Can cloves, ginger, and Coptis (Huang Lian) be taken together?

May 22, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Shen Yonghua

Introduction

Clove and ginger are warm in nature, and for individuals with excessive internal heat or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, using them together with Coptis may cause imbalance of yin and yang in the body, leading to discomforts such as heatiness, dry mouth, and thirst. In addition, Coptis is bitter and cold in nature; excessive or long-term use may harm the spleen and stomach, so it should be used cautiously by those with spleen and stomach deficiency. Before deciding to consume clove, ginger, and Coptis together,

Cloves, ginger, and Coptis (Huang Lian) generally should not be consumed together; it is recommended to eat appropriately.

Cloves and ginger are warming in nature. For individuals with excessive internal heat or yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity, combining them with Coptis may cause imbalance of yin and yang in the body, leading to discomforts such as heatiness, dry mouth, and thirst. Additionally, Coptis is bitter and cold in nature; excessive or long-term consumption may harm the spleen and stomach. Those with spleen and stomach weakness should use it cautiously. Before deciding to consume cloves, ginger, and Coptis together, it is best to consult a qualified traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner to ensure this combination of herbs suits your body constitution and current health condition.

For individuals with cold deficiency in the spleen and stomach, taking Coptis may worsen symptoms because Coptis is cold in nature. Although cloves and ginger can warm the middle jiao and dispel cold, when taken together with Coptis, their warming and nourishing effects may be weakened. TCM emphasizes syndrome differentiation and individualized treatment, as each person's constitution and condition are different. Therefore, personalized treatment plans should be formulated according to specific circumstances.

In daily diet, it is recommended to maintain a balanced dietary structure and diversify food intake to help maintain health. A light diet is advised, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.

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