From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), every individual possesses their own constitution, and the “Damp-Heat” constitution is one of them. Individuals with this constitution are often closely related to their living environment, genetics, and dietary habits. Generally, those who are overweight, live in humid environments, reside in low-lying areas, experience humid climates, or enjoy drinking alcohol and consuming sweet and greasy foods are prone to developing Damp-Heat. The specific manifestations include:
1. Body shape tends to be overweight or underweight.
2. Facial skin is rough, yellowish, and dull, with an oily sheen.
3. Teeth are yellow, gums are red, and lips are red.
4. Skin is prone to acne, pimples, and pigmentation.
5. The tongue is red, with a thick yellow coating, often accompanied by dry mouth, bad breath, bitter taste, strong body odor, and excessive sweating.
6. Stools are dry or sticky and poorly formed, often sticking to the toilet, making them difficult to clean, with a foul odor; urine is yellow and dark.
The above are common physical manifestations of the Damp-Heat constitution. So, what Chinese patent medicines can remove Damp-Heat? What are the differences?
1. Jin Qian Cao (Lysimachia) Granules
Effect: Clears Damp-Heat, reduces inflammation, alleviates swelling and pain, promotes urination.
Suitable for: Individuals with heat strangury, such as those suffering from prostatitis, urethritis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, and cystitis, who experience symptoms like painful urination, a burning sensation, and frequent urination can take Jin Qian Cao Granules. It is also effective for conditions caused by toxic heat, such as jaundice, boils, and poisonous bites, and can treat liver, gallbladder, and urinary stones. No significant side effects or adverse reactions have been reported.
2. Yin Chen Wu Ling Wan (Artemisia) Pills
Effect: Clears Damp-Heat and promotes diuresis.
Suitable for: Individuals with liver and gallbladder Damp-Heat, spleen deficiency, and lung Qi stagnation. Those with hepatitis, jaundice, urinary difficulties, and abdominal discomfort caused by Damp-Heat can take Yin Chen Wu Ling Wan for improvement. No significant side effects have been reported, but it is contraindicated for pregnant women. Additionally, individuals in the suitable population should avoid cold, greasy foods and alcohol during treatment.
3. Long Dan Cao (Gentiana) Pills
Effect: Primarily clears Damp-Heat, clears the liver, and benefits the gallbladder, treating Damp-Heat vaginal discharge.
Suitable for: Individuals with liver and gallbladder Damp-Heat, such as those experiencing dizziness, red eyes, bitter taste, rib pain, tinnitus, or burning urination can take Long Dan Cao Pills. During treatment, do not take other tonifying Chinese herbs, and avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and spicy foods. No significant side effects have been reported, but it is contraindicated for pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those who are elderly or weak, or have spleen and stomach deficiency should take it under medical guidance. If bowel movements increase and become unformed after taking the medicine, the dosage should be adjusted accordingly.
4. Wu Lin Wan (Five Lin) Pills
Effect: Clears Damp-Heat and stops strangury.
Suitable for: Individuals with lower jiao (lower abdomen) Damp-Heat, such as those experiencing painful urination, frequent urination, and cloudy urine caused by Damp-Heat can take Wu Lin Wan. It can also be combined with antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections and prostatitis. No clear side effects have been reported, but it is contraindicated for pregnant women and those with liver or kidney dysfunction. The market does not provide a clear reference price for Wu Lin Wan, so it is advisable to purchase from reputable pharmacies.
5. Jin Ju Wu Hua Tea Granules
Suitable for: Treats various conditions caused by large intestine Damp-Heat, such as diarrhea, dysentery, blood in stools, and hemorrhoidal bleeding. It is also effective for liver heat causing red eyes, and blood heat leading to sore throat and oral ulcers. No significant side effects have been reported, but it is contraindicated for diabetic patients, and those with hypertension, heart disease, poor liver or kidney function, and chronic colitis should use it with caution. During treatment, a light diet is recommended, and other tonifying Chinese herbs should not be taken simultaneously.
6. Yin Qi Gan Fu Granules
Effect: Clears heat, dispels dampness, benefits the gallbladder, and detoxifies, strengthens the spleen, and soothes the liver.
Suitable for: Individuals with liver and gallbladder Damp-Heat, spleen deficiency, and liver Qi stagnation, such as those experiencing a lack of taste, poor appetite, aversion to greasy foods, poor digestion, nausea, and rib swelling and pain can take Yin Qi Gan Fu Granules. Additionally, it has an inhibitory effect on chronic hepatitis B virus, making it effective for treating chronic hepatitis B. A typical course of treatment lasts three months, and a very small number of individuals may experience diarrhea or nausea after taking the medicine, but this does not affect the continuation of treatment.
7. Huang Dan Yin Chen Granules
Effect: Clears dampness and heat, benefits the gallbladder, and detoxifies.
Suitable for: Individuals with liver and gallbladder Damp-Heat can take it to treat acute and chronic jaundice-type infectious hepatitis. If infants have jaundice, Huang Dan Yin Chen Granules can also be used for treatment, but the dosage must be carefully controlled. Specific medication can be consulted with a physician or pharmacist. To alleviate concerns about the medication affecting the baby, it is advisable to give the child more warm water after taking the medicine to promote the metabolism and excretion of the drug. The medication has no significant side effects, but it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
8. Si Miao Wan (Four Marvels) Pills
Effect: Clears heat, dispels dampness, has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, relieves heat and pain, and promotes circulation.
Suitable for: Si Miao Wan is typically used for conditions caused by Damp-Heat descending, such as numbness in the lower limbs, joint pain, and swelling in the feet and knees. It is also effective for other diseases, such as eczema, arthritis, and osteomyelitis. Due to its heat-clearing properties, Si Miao Wan is cooling in nature, so individuals with stomach cold and yin deficiency should not take it for long periods. Women during menstruation should also use it with caution. Pregnant women should avoid it due to their special constitution.
Regarding which medications are good for removing Damp-Heat, we have introduced these eight Chinese patent medicines that all have the effect of clearing heat and dispelling dampness, but each has its own focus. It is essential to determine which one is suitable based on your specific situation. Individuals with severe Damp-Heat should also pay attention to their lifestyle habits, avoid eating cold and raw foods, maintain a light diet, and ensure regular sleep and appropriate exercise.
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