What does a tongue coating look like when there is excessive dampness?

Generally, the tongue coating of excessive dampness is characterized by a thick, greasy coating that appears white or yellow, indicating excessive internal dampness, which is commonly seen in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis. If discomfort occurs, timely consultation at a regular hospital is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

A normal tongue coating is thin, white, and moist. However, in individuals with excessive dampness, the tongue coating often becomes thick and greasy, typically white or yellow in color. A thick, greasy white coating usually indicates cold-dampness and is often accompanied by symptoms such as heaviness in the body and sensitivity to cold. A thick, greasy yellow coating usually indicates damp-heat, possibly accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth, dryness of the mouth, and sticky bowel movements. In addition, excessive dampness may cause tooth marks along the edges of the tongue coating. This occurs because dampness impedes the spleen and stomach, causing the tongue to swell and become compressed by the teeth.

Observation of changes in the tongue coating can assist in assessing the condition of internal dampness but should not be used alone for diagnosis. If abnormal tongue coating accompanied by discomfort is noticed, timely consultation with a qualified TCM practitioner is recommended for appropriate evaluation and management based on specific symptoms. In daily life, one should maintain a light diet, avoid excessive consumption of raw, cold, or greasy foods, keep a regular lifestyle, and engage in appropriate physical activity to reduce accumulation of dampness in the body.