Many people are troubled by damp-heat, which is primarily manifested as bitter and dry mouth, sticky sensation in the mouth, lack of thirst, and in some cases, flushed face, red lips, and oral ulcers. They may also experience fullness in the upper abdomen, abdominal pain, and a sensation of urgency with a feeling of heaviness. These individuals often present with a red tongue, yellow greasy coating, and a slippery or rapid pulse. So, what are the most effective medicines for clearing heat and eliminating dampness? Below are several traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) that are effective for this purpose.
10 Most Effective Medicines for Clearing Heat and Eliminating Dampness
1. Huangdan Yincheng Granules
Huangdan Yincheng Granules are a TCM formulation for clearing heat, benefiting dampness, and reducing jaundice. The main ingredients include Yincheng (Artemisia capillaris) as the monarch herb, which clears heat and benefits dampness, and Huangqin (Scutellaria baicalensis) as the minister herb, which clears the liver and gallbladder and eliminates dampness. Combined with Dahuang (Rhubarb) to clear damp-heat, it is used to reduce jaundice. It is harmonized with Gancao (Licorice) to moderate the effects of the other herbs. This formulation is suitable for acute and chronic jaundice hepatitis due to liver and gallbladder damp-heat. The recommended dosage is 10g twice daily, and it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
2. Qingre Qushi Granules
Qingre Qushi Granules are one of the most effective medicines for clearing heat and eliminating dampness, especially for symptoms caused by summer dampness, such as loss of appetite, dry mouth, and general fatigue. It has the effects of clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and benefiting qi and generating fluids. During the treatment, a light diet is recommended.
3. Lidang Paishi Tablets
Lidang Paishi Tablets have the effects of clearing heat, benefiting dampness, and expelling stones. Clinically, it is used for patients with cholecystitis and cholelithiasis due to damp-heat accumulation and obstruction of qi. Each tablet weighs 0.25g; for stone expulsion, take 6-10 tablets at once, twice a day. For reducing inflammation, take 4-6 tablets twice a day. Caution is advised for patients with weak liver function, and it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
4. Er Miao Wan
Er Miao Wan primarily has the effects of drying dampness and clearing heat. It is a commonly used TCM formulation for clearing heat and eliminating dampness, containing Huangbai (Phellodendron) which clears heat and dries dampness, and Cangzhu (Atractylodes) which dries dampness and strengthens the spleen. This combination treats both the root and the branch, clearing heat and transforming dampness, suitable for damp-heat downward flow, red, swollen, and painful feet and knees, women’s leukorrhea, men’s scrotal dampness and itching, and lower limb erysipelas.
5. Gegen Qinlian Tablets
Gegen Qinlian Tablets belong to the category of heat-clearing agents, primarily functioning to relieve muscle aches, clear heat, and stop diarrhea. It is suitable for diarrhea and dysentery, fever and thirst, and foul-smelling diarrhea; symptoms of bacterial dysentery and enteritis. The recommended dosage is 3-4g three times a day. However, it is contraindicated for those with spleen and stomach deficiency and cold diarrhea.
Gegen (Pueraria) in Gegen Qinlian Tablets has the effect of releasing the exterior and relieving muscle aches, while Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Huanglian (Coptis) clear gastrointestinal fire, and Gancao (Licorice) moderates the effects of the other herbs. This formulation is suitable for diarrhea and dysentery, fever and thirst, foul-smelling diarrhea, bacterial dysentery, and enteritis.
6. Longdan Xiegan Wan
Longdan Xiegan Wan consists of 10 herbs, including Qianqianzi (Plantago), Danggui (Angelica), Dihuang (Rehmannia), Longdan (Gentiana), Chaihu (Bupleurum), Huangqin (Scutellaria), Zhizi (Gardenia, roasted), Zexie (Alisma), Mutong (Akebia), and Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice). It primarily has the effects of clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, suitable for symptoms such as tinnitus, hypochondriac pain, bitter mouth, red urine, dizziness, and damp-heat leukorrhea. Due to its bitter and cold nature, caution is advised for those with spleen and stomach deficiency.
7. Wuwei Xianglian Wan
Wuwei Xianglian Wan is composed of Wuzhuyu (Evodia), Baishao (Paeonia), Muxiang (Aucklandia), Huanglian (Coptis), and Yanhusuo (Corydalis). It has the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, promoting qi, and relieving pain. It is used to treat abdominal pain and diarrhea caused by damp-heat in the gastrointestinal tract, such as red and white dysentery, mixed pus and blood, and urgency with a feeling of heaviness.
8. Yincheng Wuling Wan
Yincheng Wuling Wan is composed of Yincheng (Artemisia capillaris), Zexie (Alisma), Fuling (Poria), Zhuling (Polyporus), Baizhu (Atractylodes, roasted), and Rougui (Cinnamon). It clears damp-heat and promotes urination. It is used for damp-heat jaundice caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, abdominal distension, and difficulty urinating. Compared to Longdan Xiegan Wan, it is more suitable for those with a heavier damp condition. Caution is advised for those with cold damp jaundice, and it should be used with caution in pregnant women.
9. Gandan Shuangqing Oral Liquid
Gandan Shuangqing Oral Liquid is made from 8 herbs, including Danggui (Angelica), Nvzhenzi (Ligustrum), Chenxiang (Aquilaria), Xiongdan (Bear bile powder), Mudanpi (Paeonia), Banzhilian (Hedyotis), Dangshen (Codonopsis), and Maiya (Barley). It has the effects of clearing heat, benefiting the gallbladder, and regulating qi and blood. It is suitable for symptoms of liver and gallbladder damp-heat, qi and blood imbalance, such as hypochondriac pain, dry mouth, bitter taste, and lack of appetite.
10. Sanjiu Weitai Granules
Sanjiu Weitai Granules have the effects of clearing heat, drying dampness, promoting qi, and invigorating blood. It also has the functions of softening the liver, relieving pain, and reducing inflammation. Its main ingredients include Huangqin (Scutellaria), Fuling (Poria), Dihuang (Rehmannia), Baishao (Paeonia), Sancha Ku (Bitter Orange), Jiulixiang (Coriander), Liangmian Zhen (Lonicera), and Muxiang (Aucklandia). It is suitable for symptoms such as dull pain in the upper abdomen, fullness, acid reflux, nausea, and vomiting. Caution is advised for those with stomach cold.
Conclusion: Other TCM formulations for clearing heat and eliminating dampness include Zhishe Daoshi Wan, Shire Bi Capsules, and Kucan Capsules. The above 10 medicines are the most effective for clearing heat and eliminating dampness. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly.