For individuals with a constitution prone to excess heat, experiencing symptoms such as sore throat and gum inflammation is common. As we are currently in autumn, a season characterized by dry and irritable weather, symptoms of heart heat and irritability are more likely to occur. Therefore, today we will discuss how to clear heat and detoxify, introducing various traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) that are effective for clearing heat and detoxification, including those suitable for adults and children.
What are the Traditional Chinese Medicines for Clearing Heat and Detoxification?
1. Qingre Jiedu Soft Capsules
Ingredients: The main ingredients include Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Long Dan (Gentiana), Di Huang (Rehmannia), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Tian Di Ding (Sweet Herb), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena), and Zhi Zi (Gardenia).
Effects: The primary effect is to clear heat and detoxify.
Suitable Population: This is suitable for individuals with excessive heat toxins, such as those who often have a flushed complexion, feel hot and thirsty, or experience sore throats. Taking Qingre Jiedu Soft Capsules can yield good results quickly. It is also effective for individuals with colds or upper respiratory infections who have symptoms like sore throat, particularly for those with wind-heat colds; it is not suitable for wind-cold colds.
2. Qing Kai Ling Granules
Ingredients: Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Zhen Zhu Mu (Mother of Pearl), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Shui Niu Jiao (Water Buffalo Horn), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Bile Acid, and Pig Deoxycholic Acid.
Effects: Clears heat and detoxifies, reduces swelling, calms the mind, and soothes.
Suitable Population: Suitable for those with excessive fire toxins and wind-heat colds, particularly effective for high fever, red tongue coating, irritability, and sore throat. It can also be used for acute bronchitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis, as well as for individuals with viral colds and upper respiratory infections exhibiting these symptoms. Generally, adults take 2-3 times a day, 1-2 bags each time, and it can also be given to children with reduced dosages, but specific dosages should be consulted with a professional physician.
3. Niu Huang Jie Du Pian (Bovine Bile Detoxification Tablets)
Ingredients: Artificial Bovine Bile, Da Huang (Rhubarb), Bing Pian (Borneol), Xiong Huang (Realgar), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Gan Cao (Licorice), and Shi Gao (Gypsum).
Effects: The primary effect is to clear heat and detoxify.
Suitable Population: Suitable for those with excessive fire toxins, effective for symptoms such as canker sores, red and swollen eyes, gum swelling, and sore throat. Pregnant women should not take this medication; otherwise, it is generally taken 2-3 times a day, 3 tablets each time, with no significant side effects, but long-term use is not recommended.
4. San Huang Pian (Three Yellow Tablets)
Ingredients: The main ingredients are Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Da Huang (Rhubarb), and Berberine Hydrochloride.
Effects: Clears heat, drains fire, detoxifies, and promotes bowel movements.
Suitable Population: Suitable for a series of symptoms related to internal heat, such as canker sores, gum swelling, irritability, constipation, sore throat, and yellow urine. However, it is contraindicated for pregnant women and patients with diabetes, hypertension, or hemolytic anemia. During treatment, other tonic herbs should not be consumed, and if diarrhea occurs, the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
5. Pu Di Lan Xiao Yan Pian (Pu Di Lan Anti-Inflammatory Tablets)
Ingredients: The main ingredients are Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Ku Di Ding (Bitter Herb), and Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion).
Effects: Clears heat and detoxifies, benefits the throat, reduces swelling, and alleviates inflammation.
Suitable Population: Suitable for those with excessive heat, tonsillitis, and pharyngitis, and can also treat boils. However, if there are signs of pus in the tonsils, high fever, or severe localized softening and pus formation, it is recommended to seek medical attention. Generally, it is taken four times a day, 5-8 tablets each time, but caution is advised for those with spleen and stomach deficiency or prone to diarrhea. During treatment, spicy foods should be avoided, and warming tonics should not be taken simultaneously.
6. Xiao Er Yan Pian Granules (Children’s Throat and Tonsil Granules)
Ingredients: Artificial Bovine Bile, Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Jie Geng (Platycodon), Bing Pian (Borneol), She Gan (Belamcanda), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Jin Guo Lan (Golden Olive), and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon).
Effects: Has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, benefiting the throat, and relieving pain.
Suitable Population: Suitable for children experiencing sore throat and cough with thick phlegm due to lung heat (not suitable for wind-cold colds with clear nasal discharge and white phlegm), as well as canker sores and tonsillitis. The dosage for children is 4 grams for ages 1-2, taken twice a day; for ages 3-5, 4 grams three times a day; and for ages 6-14, 8 grams two to three times a day.
7. Xiao Er Re Su Qing Granules (Children’s Heat Relief Granules)
Ingredients: Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root), Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Ge Gen (Pueraria), Shui Niu Jiao (Water Buffalo Horn), and Huang Qin (Scutellaria).
Effects: Clears heat and detoxifies, benefits the throat, reduces swelling, and alleviates pain.
Suitable Population: Suitable for children with fever, headache, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, runny nose, and constipation due to wind-heat colds. Noticeable improvement can be expected after taking the medication, but it is not suitable for wind-cold colds. The usual dosage is three times a day, with variations based on age: for under 1 year, 1/4 to 1/2 bag each time; for ages 1-3, 1/2 to 1 bag; for ages 3-7, 1 to 1.5 bags; and for ages 7-12, 1.5 to 2 bags each time.
8. Xiao Er Jie Biao Oral Liquid (Children’s Exterior Releasing Oral Liquid)
Ingredients: Lian Qiao (Forsythia), Niu Huang (Bovine Bile), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Zi Su Ye (Perilla Leaf), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle), Pu Gong Ying (Dandelion), Ge Gen (Pueraria), Chao Niu Bang Zi (Fried Burdock Seed), and Jing Jie (Schizonepeta).
Effects: The primary effects are to clear heat and detoxify, promote lung function, benefit the throat, reduce swelling, and release the exterior.
Suitable Population: Suitable for children, effective for wind-heat colds, alleviating symptoms such as fever, headache, nasal congestion, sore throat, and cough. It is not suitable for wind-cold colds. During treatment, cold foods should be avoided. The usual dosage is 5 ml twice a day for ages 1-2; 5 ml three times a day for ages 3-5; and 10 ml 2-3 times a day for ages 6-14.
Conclusion: We have introduced various traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and detoxification, including those suitable for both adults and children. Adults should choose medications based on their symptoms, while parents should select appropriate medications for their children.