The damp-heat constitution is actually easy to identify, such as a tendency to be overweight, oily skin, feeling hot in the afternoon, and a yellow greasy tongue coating. These signs indicate the presence of damp-heat in the body.
However, many people do not see good treatment results after using heat-clearing and damp-dispelling medicines. This is because the symptoms of damp-heat manifest differently depending on which organ is affected, and the treatment methods and medications will also vary.
The first situation is characterized by frequent bloating in the stomach area, stomach pain, heartburn, sticky stools, and persistent fatigue or drowsiness, with a yellow greasy coating on the middle of the tongue. This condition is often due to damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, meaning that damp-heat accumulates in these organs, affecting their digestive and absorptive functions, leading to various spleen and stomach issues, such as chronic gastritis and gastroesophageal reflux disease.
For this situation, we need to eliminate the damp-heat and also find ways to restore the spleen and stomach’s transportive ability. We can use **Zhi Shi Dao Zhi Wan** (Bitter Orange Pill) for regulation and treatment.
The second situation involves frequent pain and bloating in the right upper abdomen, dry mouth and bitter taste, afternoon body heat, yellowish and sore eyes, blurred vision, and possibly findings of cholecystitis or other liver function abnormalities upon examination, with a yellow greasy tongue coating and red sides of the tongue. This condition is commonly seen in damp-heat of the liver and gallbladder.
For this damp-heat, we should use **Long Dan Cao Xie Gan Tang** (Gentian Decoction to Drain the Liver) to clear the liver and gallbladder and dispel damp-heat.
The third situation is characterized by frequent abdominal pain and diarrhea, an inability to completely evacuate the bowels, persistent urge to defecate, and particularly sticky stools, along with possible anal itching or recurrent hemorrhoids, and a particularly yellow greasy coating at the root of the tongue.
This indicates damp-heat accumulation in the intestines, and treatment should focus on clearing damp-heat from the large intestine, which can be done using **Jia Wei Xiang Lian Wan** (Modified Aromatic Lian Pills).
The fourth situation is often seen in male patients, characterized by frequent damp itching in the groin area, an irresistible urge to scratch, frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and yellowish, turbid urine, with possible findings of urological issues upon examination, and a particularly yellow greasy coating at the root of the tongue. This condition is due to damp-heat descending to the bladder, and we can use medications that clear damp-heat from the lower jiao, such as **Er Miao Wan** (Two Marvels Pill) or **Ba Zheng San** (Eight Herb Powder for Rectification) for treatment.
In summary, when clearing damp-heat, it is essential to identify which part of the body is affected by damp-heat before applying targeted treatment.
It is important to note that medications that clear damp-heat are generally quite cold and should not be used for extended periods, as they can easily damage the spleen and stomach and harm the body’s righteous qi.
If you need to prevent the recurrence of damp-heat, you must find ways to cut off the source of damp-heat—addressing liver and spleen issues.
Liver qi stagnation and liver fire are the main sources of heat, while spleen deficiency generates dampness. The combination of dampness and heat forms damp-heat, so liver stagnation and spleen deficiency are key factors in the generation of damp-heat. After clearing damp-heat, it is best to also regulate the liver and spleen to better resolve damp-heat issues.
Previous Highlights
1. Four Principles for Proper Stomach Care
2. Basic Principles for Liver Maintenance
3. Five Types of Effective Laxative Foods
4. TCM Classification and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases
5. Differences Between Spleen Nourishment and Spleen Strengthening
6. Different Causes and Treatments for Yellow Urine