Cold dampness, damp-heat, and phlegm-damp all involve dampness; how can we differentiate between them?
First, let’s discuss cold dampness.
The tongue manifestation of cold dampness: the tongue is enlarged, pale with a white greasy coating, and has teeth marks on the edges. This tongue appearance is typical of cold dampness. The pulse is generally slippery and tight. Main symptoms include chills, cold limbs, cold sweating, fatigue, drowsiness, inexplicable weakness, a heavy sensation, clear and frequent urination, and loose stools that may contain food residues.
This accumulation of cold dampness generally arises from kidney yang deficiency and weakened spleen-stomach transformation functions. Therefore, in terms of diet, one should avoid raw, cold, and cooling foods, while warming yang and dispelling cold, as well as strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness. A reference formula is Fu Zi Li Zhong Wan (Aconite and Ginseng Decoction).
The second type is phlegm-damp.
The tongue manifestation of phlegm-damp: the tongue is enlarged, with a thick white greasy coating and teeth marks on the sides. This indicates that dampness has accumulated for a long time and transformed into phlegm. The tongue body may also appear slightly bluish. Common feelings include heaviness in the body, persistent drowsiness, dizziness, reluctance to speak, abdominal obesity, tendency to develop lumps and nodules, eyelid swelling, poor appetite, and a sweet greasy taste in the mouth. Additionally, eating even a little can lead to abdominal bloating and nausea, especially after consuming sweets, which may also cause acid reflux.
Accompanied by clear and frequent urination, large volume, loose and sticky stools, etc. At this time, we need to dry dampness and transform phlegm; a reference formula is Er Chen Wan (Two Aged Decoction) with modifications. It is also essential to avoid raw, cold, sweet, greasy, and hard-to-digest foods.
The third type is damp-heat.
The tongue manifestation of damp-heat: the tongue is enlarged, red in color, with a thick yellow greasy coating and teeth marks on the edges. The yellow color indicates that there is heat in the body. Why is there heat? Because prolonged dampness can transform into heat. The characteristics include a feeling of heaviness in the body, a dull yellow complexion, oily skin on the face and scalp, dry mouth with a bitter taste, bad breath, and a tendency to develop canker sores or oral ulcers.
Additionally, there is often a lack of taste in the mouth, a craving for spicy foods, and a strong flavor. Urine may be yellow, turbid, and foul-smelling, with a burning sensation during urination, and stools may also be foul-smelling and sticky. A reference formula for adjustment is Er Miao Wan (Two Marvels Decoction) with modifications.