What to do about excessive dampness? Five recommended traditional Chinese medicines for dampness removal

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), “dampness” is one of the “six excesses” (wind, cold, heat, dampness, dryness, fire), which refers to a series of diseases and symptoms caused by dampness evil, collectively known as “dampness syndrome”.

According to the source of dampness, it can be classified into internal dampness and external dampness.

External dampness: Often caused by moisture rising from the ground or exposure to rain and mist. In the southern regions, the environment is often humid, and during the hot and muggy summer, dampness easily becomes a pathogenic factor, hence referred to as dampness evil.

Internal dampness: Often results from excessive consumption of tea and alcohol, overeating cold foods or rich and sweet foods, leading to dietary irregularities that damage the spleen and stomach over time. This can obstruct the spleen’s function, causing dampness to accumulate and generate heat, or dampness to accumulate and produce phlegm, leading to various diseases.

Diseases caused by dampness include numbness of the skin, joint and muscle pain, lower back pain, heaviness in the lower limbs, edema, indigestion, bitter mouth, loose stools, and a thick greasy tongue coating. Many skin diseases and gynecological disorders arise from dampness invading the blood and lingering in the body, causing various discomforts. The characteristics of dampness evil are chronic, recurrent conditions that are difficult to cure, easily damaging the spleen with cold dampness or transforming dampness into heat. TCM treatment for “dampness syndrome” can generally be categorized into three methods: “expelling dampness, transforming dampness, and promoting urination to eliminate dampness”. Besides medication, dietary regulation is also crucial, with many restrictions on food such as spicy, greasy, overly salty, and overly sweet foods to prevent illness from entering through the mouth.

The harm of dampness is significant. Especially for women during menstruation and postpartum, when immunity is low, dampness can easily invade the body. So what medicines are effective for excessive dampness? Let’s take a look at the top traditional Chinese medicines for dampness removal.

Top traditional Chinese medicines for dampness removal

1. Damp-Heat Tablets

【Ingredients】Da Huang (Rhubarb), Huai Hua (Sophora Flower, roasted), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes, soaked), Ce Bai Ye (Platycladus Leaf, roasted), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium), Shan Yin Hua (Lonicera), Zhi Chuan Wu (Processed Aconite), Chi Shi Zhi (Red Stone Fat, processed), Ku Xing Ren (Bitter Apricot Seed), Bing Lang (Areca Nut, roasted).

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and dries dampness, astringes the intestines and stops dysentery. Used for abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bloody dysentery, belonging to the large intestine damp-heat syndrome.

This formula contains Zhi Chuan Wu, which is toxic and not recommended for long-term use. Always monitor your physical condition, and seek medical attention immediately if discomfort occurs.

Excessive dampness can easily lead to obesity, and when dampness lingers in the body, it can also cause loose stools. Damp-Heat Tablets can be considered one of the top traditional Chinese medicines for dampness removal, effectively clearing dampness from the body. As dampness is expelled, symptoms like edema will naturally disappear, and weight will decrease. Additionally, it can astringe the intestines and stop dysentery, suitable for diarrhea, bloody dysentery, and abdominal pain, belonging to the large intestine damp-heat syndrome.

2. Compound Jin Qian Cao Granules

The main function of Compound Jin Qian Cao Granules is to clear heat and expel dampness. It has diuretic and stone-expelling properties, as well as anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. It is particularly effective for women experiencing edema, helping to expel dampness quickly. It is also suitable for urinary tract infections and urinary system stones.

3. Clear Heat and Expel Dampness Granules

【Ingredients】Dang Shen (Codonopsis), Yin Chen (Artemisia), Gang Mei Gen (Bitter Orange), Huang Qi (Astragalus), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes), Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel). Excipients: Sucrose.

【Properties】This product is brownish-yellow granules; sweet in taste.

【Functions and Indications】Clears heat and expels dampness, tonifies qi and generates fluids. Used for fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, body heat, and dry mouth caused by summer dampness.

【Contraindications】Not suitable for diabetic patients.

【Precautions】1. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy, cold, and greasy foods. 2. Do not take nourishing TCM simultaneously during medication. 3. Patients with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease should take under medical guidance. 4. Children, pregnant women, and the elderly should take under medical guidance. 5. If symptoms do not improve after 3 days of medication, seek medical attention. 6. Those allergic to this product should avoid it; those with allergic constitutions should use it cautiously. 7. Do not use if the product’s properties change. 8. Children must use under adult supervision. 9. Keep this medicine out of reach of children. 10. If taking other medications, consult a physician or pharmacist before use.

【Drug Interactions】Using this product with other medications may cause drug interactions; consult a physician or pharmacist for details.

The main functions of Clear Heat and Expel Dampness Granules are to clear heat and expel dampness, tonify qi and generate fluids. It is an excellent dampness-removing medicine for those with poor appetite, frequent dry mouth, body heat, and weakness in the limbs. During medication, a light diet is essential, and it is not suitable to take nourishing TCM simultaneously. Patients with severe chronic diseases such as hypertension and heart disease should follow medical advice, and diabetic patients should avoid it.

4. Jian Pi Wan (Spleen Strengthening Pills)

For those with qi deficiency and excessive dampness, Jian Pi Wan can be used for adjustment. Women in this category should pay attention to consuming easily digestible foods, such as porridge, noodles, etc. Avoid cold foods, and consider using Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) and He Tao (Walnut).

5. Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Pills)

For those with spleen deficiency leading to excessive dampness, Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan can strengthen the spleen and expel dampness. Additionally, dietary considerations should include foods that promote spleen health and dampness elimination, such as lentils, winter melon, red adzuki beans, mung bean sprouts, yam porridge, and coix seed porridge.

Conclusion: For excessive dampness, Damp-Heat Tablets, Compound Jin Qian Cao Granules, Clear Heat and Expel Dampness Granules, Jian Pi Wan, and Shen Ling Bai Zhu Wan are the top traditional Chinese medicines for dampness removal. I hope this information is helpful to you.

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