Objective To assess the clinical effect of Xiaochaihu decoction in the treatment of patients with mild recurrent oral ulcer(ROU)of Shaoyang Shishu type.Methods A total of 120 patients with mild ROU of Shaoyang Shishu type treated at Huadu District Maternity and Child Health Hospital were selected for the randomized controlled trial,and were divided into a control group and an observation group by the random number table method,with 60 cases in each group.There were 20 males and 40 females in the control group;they were(41.42±0.41)years old;their disease course was(2.53±0.26)years.There were 22 males and 38 females in the observation group;they were(39.78±0.66)years old;their disease course was(2.11±0.71)years.Both groups were treated with Kangfuxin liquid;in addition,the observation group took Xiaochaihu decoction.The efficacies,ulcer healing time after 7 days'treatment,irritation pain duration,changes of the scores of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)symptoms,and recurrence rates within six months after the treatment were compared between the two groups.t and x2 tests were applied.Results The total effective rate in the observation group was higher than that in the control group[88.3%(53/60)vs.71.7%(43/60)],with a statistical difference(x2=5.208;P=0.022).The irritation pain duration and ulcer healing time in the observation group were shorter than those in the control group[(2.67±0.34)d vs.(4.55±0.61)d and(4.24±0.21)d vs.(7.68±0.87)d],with statistical differences(t=20.852 and 29.773;both P<0.05).After 7 days'treatment,the difference of TCM score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group(5.66±0.82 vs.8.41±1.21),with a statistical difference(t=14.573;P<0.001).The recurrence rate within six months after the treatment in the observation group was lower than that in the control group[41.67%(25/60)vs.80.00%(48/60)],with a statistical difference(x2=18.502;P<0.001).Conclusion Xiaochaihu decoction for patients with mild recurrent oral ulcer of Shaoyang Shishu type can relieve their local and systemic symptoms,and decrease the recurrence rate.