Qing Wei San: A Time-Honored Remedy for Gum Pain and Inflammation
Health Lab- Feb 3
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Clear Stomach Powder, or Qing Wei San, is a classic Chinese herbal formula from Spleen and Stomach Theory, written by Li Dongyuan, a renowned doctor from the Jin and Yuan dynasties. Known for his deep understanding of digestive health, Li created this remedy to tackle toothaches and gum issues caused by excessive stomach heat. This powerful blend of herbs cools the stomach, soothes inflammation, and restores balance, offering relief from painful oral symptoms.
What’s in Qing Wei San?
The formula combines five key herbs, each playing a specific role:
Coptis Root (6g): The star of the blend, this bitter, cooling herb clears stomach heat and fights inflammation.
Cimicifuga (1g): Helps lift and disperse heat, guiding the formula’s effects upward to relieve gum and mouth issues.
Rehmannia Root (3g): Nourishes the body’s fluids and cools the blood to prevent damage from heat.
Peony Bark (9g): Works with rehmannia to clear heat and reduce swelling.
Angelica Root (3g): Boosts blood flow and eases pain, enhancing the formula’s soothing effects.
To prepare, these herbs are traditionally ground into a fine powder, boiled in 1.5 cups of water until reduced by 30%, then cooled and strained. Today, it’s often simmered as a decoction for convenience.
How It Works
Qing Wei San or Clear Stomach Powder targets "stomach fire," a condition in Chinese medicine where excess heat in the stomach causes symptoms like:
Toothaches
Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
Bad breath with a hot sensation
Headaches
Cheek redness or warmth
The stomach meridian runs through the cheeks, nose, and upper teeth, so when heat builds up, it can trigger inflammation and pain in these areas. Severe cases may even cause gum erosion or bleeding.
The formula’s herbs work together to cool this heat, reduce inflammation, and nourish the body, relieving discomfort and preventing further damage. You might notice a red tongue with yellow coating or a rapid pulse—classic signs of stomach fire that this remedy addresses.
Modern Uses
Today, Clear Stomach Powder is widely used for oral health issues linked to inflammation, such as:
Stomatitis: Painful mouth sores.
Periodontitis: Gum inflammation and infection.
Trigeminal Neuralgia: Facial nerve pain tied to heat and inflammation.
By calming stomach heat and cooling the blood, it eases pain, reduces swelling, and improves overall comfort, making it a go-to for those with fiery oral symptoms.
Why It’s Effective
The formula follows a classic Chinese medicine structure:
Main Herb (Coptis Root): Directly tackles stomach fire.
Supporting Herb (Cimicifuga): Spreads the cooling effect to the mouth and gums.
Helper Herbs (Rehmannia and Peony Bark): Protect the body’s fluids and reduce heat-related damage.
Guide Herb (Angelica Root): Enhances circulation to relieve pain and swelling.
This balanced approach ensures the remedy addresses both the root cause (stomach heat) and its symptoms (gum pain and inflammation).
Precautions
While effective, Clear Stomach Powder isn’t for everyone. Keep these in mind:
Not for Cold-Related Issues: Avoid if your toothache or gum pain stems from cold exposure or kidney weakness, as the formula’s cooling nature could worsen symptoms.
Summer Adjustment: In hot months, you can double the coptis root dose to counter stronger heat.
Short-Term Use: The formula’s bitter, cold herbs may upset the stomach if used long-term, so follow a doctor’s guidance.
Consult a Professional: If you’re unsure about your symptoms or taking other medications, check with a healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Clear Stomach Powder is a trusted remedy for tackling toothaches, gum swelling, and other issues caused by stomach heat. Its carefully crafted blend of herbs cools inflammation, eases pain, and restores balance, proving its value in both ancient and modern medicine.
When used thoughtfully, under proper guidance, it offers a natural, effective way to soothe fiery oral discomfort and boost overall well-being.
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