Does diarrhea after drinking traditional Chinese medicine mean excessive dampness in the body?

Diarrhea refers to loose or watery stools. Experiencing diarrhea after taking traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) may be due to excessive dampness in the body, but it could also result from other factors such as drug intolerance or improper diet. The specific causes are analyzed as follows:

In some individuals with excessive internal dampness, taking TCM herbs that have drying or diuretic effects may promote the elimination of dampness, leading to temporary diarrhea. In this case, the diarrhea is caused by excessive dampness. Such diarrhea is usually a bodily response during the process of adjustment and detoxification, and symptoms typically subside as the dampness is gradually cleared.

If an individual is intolerant to certain components in the herbal formula, gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea or abdominal pain may occur. In such cases, the diarrhea is unrelated to dampness. Some TCM herbs—such as Da Huang (rhubarb), Huang Qin (scutellaria), and Huang Lian (coptis)—have purgative and cold-natured properties and may also cause diarrhea. Additionally, consuming excessively cold or irritating foods during TCM treatment can trigger diarrhea.

It is recommended to take TCM according to medical advice, maintain a light and bland diet during treatment, and avoid combining it with other medications whenever possible. If any adverse reactions occur, prompt medical consultation and treatment at a hospital are advised.