What medicine should individuals with a damp-heat constitution take?

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

In general, patients with a damp-heat body constitution can use medications under the guidance of a physician for regulation. Commonly used medications include Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, Si Miao Wan, Qing Re Qu Shi Ke Li, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, and Dang Gui Long Hui Wan. In addition, damp-heat constitution patients may also use other suitable medications under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, a light diet should be maintained during treatment, and spicy and greasy foods should be avoided.

Generally, individuals with a damp-heat constitution can use medications for regulation under a physician's guidance. Commonly used medications include Longdan Xiegan Wan, Simiao Wan, Qingre Qushi Granules, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, and Danggui Longhui Wan. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Longdan Xiegan Wan (Dragon胆Liver-Drainage Pill)

Composed of ingredients such as Gentiana (Longdan), Bupleurum (Chaihu), and Scutellaria (Huangqin), Longdan Xiegan Wan functions to clear heat and dampness from the liver and gallbladder. It helps alleviate symptoms caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, such as dizziness, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, deafness, flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, dark-colored urine, and leukorrhea with damp-heat characteristics. It is suitable for individuals with a damp-heat constitution.

2. Simiao Wan (Four Marvels Pill)

Simiao Wan contains traditional Chinese herbs such as Atractylodes (Cangzhu), Phellodendron (Huangbo), and Coix Seed (Yiyiren), and is effective in clearing heat and eliminating dampness. It can relieve bi syndrome caused by downward accumulation of damp-heat, characterized by red and swollen knees, joint pain, and discomfort caused by a damp-heat constitution. It should be taken under a physician's guidance.

3. Qingre Qushi Granules (Heat-Clearing and Dampness-Resolving Granules)

These granules are made from ingredients such as Codonopsis (Dangshen), Capillaris (Yinchen), and Elaeagnus root (Gangmeigen), and have the effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, invigorating qi, and promoting body fluid production. They are suitable for conditions caused by summerheat-dampness, such as fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, fever, and dry mouth, and are particularly appropriate for patients with a damp-heat constitution experiencing these symptoms.

4. Huoxiang Zhengqi Water (Agastache Qi-Regulating Liquid)

Containing ingredients such as Atractylodes (Cangzhu), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), and Magnolia Bark (Houpu), Huoxiang Zhengqi Water resolves exterior syndromes, transforms dampness, regulates qi, and harmonizes the middle jiao. It can be used to treat colds caused by external contraction of wind-cold with internal injury from dampness retention, or summerheat-dampness, presenting with symptoms such as heavy-headed headache, chest and diaphragm fullness, epigastric distension and pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It helps regulate discomfort associated with a damp-heat constitution.

5. Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica and Gentiana & Aloe Pill)

Composed of Angelica (Danggui), Gentiana (Longdan), Aloe (Luhui), and other ingredients, Danggui Longhui Wan has the effect of purging fire and relieving constipation. It is specifically used for restlessness, dizziness, blurred vision, tinnitus, deafness, rib pain, epigastric distension and pain, and constipation caused by excessive fire in the liver and gallbladder. It is one of the commonly used medications for individuals with a damp-heat constitution who exhibit these symptoms.

In addition, individuals with a damp-heat constitution may use other suitable medications under a physician's guidance. During treatment, a light diet should be maintained, with avoidance of spicy and greasy foods. Regular作息 (作息 should be translated as作息 here, but since it's not fully translated in the original text, it might be better to use "rest and work patterns" or "daily routines") and good lifestyle habits should be followed to support body regulation.

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How to properly regulate cold-damp-heat constitution

Adjusting a constitution characterized by cold, dampness, and heat typically involves modifying dietary patterns and using traditional Chinese medicine therapies. Long-term persistence is essential when regulating such a constitution; quick results should not be expected. If significant fatigue, abdominal distension, or worsening of thick, greasy tongue coating occur during the process, it is advisable to consult a professional TCM practitioner to develop a personalized plan. Daily attention should be paid to bodily responses, and调理 methods should be adjusted according to seasonal changes.

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What medications can be taken to nourish the kidneys?

In general, kidney-tonifying medications are primarily used to improve symptoms such as soreness and weakness in the lower back and knees, dizziness, tinnitus, fatigue, aversion to cold, and cold limbs caused by deficiencies such as kidney qi deficiency, kidney yin deficiency, or kidney yang deficiency. The appropriate medication should be selected according to the specific pattern under medical guidance. Patients may use medications such as Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan, Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, Wu Zi Yan Zong Wan, Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan, or Zuo Gui Wan as directed by a physician.

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What are the Manifested Symptoms and Regulation Methods of a Damp-Heat Body Type?

The face is prone to oiliness, with a yellowish and dull complexion, and is susceptible to acne and pimples. Sebum secretion is excessive, and the face tends to become oily quickly even after cleansing, affecting the overall facial condition. There is often a bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, accompanied by bad breath, with symptoms possibly more pronounced upon waking in the morning. These symptoms are difficult to fully relieve even after drinking water, affecting the sense of taste. The body commonly feels heavy and fatigued, with a sensation of heaviness during movement of the limbs.

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What to Eat for a Damp-Heat Constitution

Under normal circumstances, individuals with a damp-heat body type are suitable to consume foods such as coix seed, winter melon, mung beans, red adzuki beans, and bitter melon, as well as oral medications including Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Shenling Baizhu Powder, Longdan Xiegan Pills, Qingre Qushi Granules, and Xiangsha Yangwei Pills. Foods can assist in removing dampness and clearing heat, while medications should be used according to medical advice, and their effects may vary from person to person.