What medication should be taken for damp-heat?

Aug 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Long Dan Xie Gan Wan contains ingredients such as Gentiana (Long Dan), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), and others. It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder and is indicated for symptoms caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, such as dizziness, red eyes, hypochondriac pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and dark urine. It can relieve organ discomfort caused by accumulation of damp-heat. Yin Zhi Huang Granules are composed of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yin Chen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhi Zi), and Scutellaria flavonoids (Huang Qin Gan), and have functions of clearing heat, detoxifying, promoting diuresis, and reducing jaundice. They are suitable for jaundice caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat.

  To improve symptoms of damp-heat, medications such as Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Dragon胆Liver-Draining Pill), Yin Zhi Huang Granules, Si Miao Wan (Four Marvels Pill), Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan, and Xiang Lian Wan can generally be selected. Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  1. Long Dan Xie Gan Wan: Contains ingredients such as Gentiana (Long Dan), Bupleurum (Chai Hu), and Scutellaria (Huang Qin). It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, suitable for symptoms such as dizziness, red and painful eyes, flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and dark urine caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat. It helps alleviate visceral discomfort caused by accumulation of damp-heat.

  2. Yin Zhi Huang Granules: Composed of Artemisiae Scopariae Herba (Yin Chen), Gardeniae Fructus (Zhi Zi), and Baicalin (Huang Qin), this formula clears heat and toxins and promotes diuresis to relieve jaundice. It is suitable for jaundice caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat, characterized by yellowing of the face and eyes and dark yellow urine. It promotes bile excretion and alleviates jaundice symptoms caused by damp-heat.

  3. Si Miao Wan: Contains Phellodendri Cortex (Huang Bai), Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cang Zhu), Coicis Semen (Yi Yi Ren), among others. It clears heat and removes dampness, commonly used for pain in the muscles and bones and red, swollen feet and knees caused by downward invasion of damp-heat. It improves limb discomfort caused by damp-heat obstructing the meridians.

  4. Ge Gen Qin Lian Wan: Contains Puerariae Radix (Ge Gen), Scutellariae Radix (Huang Qin), and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian). It clears heat, removes dampness, and stops diarrhea. It is suitable for diarrhea caused by damp-heat in the large intestine, characterized by urgent diarrhea and burning sensation in the anus, regulating intestinal function.

  5. Xiang Lian Wan: Primarily composed of Aucklandiae Radix (Mu Xiang) and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huang Lian), it clears heat, removes dampness, regulates qi, and relieves pain. It is suitable for dysentery caused by accumulation of damp-heat in the intestines, characterized by pus and blood in stools and tenesmus. It reduces inflammation and pain caused by damp-heat in the intestines.

  Before taking any medication, ensure the type of damp-heat condition matches the drug's indications. Do not take medications arbitrarily without medical advice. If symptoms do not improve after taking the medication, or if adverse effects such as nausea or diarrhea occur, discontinue use immediately and seek professional assistance.

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