Damp-Cold and Damp-Heat are the two primary forms of dampness present in the human body.

Individuals with dampness in their bodies are generally classified into Damp-Cold and Damp-Heat constitutions. If one cannot clearly identify their constitution, the efforts to eliminate dampness often yield minimal results. This aligns with the ancient saying that while cold can be easily dispelled, dampness is difficult to remove. Therefore, many people are confused about how to determine whether they have a Damp-Cold or Damp-Heat constitution. Don’t worry; let’s discuss the manifestations of these two types of dampness.

Distinguishing Damp-Cold from Damp-Heat

• Manifestation 1: Tongue

Damp-Cold manifestation: Teeth marks are not obvious, tongue body is slightly red, tongue coating is yellow and greasy, tongue body is thin.

Damp-Heat manifestation: Teeth marks are obvious, tongue body is pale, tongue is white and greasy, tongue is swollen.

• Manifestation 2: Urination

Damp-Cold manifestation: Clear and prolonged urination.

Damp-Heat manifestation: Urine is yellowish.

• Manifestation 3: Sweating

Damp-Cold manifestation: Not easy to sweat, no body odor.

Damp-Heat manifestation: Sweats easily, has body odor.

• Manifestation 4: Vaginal Discharge

Damp-Cold manifestation: Clear, thin, and odorless discharge.

Damp-Heat manifestation: Yellowish discharge with an unusual odor, thick texture.

• Manifestation 5: Reaction to Cold Foods

Damp-Cold manifestation: Abdominal bloating, diarrhea, and even experiencing diarrhea from exposure to cold in daily life.

Damp-Heat manifestation: Prefers to eat cold foods, enjoys cold dishes and drinks, only feels comfortable in the stomach this way.

• Manifestation 6: Body Weight and Absorption Issues Indicating Damp-Cold

Individuals who are overweight, with eyelid swelling and limb edema, are often of Damp-Cold constitution. They also have poorer digestion and absorption capabilities than average, leading to issues like abdominal bloating and acid reflux, often feeling full after eating little and having slow digestion.

How to Eliminate Damp-Cold and Damp-Heat?

We all know that the more dampness accumulates in the body and the longer it stays, the greater the harm it causes. Now that we understand the two types of dampness, how can we treat them effectively? Here are two recommended dietary therapy methods:

• For Damp-Cold: Longan, Yam, and Job’s Tears Powder

Ingredients: Red beans, Job’s tears, yam, Poria (Fu Ling), brown rice, longan, goji berries, rock candy.

The longan and yam nourish and strengthen the spleen and stimulate appetite; while Job’s tears, red beans, and Poria are beneficial for strengthening the spleen and dispelling Damp-Cold, making this combination very suitable for those with a Damp-Cold constitution.

Note: While dispelling dampness, it is essential to also expel cold; avoid consuming cold and cooling foods.

• For Damp-Heat: Aconite and Job’s Tears Tea

Ingredients: Job’s tears, red adzuki beans, bamboo leaves, purslane, sophora flower, water chestnut (Aconite), green tea.

According to TCM prescriptions, water chestnut strengthens the spleen, and Job’s tears also strengthen the spleen but are relatively cold, so they need to be stir-fried first. Boil the water chestnut and stir-fried Job’s tears with water, and drink twice daily to strengthen the spleen and dispel dampness. Job’s tears tea can be directly brewed and consumed.

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