredients: Gua Lou Gen (Radix Trichosanthis, 2 liang), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, crushed, 2 liang or fen), Qian Dan (Minium, ground, 3 fen), Chi Shi Zhi (Halloysit Rubra), Bai Shi Zhi (Halloysit Alba, each half liang), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis orientalis, 3 liang). The above ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose is 3 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to seven parts, strained, and taken warm.
Gan Cao Wan (Licorice Pill, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats dryness of mouth and tongue, irritability, and heat.
Ingredients: Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried until slightly red and sliced), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng, radix removed), Rou Wu Mei (Flesh of Fructus Mume, each 3 fen, lightly roasted), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, 1.5 liang, heart removed and roasted), Gua Lou Gen (Radix Trichosanthis, 1 liang). The above ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey, and formed into pills the size of wutong seeds. Each dose is 20 pills, taken with warm water.
Chai Hu San (Bupleurum Powder): Treats dryness of mouth and tongue, phlegm congestion in the Heart and Diaphragm.
Ingredients: Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, tips removed, 1 liang), Di Gu Pi (Cortex Lycii chinensis), Chi Fu Ling (Poria Cocos with dark skin removed), Zhi Ke (Fructus Aurantii immaturus, pulp removed, bran-roasted), Xuan Fu Hua (Flores Inulae japonicae, each half liang). The above ingredients are processed into powder. Each dose is 2 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to six parts, strained, and taken warm.
Xing Ren Jian (Apricot Seed Syrup, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats heat in the mouth and dry, scorched tongue.
Ingredients: Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, skin and pointed end removed, double-kernel, ground, half liang), Sheng Jiang Zhi (Jucius Zingiberis recens, 1 he), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried, sliced, ground into powder, half liang), Zao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, skin and pit removed, 30 pieces), Mi (Mel, 5 he). First, mix ginger juice and honey, boil until melted. Then add the medicinal powder, boil until reddish like maltose syrup. Take one pill the size of a date pit, hold in the mouth to dissolve. Daily dosage: 4-5 pills.
Gan Lu Wan (Sweet Dew Pill, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Resolves toxicity and congestion, dispels Wind-Heat, treats dryness of mouth and tongue.
Ingredients: Han Shui Shi (Stibnite, 2 jin, burned until red-hot, spread on ground overnight to remove toxicity), Qian Shuang (Plumbum Carbonicum, 3 fen, finely ground), Ma Ya Xiao (Natrii Sulfas crystallized, 3 liang, finely ground), Long Nao (Borneolum Syntheticum, small amount). The above ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey, and formed into pills the size of wutong seeds. Each dose is 10 pills, taken with warm water.
Gan Zao Xing Ren Wan (Dried Jujube and Apricot Seed Pill): Treats dryness of mouth and tongue.
Ingredients: Gan Zao Rou (Flesh of Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, roasted), Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, skin and pointed end removed, double-kernel, ground), Wu Mei Rou (Flesh of Fructus Mume, roasted), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried and sliced, each 1 liang). The above ingredients are ground into powder, mixed with refined honey, and formed into pills the size of a bullet. Each dose is one pill, taken at any time, held in the mouth to dissolve.
Han Hua Wan (Holding-Dissolution Pill, from *Sheng Hui Fang*): Treats upper-jiao irritability and heat, dryness of mouth and tongue, discomfort of the mind, head, and eyes. Suitable for use.
Ingredients: Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, half jin, finely ground and washed with water), Han Shui Shi (Stibnite, half jin, ground like flour), Bai Mi (Mel album, half jin). Boil the above ingredients in four zhong zhan of water, reduce to one and a half zhong zhan, strain, and further reduce to a thick consistency to form pills. Each dose is one pill, held in the mouth to dissolve.
Another Prescription (from *Sheng Hui Fang*):
Ingredients: Mai Dong Zhi (Juice of Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, 5 he), Mi (Mel, 3 he), Zao Rou (Flesh of Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae, 30 pieces). Mix well, place in a porcelain jar, steam over a rice steamer for the duration of one meal. Remove, take one tea spoonful each time, hold in mouth and swallow saliva. Another method for treating dry mouth due to deficiency-labor: mix with two sheng of honey, take as desired.
Prescription for Treating Dry Mouth, Clearing Heat, and Directing Qi Downward:
Ingredients: Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 5 he, crushed), Mi (Mel, 1 or 2 sheng). Boil Shi Gao in three sheng of water to obtain three sheng of liquid. Add honey and boil to obtain two sheng. Strain. Hold a piece the size of a date pit in the mouth, swallow the juice, and repeat.
Mai Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction): Treats dryness of mouth and tongue, Heart-Heat.
Ingredients: Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis japonici, heart removed and roasted), Gua Lou Gen (Radix Trichosanthis, each 1 liang). The above ingredients are coarsely crushed and sifted. Each dose is 3 qian, decocted with one zhong zhan of water, reduced to seven parts, strained, and taken warm at any time.
Prescription for Treating Dry Mouth:
Use Yang Zhi (Adipovimum Ovillus) or Zhu Zhi (Adipovimum Porcinum) the size of a chicken egg. Break it open, soak in half sheng of Cu Zhong (Acetum) overnight, squeeze out the juice, and hold in the mouth. Cures the condition.
Treating Dry Mouth due to Deficiency-Labor:
Use Yang Zhi (Adipovimum Ovillus) the size of a chicken egg, Chun Jiu (Pure Wine) half sheng, and 7 Zao (Fructus Ziziphi Jujubae) broken open. Soak together for seven days. Take the jujubes to eat; immediate cure.
Xuan Ming Fen (Transparent Crystal Powder, from *Wei Shi Fang*): Treats excess-heat with irritability and thirst, dry mouth causing irritation, and Gan Hou Feng (Dry Throat Wind). Immediate effect.
Preparation: Use Pu Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, 10 jin) and Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae divaricatae, 1 jin). Dissolve in decocted water. Filter seven times using cloth and flower-leaf paper. Leave exposed under frost overnight. Next day, take out and roast until red-hot within one shichen. Remove fire and toxicity, grind into powder. For every 1 jin of powder, use 3 liang of Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis). Each dose is one tea spoonful, mixed with warm boiled water. For excess-heat with irritability and thirst, or dry mouth causing irritation, add a little Peng Sha (Borax) and Nao Zi (Borneolum). Hold in mouth to dissolve; immediate effect for Dry Throat Wind.
For main symptom of dry mouth: Cook and eat Sang Li Mi (Mulberry Pear Honey).