What causes a thick white tongue coating, and how can it be resolved?
May 21, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Thick white tongue coating may be caused by factors such as food stagnation, deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, or kidney yang deficiency, and can be managed through methods like acupuncture or medication. Consuming large amounts of hard-to-digest foods may lead to food retention in the gastrointestinal tract, weakening spleen and stomach function, and causing symptoms such as loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and thick white tongue coating. Patients may take medications such as Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets under a doctor's guidance.
A thick white tongue coating may be caused by food stagnation, deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach, kidney yang deficiency, or other reasons, and can be managed through methods such as acupuncture or medication. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Food Stagnation
Consuming large amounts of hard-to-digest foods may lead to food retention in the gastrointestinal tract, weakening spleen and stomach function, resulting in symptoms such as poor appetite, abdominal distension, and thick white tongue coating. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications like Jianwei Xiaoshi Tablets or Baohe Pills for regulation.
2. Deficiency-Cold of the Spleen and Stomach
Deficiency-cold of the spleen and stomach refers to insufficient yang energy in these organs, which impairs their ability to properly digest and transform food, leading to abnormal fluid metabolism. If excessive fluids overflow onto the tongue, a thick white coating may appear. Patients may follow medical advice to take Xiao Jianzhong Granules or Fuzi Lizhong Pills for treatment.
3. Kidney Yang Deficiency
Kidney yang deficiency means inadequate yang energy in the kidneys. Insufficient yang leads to reduced capacity to transform and transport bodily fluids, potentially causing internal accumulation of dampness and a thick white tongue coating. Patients with kidney yang deficiency may benefit from acupuncture at points such as Shenshu (BL23), Mingmen (GV4), and Yinlingquan (SP9), performed by qualified professionals, as an adjunctive therapy.
In addition to the above common causes and treatments, a thick white tongue coating may also result from phlegm-dampness or spleen deficiency. Dietary adjustments may help in managing these conditions. Patients should seek medical evaluation at a hospital to identify the underlying cause and receive standardized diagnosis and treatment.
