Is drinking dandelion tea effective for alleviating excessive internal heat (fire)?
Aug 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
If the "fire" (heat) condition belongs to excess fire (Shi Huo), symptoms may include sore throat, swollen gums, dry mouth, and bitter taste. The dandelion tea's property of clearing heat and purging fire can help reduce internal heat pathogens and alleviate discomfort caused by accumulation of heat. In such cases, moderate consumption of dandelion tea can bring a certain degree of relief. If the "fire" condition is due to deficient fire (Xu Huo), it may present with symptoms such as tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth, and minimal water intake.
Generally, dandelion tea may help alleviate symptoms of excessive internal heat (real fire) but is not suitable for symptoms caused by deficient fire. If in doubt, it is advisable to consult a medical professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:
If the excessive internal heat belongs to real fire, characterized by symptoms such as sore throat, swollen gums, dry mouth, and bitter taste, the heat-clearing properties of dandelion tea can help reduce internal heat and relieve discomfort caused by heat accumulation. In such cases, moderate consumption of dandelion tea may provide some relief.
If the excessive internal heat results from deficient fire, accompanied by symptoms like tidal fever, night sweats, dry mouth with little desire to drink, the cold nature of dandelion tea may worsen the body's deficiency condition, failing to improve symptoms and potentially causing gastrointestinal discomfort, such as abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Consumption of dandelion tea should be moderate, avoiding long-term use, especially for individuals with cold-deficiency body constitution. If symptoms of excessive internal heat persist or gastrointestinal discomfort occurs after drinking dandelion tea, consumption should be stopped, and professional guidance should be sought when necessary.
