What should I eat to quickly relieve a sore throat caused by excessive internal heat?

Oct 17, 2022 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Xu Gang

Introduction

In general, sore throat caused by "excessive internal heat" can be treated with medication, along with certain foods that help alleviate symptoms. If a patient's symptoms do not improve after self-care measures, timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment are necessary. Patients experiencing "internal heat" are advised to maintain a light diet in daily life and avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, and irritating foods.

In general, when experiencing "excessive internal heat" (a traditional Chinese medicine concept often referred to as "shang huo"), individuals can take medications for treatment and also incorporate certain foods to help alleviate symptoms.

1. Medication

"Shang huo" is a broad term used in traditional Chinese medicine. Patients commonly experience symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, dryness, sore throat, and constipation. These symptoms are usually caused by factors like staying up late, consuming irritating foods, or emotional stress. Under a doctor's guidance, patients may take medications such as Huanglian Shangqing Pian (Coptis Rhizome Upper-Resolving Tablets) or Niuhuang Shangqing Wan (Bezoar Upper-Resolving Pills). Alternatively, traditional Chinese herbs like honeysuckle, chrysanthemum, and pangdahai (Sterculia lychnophora seeds) can be steeped in hot water and consumed as tea, which may help reduce internal heat to some extent.

2. Diet

"Shang huo" generally refers to symptoms caused by excessive internal heat. It may be helpful to consume cooling foods such as white radish, pears, and grapefruit. Foods with high water content, such as cucumber and watermelon, are also beneficial.

It is recommended that individuals experiencing "shang huo" maintain a light diet, avoid raw, cold, greasy, spicy, or stimulating foods, and stay away from tobacco and alcohol. Drinking plenty of water daily helps promote metabolism and reduce internal heat. It's important to balance work and rest, ensure sufficient sleep, and avoid staying up late. Maintaining emotional stability and a positive mood is also essential. Regular moderate physical exercise can enhance immunity, improve resistance, and strengthen overall health.

If symptoms of "shang huo" do not improve after self-management, it is important to seek timely medical evaluation and appropriate treatment.

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