Why are there so many people with damp-heat constitution nowadays?
Hot pot, barbecues, beer-fueled nightlife, and staying up late are all part of our lifestyle.
Generally speaking, individuals with significant damp-heat constitution exhibit the “Three Yellows”: first, a sallow complexion; second, a yellow and greasy tongue coating; and third, yellowish and turbid urine.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) believes that dampness is a yin pathogen, while heat is a yang pathogen. Damp-heat constitution refers to the accumulation of damp-heat within the body, obstructing the functioning of the organs and meridians, leading to pathological changes manifesting as damp-heat symptoms throughout the body. The specific manifestations vary depending on the location of the damp-heat.
Individuals with damp-heat constitution are typically those with relatively strong physiques, whose dietary habits lean towards rich, fatty, and flavorful foods, and who enjoy smoking and drinking. They often have a reddish complexion, which is not a healthy red but rather a flushed, drunken appearance.
The clinical symptoms of damp-heat are numerous, including bitter mouth, dry mouth, sticky mouth, halitosis, thirst with little desire to drink, red face and lips, oral ulcers, body heat that does not subside, especially in the afternoon, headaches, a heavy body, aversion to greasy foods, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain, and sticky, unsatisfactory stools, along with a red tongue and yellow greasy coating.
In daily life, women often experience damp-heat in the lower jiao, commonly presenting as leukorrhea, which is often due to damp-heat invading the lower jiao, large intestine, or bladder, causing dysfunction in the water pathways. Most patients may experience yellow, sticky, foul-smelling leukorrhea accompanied by itching, body heat, thirst, and yellow urine; men may also experience symptoms such as scrotal dampness and excessive sweating in the lower body. If damp-heat invades the organs, it may lead to intestinal damp-heat or bladder damp-heat, resulting in additional symptoms. Clinically, we often use Long Dan Cao Pian, Si Miao Wan, and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang to clear heat and eliminate dampness. For women experiencing vulvar itching, Ku Shen decoction can be used for external washing.
●Long Dan Cao Pian
Ingredients: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Di Huang (Rehmannia), Long Dan (Gentiana), Ze Xie (Alisma), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Mu Tong (Akebia), Salty Che Qian Zi (Plantago), Chao Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Jiu Dang Gui (Angelica), Zhi Gan Cao (Licorice).
Function: Primarily to eliminate damp-heat, clear the liver, and benefit the gallbladder, treating damp-heat leukorrhea.
Suitable Population: Suitable for individuals with liver and gallbladder damp-heat, such as those experiencing dizziness, red eyes, bitter mouth, rib pain, tinnitus or hearing loss, and burning urination. During medication, it is advised not to take other tonifying Chinese herbs, and to avoid smoking, drinking, and spicy foods. There are currently no significant side effects, but it is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those who are elderly or weak, or have spleen and stomach deficiency should take it under medical guidance. If there is an increase in unformed stools after taking the medication, the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
● Si Miao Wan
Ingredients: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Yi Yi Ren (Coix), Niu Xi (Achyranthes).
Function: Clears heat, eliminates dampness, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, relieves heat and pain, and promotes circulation.
Suitable Population: Si Miao Wan is typically suitable for conditions caused by damp-heat descending, such as numbness in the lower limbs, joint pain, and swelling in the feet and knees. It is also effective for other diseases such as eczema, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Due to its heat-clearing properties, Si Miao Wan is cooling in nature, so it is not suitable for those with stomach cold and yin deficiency to take long-term, and women during menstruation should use it cautiously. Pregnant women should avoid it due to their special constitution.
Precautions for Regulating Damp-Heat in Daily Life
For individuals with damp-heat constitution, symptoms can vary widely, and treatment methods need to be adjusted based on clinical observations. It is recommended to undergo symptomatic treatment under comprehensive analysis by a physician. In addition to medication, attention should be paid to the following points in daily life:
1. Massage to Eliminate Dampness
Regularly massage acupoints that help eliminate dampness, such as San Yin Jiao and Yang Ling Quan.
2. Dietary Regulation
Pay attention to a healthy diet, such as reducing spicy, greasy, and sweet foods, avoiding smoking and drinking, and consuming foods like Yi Yi Ren (Coix), Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki bean), Yu Xing Cao (Houttuynia), Ma Chi Xian (Portulaca), and Dong Gua (Winter melon), which can effectively eliminate damp-heat. Also, maintain proper hydration and avoid holding in urine.
3. Lifestyle Regulation
Maintain a regular daily routine, avoid staying up late, and develop good habits to help improve immune function and regulate damp-heat. Additionally, pay attention to local hygiene, using breathable, loose cotton underwear, and avoid sexual activity during treatment.
4. Moderate Exercise
Individuals with damp-heat constitution should engage in moderate exercise, as it can help raise yang energy and facilitate the elimination of damp-heat.
5. Regular Bowel Movements
Establish a habit of regular bowel movements to help keep the intestines clear and maintain the proper qi of the large intestine, preventing damp-heat from invading the body or causing greater crises in the large intestine. Therefore, to reduce the harm of damp-heat, regular bowel movements are crucial.
The End
Illustration and text | TCM Department Edited | Operations Development Department Reviewed | Party Committee Office
