How does traditional Chinese medicine treat excessive underarm sweat odor?

Dec 31, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
In traditional Chinese medicine, excessive underarm odor may be caused by factors such as excessive heart fire, spleen and stomach deficiency, kidney yin deficiency, qi and blood stagnation, and excessive liver fire. Treatment or symptom relief may be achieved through methods such as oral medication, depending on the specific condition. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and undergo appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Additionally, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mental state can help alleviate symptoms in daily life.

Generally, in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), excessive underarm odor may be caused by factors such as excessive heart fire, spleen and stomach deficiency, kidney yin deficiency, qi and blood stagnation, and excessive liver fire. Oral medications and other treatment methods may be used according to individual conditions to treat or relieve symptoms. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice to determine the exact cause and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Excessive Heart Fire: Excessive heart fire refers to mental unrest and significant emotional fluctuations that lead to upward inflammation of heart fire, affecting sweat gland secretion and causing pungent-smelling sweat. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as irritability, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Patients may take Zhusha Anshen Wan, Daochi Wan, Tianwang Buxin Dan, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance.

2. Spleen and Stomach Deficiency: Spleen and stomach deficiency leads to impaired transformation and transportation functions, qi deficiency, and uncontrolled perspiration, resulting in strong underarm odor. Symptoms may include abdominal distension and poor appetite. Patients may take Shenling Baizhu San, Xiangsha Yangwei Wan, Fuzi Lizhong Wan, or similar medications as advised by a doctor.

3. Kidney Yin Deficiency: Prolonged overexertion, frequent sexual activity, and other factors may cause insufficient body yin fluids, allowing heat pathogens to invade, intensifying sweat odor. This may be accompanied by symptoms such as soreness and weakness of the waist and knees, dizziness, and tinnitus. Patients may take Qiju Dihuang Wan, Liwei Dihuang Wan, Dabuyin Wan, or similar medications according to medical instructions.

4. Qi and Blood Stagnation: Qi and blood disharmony and an unstable body surface lead to uncontrolled perspiration, intensifying underarm odor. Symptoms may include limb numbness and dull skin complexion. Patients may take Yangxue Yin Oral Liquid, Yiqi Weixue Tablets, Danggui Buxue Wan, or similar medications under a doctor's guidance.

5. Excessive Liver Fire: Emotional fluctuations and high stress levels may cause imbalance between yin and yang, upward surge of heat, and strongly odorous sweat. Symptoms may include irritability, dry mouth, and sore throat. Patients may take Longdan Xiegan Tang, Chaihu Shugan San, Yangyin Qingfei Wan, or similar medications as directed by a physician.

In daily life, maintaining healthy lifestyle habits and a positive mental state can also help alleviate the above symptoms.