Abstract
International Association for the Study of Pain defines burning mouth syndrome as“a distinctive nosological entity characterized by unremitting oral burning or similar pain in the absence of detectable mucosal changes.” This syndrome develops on women, particularly after menopause. It also often develops after a dental treatment; however, unidentified causes can be found. Psychogenic problems may greatly contribute to the development of this syndrome. A sharp pain on the tip of and/or part of the margin of the tongue appears most commonly. Nevertheless, this pain lessens during sleep and during the consumption of food. Four patients with burning mouth syndrome who were not effectively treated with Western medicine were effectively treated with Kampo (Japanese herbal medicine). According to the diagnosis based on Kampo, four patients with an abnormality of “Qi”were respectively prescribed four formulae, Shigyakusan+ Kososan, Keishininjinto, Kamishoyosan, Shigyakusan. The pains of these patients were attenuated to 0-3 on numerical rating scale, respectively. Kampo, especially the Qi formula, may be effective to burning mouth syndrome when Western medicine is not.
