Introduction: There is no definitive treatment for glossodynia, however, there are scattered reports of treatment success with Kampo medicines. We examined the effects of Kampo treatment for glossodynia and report the results herein.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective survey of 19 patients with glossodynia who received Kampo medicines from 2017 to 2021. We prescribed the Kampo medicines for 2 to 4 weeks initially, and then depending on the condition of the patient, either continued the medicine or changed the type of Kampo medicine.
Results: The patients ranged in age from 29 to 82 years, with an average of 59.1 years; there were 2 males and 17 females. Of the 19 patients, 5 patients (26%) were cured, 10 (53%) improved, 2 (11%) improved slightly, and 2 (11%) showed no change of condition. Kampo medicines that were effective were as diverse as thirteen different types. The most frequently prescribed Kampo medicine was jiinshihoto, which was effective in 5 cases. Byakkokaninjinto and kamishoyosan were effective in 3 cases each.
Conclusion: Since 15 patients (79%) were cured or improved or more and 17 (89%), Kampo medicines might be useful treatment agents for glossodynia. Jiinshihoto, byakkokaninjinto, and kamishoyosan are often effective, and Kampo medicines that improve liver depression and yin deficiency are often effective.
