Mukha Paaka, or stomatitis, is an inflammatory condition of the mouth characterized by painful sores or ulcers on the inner cheeks, tongue, lips, or gums. In Ayurveda, Mukha Paaka is primarily considered a result of imbalances in Pitta and Kapha doshas, affecting the oral cavity and digestion.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 26/34: "Pitta vriddhihi mukha paka hetuh" (The imbalance in Pitta is a primary cause of Mukha Paaka).

Mukha Paaka, commonly known as stomatitis or mouth ulcers, occurs due to various dietary and lifestyle factors that aggravate Pitta and weaken the body's defenses. It manifests as painful ulcers with burning sensations and inflammation in the oral cavity, sometimes associated with a metallic taste, swollen gums, and difficulty in swallowing.

• Excessive consumption of hot, spicy, and sour foods that increase Pitta
• Eating incompatible foods or consuming heavy, fried foods
• Frequent consumption of acidic beverages or alcohol

• Mental stress and anxiety
• Overexposure to the sun or heat
• Lack of oral hygiene or improper cleaning of the mouth
• Excessive physical exertion or lack of proper rest

Reference:

• Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, 53/4: "Ati ushna amla ruksha bhojanam pitta prakopam" (Consuming hot, sour, and dry foods increases Pitta, contributing to oral issues).

When Pitta and Kapha doshas are aggravated, they impair the natural balance of oral tissues, resulting in inflammation, ulceration, and pain in the mouth. Aggravated Pitta causes heat and burning, while Kapha contributes to mucus accumulation and heaviness in the affected area.

Reference:

• Madhava Nidan, Mukha Roga Nidan, 47/4: "Mukha roga pitta kapha dosha pradhana vikara" (Diseases of the mouth are primarily due to Pitta and Kapha imbalance).

Ayurvedic diagnosis includes examining doshic involvement through oral inspection and pulse diagnosis. Assessment of lifestyle and dietary habits is also essential.

Reference:

• Yogaratnakara, Mukha Roga Chikitsa, 53/12: "Rasa, sparsha, nadi pariksha pitta kaphaja vyadhi nirdharana" (Diagnosis of doshic involvement in oral diseases through tongue, touch, and pulse examination).

• Mild burning and tingling in the mouth
• Sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods
• Metallic taste or bad taste in the mouth

• Painful sores and ulcers in the mouth
• Burning sensation on consuming hot or spicy foods
• Swelling and redness in the oral cavity
• Foul taste or bad breath
• Difficulty in eating, chewing, and swallowing

• Painful sores and ulcers in the mouth
• Burning sensation on consuming hot or spicy foods
• Swelling and redness in the oral cavity
• Foul taste or bad breath
• Difficulty in eating, chewing, and swallowing

• Pittaja Mukha Paaka: Burning ulcers with redness and inflammation.
• Kaphaja Mukha Paaka: Heavy ulcers with mucus and white coating.
• Vataja Mukha Paaka: Dry, cracked sores with sharp pain.

• Malnutrition due to difficulty eating
• Chronic inflammation in the mouth
• Increased susceptibility to oral infections

If treated early, Mukha Paaka responds well to dietary changes and herbal treatments. Chronic cases require consistent care to prevent recurrence.

• Panchakarma (Detoxification):

  • Virechana (Purgation): Helps in eliminating excess Pitta from the system.
  • Gandusha (Oil Pulling): Oil gargling with coconut or sesame oil to soothe and heal the mouth.

  Reference:

  • Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, 26/35: "Mukha paka virechana pitta shamaka" (Purgation therapy helps relieve Mukha Paaka by reducing Pitta).

• Herbal Remedies:

  • Stomatitis Kit
  • Mamsa Pachak kwath
  • Kamdudha Vati
  • Suthshekhar vati
  • Avipattikar churn
  • Yashtimadhu (Licorice): Soothes the ulcers and reduces inflammation.
  • Triphala: Acts as a mild laxative, helping in the elimination of Pitta and promoting oral health.
  • Mulethi (Licorice): Reduces burning and promotes healing of ulcers.

• Shamana Chikitsa (Pacification Therapy):

  • Gargle with cool, mild decoctions of Triphala or Yashtimadhu to reduce inflammation and soothe the mouth.
  • Apply Tankan Bhasma or pure Honey
  • Apply Ghee (clarified butter) directly to the ulcers for healing.

• Prefer soft, cooling, and sweet foods such as milk, rice gruel, and ghee.
• Avoid hot, spicy, and fried foods that aggravate Pitta.
• Include cooling herbs and fruits like amla, cucumber, and coconut water.

Reference:

• Charaka Samhita, Sutrasthana, 28/7: "Sheetam madhuram annam pittam shamayati" (Cooling and sweet foods pacify Pitta and are beneficial in Mukha Paaka).

• Avoid sour, salty, and pungent foods.
• Refrain from tobacco, alcohol, and caffeinated beverages.
• Limit stress, exposure to sunlight, and physical exertion

Stomatitis is characterized by inflammation and ulceration of the mouth lining, which can result from bacterial, viral, or fungal infections or from an autoimmune response. Ayurveda views this condition as a Pitta-dominated imbalance and emphasizes treatment by pacifying Pitta and cleansing the body of toxins through dietary adjustments, herbal remedies, and lifestyle modifications.

• Nadi Pariksha (Pulse Diagnosis): For assessing doshic involvement, particularly Pitta.
• Oral Examination: To observe the extent of ulcers, inflammation, and coatings.
• Blood Tests: To rule out infections and check for deficiencies, especially iron and vitamin B12.
• Biopsy: In chronic cases, a biopsy may be conducted to rule out other conditions.