Does drinking lemon water help when you have excessive internal heat (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to symptoms like sore throat, acne, etc.)?

Generally, drinking lemon water may have a certain auxiliary effect in cases of excessive internal heat (commonly known as "fire heat"), but its effectiveness is limited for certain types of excessive heat, and it should be consumed in moderation. Detailed explanation is as follows:

Lemon water is a common beverage made by steeping lemons. Lemons are rich in vitamin C and organic acids. Vitamin C has antioxidant properties, and the high water content in lemon water helps replenish bodily fluids and promote metabolism. For symptoms of fire heat caused by dry heat, such as dry mouth and throat discomfort, moderate consumption of lemon water may help alleviate these symptoms. However, if the fire heat is caused by damp-heat, characterized by symptoms like bitter taste in the mouth and yellow, greasy tongue coating, lemon water has relatively limited effectiveness and may not significantly improve the condition. Additionally, lemon contains strong acidity, and excessive consumption may irritate the oral and gastrointestinal mucosa, causing discomfort such as tooth sensitivity and stomach pain.

When consuming lemon water, it is recommended to use warm water for dilution, avoid overly concentrated solutions, and rinse the mouth promptly after drinking to minimize tooth irritation. It is also advisable to avoid drinking lemon water on an empty stomach to prevent stimulation of gastric acid secretion. In daily life, developing good dietary habits, reducing the intake of spicy and hot-natured foods, consuming more ingredients that clear internal heat and relieve dryness, and ensuring adequate hydration are more beneficial for alleviating symptoms of excessive internal heat.