In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dampness is considered one of the most difficult pathogenic factors to eliminate. Dampness is the root cause of many diseases, and without removing it, recovery is challenging. Therefore, the elimination of dampness has been a focus of extensive research by Chinese medical practitioners. The invasion of dampness can lead to a decrease in the body’s resistance, resulting in various diseases. In TCM, there are 10 best traditional Chinese medicines for eliminating dampness, primarily treating dysfunctions of various organs caused by dampness.
10 Best Traditional Chinese Medicines for Eliminating Dampness
1. Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Aromatic Sand Stomach Nourishing Pill)
Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan primarily uses Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) and Fu Ling (Poria) to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness, supplemented by Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Dou Kou (Cardamom), and Sha Ren (Amomum) to invigorate the spleen and stimulate appetite, thus regulating the spleen and stomach. This medicine has the effect of harmonizing the spleen and stomach, mainly treating nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and acid reflux caused by insufficient stomach yang leading to dampness stagnation. Modern medical research indicates that Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan effectively regulates gastric juice secretion and is clinically used to treat peptic ulcers, gastritis, and enteritis.
2. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui (Agastache Correct Qi Liquid)
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui heavily features Guang Huo Xiang (Agastache) which disperses wind-cold externally and transforms dampness internally, stopping vomiting. It is supplemented with Da Fu Pi (Areca Peel), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), and Fu Ling (Poria) to strengthen the spleen, eliminate dampness, and harmonize the spleen and stomach. This medicine can release the exterior, transform dampness, and regulate qi, treating vomiting and diarrhea caused by disharmony of the spleen and stomach, as well as headaches and nausea. In modern clinical practice, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui is mainly used to treat gastrointestinal flu, diarrhea, and to prevent heatstroke.
3. Huang Dan Yin Chen Ke Li (Yin Chen Granules for Jaundice)
Huang Dan Yin Chen Ke Li primarily uses Yin Chen (Artemisia) which clears heat, reduces jaundice, and promotes dampness elimination, supplemented by Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Da Huang (Rhubarb) which effectively clear liver and gallbladder damp-heat. This medicine has the effect of promoting dampness elimination, clearing heat, and reducing jaundice. Modern research has found that Huang Dan Yin Chen Ke Li significantly improves bile circulation and aids in the excretion of bilirubin, clinically used to treat liver and gallbladder jaundice and neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.
4. Li Dan Pai Shi Pian (Bile Stone Expelling Tablets)
Li Dan Pai Shi Pian heavily features Yin Chen (Artemisia) and Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia) which promote dampness elimination, clear heat, and reduce jaundice, supplemented by Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange), and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) which help eliminate damp-heat and promote diuresis. This medicine can clear heat, promote bile secretion, and expel stones. Current research has confirmed its stone-expelling and anti-inflammatory effects, clinically used to treat cholecystitis and cholelithiasis.
5. San Jin Pian (Three Gold Tablets)
San Jin Pian contains Jin Ying Gen (Rubus) and Ba Dou (Dioscorea) which have the effects of dispelling wind and dampness, invigorating blood, and detoxifying. It is supplemented with Yang Kai Kou (Shepherd’s Purse), Jin Sha Teng (Desmodium), and Ji Xue Cao (Centella) which clear heat, dispel dampness, and promote diuresis. This medicine has the effects of promoting diuresis and clearing heat. Modern research has shown its clinical application in treating acute and chronic pyelonephritis, acute cystitis, urinary tract infections, and dysuria.
6. Long Qing Pian (Lung Clear Tablets)
Long Qing Pian primarily uses Ze Xie (Alisma) and Bai Jiang Cao (Patrinia) to clear heat and cool the blood, eliminate dampness, and promote diuresis, supplemented by Che Qian Zi (Plantago), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), and Bai Hua She She Cao (Hedyotis) which have the effects of promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness. Modern research has confirmed its significant effects in treating prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and urinary tract infections.
7. Qing Lin Ke Li (Clear Lin Granules)
Qing Lin Ke Li primarily uses Qu Mai (Dianthus) and Bian Xu (Polygonum) which have the effects of promoting diuresis and eliminating dampness, supplemented by Mu Tong (Akebia), Che Qian Zi (Plantago), Hua Shi (Talc), and Da Huang (Rhubarb) which clear heat and promote diuresis. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed this medicine’s diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects, mainly applied in non-gonococcal urethritis, urinary tract infections, prostatitis, dysuria, and urinary retention.
8. Qian Lie Shu Wan (Prostate Comfort Pills)
Qian Lie Shu Wan primarily uses Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus), and Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) which nourish yin, tonify the kidneys, and strengthen bones, supplemented by Yi Yi Ren (Coix), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), and Fu Ling (Poria) which strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, clinically used to treat chronic prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
9. Pai Shi Ke Li (Stone Expelling Granules)
Pai Shi Ke Li primarily uses Lian Qian Cao (Lysimachia) which clears heat, promotes diuresis, and expels stones, supplemented by Che Qian Zi (Plantago), Mu Tong (Akebia), Shi Wei (Pyrrosia), Qu Mai (Dianthus), and Hua Shi (Talc) which have excellent moisture-promoting and diuretic effects. Modern research has confirmed its role in treating urinary tract stones, clinically used for urinary system stone treatment.
10. Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder)
Wu Ling San is primarily composed of Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), and Rou Gui (Cinnamon), where four of the herbs have excellent moisture-promoting and dampness-eliminating effects. The combination of these five herbs effectively promotes diuresis and reduces edema. In modern clinical practice, it is mainly used to treat various types of edema caused by kidney issues.
Conclusion: Through the introduction above, everyone has learned about the 10 best traditional Chinese medicines for eliminating dampness. Removing dampness from the body not only treats diseases but also enhances resistance and improves beauty.