Does diarrhea after soaking feet with mugwort indicate cold elimination?
Jun 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Shen Yonghua
Introduction
In general, "la xi" refers to diarrhea. Whether diarrhea after soaking feet with mugwort can indicate the elimination of coldness from the body needs to be determined based on individual constitution and specific circumstances. If diarrhea occurs without other significant discomfort symptoms and the individual's constitution tends toward coldness, it may indicate the discharge of cold; however, if diarrhea is accompanied by other discomfort symptoms, it may not be due to cold elimination. It is important to maintain good lifestyle and dietary habits in daily life.
Generally speaking, "la xi" refers to diarrhea. Whether diarrhea after soaking feet with mugwort is a result of cold expulsion depends on individual constitution and specific circumstances. If there are no other discomforts and the diarrhea gradually improves, it may indicate the expulsion of cold; however, if the diarrhea is severe or persists for a prolonged period, it likely isn't related to cold expulsion. Detailed analysis is as follows:
Mugwort is warm in nature and has functions of warming the meridians to dispel cold and removing dampness. When the body's yang energy is insufficient and cold-damp pathogens are heavy, soaking feet with mugwort may promote blood circulation, stimulate yang energy, and assist the body in expelling cold and dampness. During this process, diarrhea may occur as the cold-damp pathogens are expelled through the intestines. Typically, the stool is loose or watery and may be accompanied by a small amount of mucus, but without significant symptoms such as abdominal pain or fever. Moreover, with repeated foot soaking, the diarrhea usually improves gradually and the body generally feels lighter and more comfortable.
If the diarrhea is severe or lasts for a long time, it is generally not caused by cold expulsion. It may be due to other factors such as abdominal cooling during foot soaking, weak spleen and stomach function, intestinal dysfunction, improper diet, or intestinal infection. In such cases, it is recommended to stop foot soaking, monitor symptom changes, and seek medical attention when necessary.
In daily life, it's important to maintain good living and dietary habits, and consume more fresh vegetables and fruits to supply essential vitamins and minerals that help the body recover.
