What does it mean if the tongue coating is very yellow?
Apr 19, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
A very yellow tongue coating may result from consuming excessive foods rich in yellow pigments over a short period, causing temporary yellow discoloration of the tongue surface. It could also be due to an accumulation of dampness in the spleen and stomach; when damp-heat pathogens remain in these organs, they impair digestive function and rise upward, leading to yellowing at the root of the tongue. Additionally, excessive stomach heat with internal retention of dampness and heat may cause heat to rise and fumigate the tongue, resulting in a yellow and dry tongue coating.
A markedly yellow tongue coating may result from physiological factors, or it could be caused by pathological conditions such as damp-heat in the spleen and stomach or excessive stomach fire. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Physiological Factors
If large amounts of foods rich in yellow pigments are consumed within a short period, the tongue coating may temporarily turn yellow. This condition usually resolves after thorough tooth brushing and mouth rinsing, restoring the normal appearance of the tongue.
2. Pathological Factors
a. Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach
When there is excessive dampness affecting the spleen and stomach, damp-heat pathogens can linger in these organs, impairing their digestive and transforming functions. As damp-heat rises upward, symptoms such as greasy tongue coating and yellow discoloration at the root of the tongue may appear. It is recommended to take medications such as Jiawei Xiaoyao Pills, Huoxiang Qingwei Pills, or Huanglian Shangqing Tablets under medical guidance to regulate the condition and alleviate symptoms.
b. Excessive Stomach Fire
Excessive stomach heat leads to internal accumulation of damp-heat. The rising heat affects the tongue surface, causing a yellow and dry tongue coating. This is often accompanied by additional symptoms such as swollen and painful gums, constipation, and dark, scanty urination. Under medical supervision, medications such as Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Niuhuang Qingwei Pills, or Qingwei Powder may be taken to clear stomach heat and relieve symptoms.
In addition, a yellow tongue coating may also be caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. If other discomforts occur simultaneously, prompt medical evaluation is advised to complete necessary examinations and receive appropriate treatment.
