How to manage damp-heat in the spleen and stomach

Aug 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach may be caused by factors such as improper diet, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle habits" or "routine"), chronic superficial gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic cholecystitis, and other similar conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other approaches under a physician's guidance. In daily life, one may appropriately engage in mild exercises such as walking or tai chi to promote blood circulation and metabolism of dampness.

Generally, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach may be caused by improper diet, irregular作息 (作息紊乱 translates to irregular rest or sleep patterns), chronic superficial gastritis, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), chronic cholecystitis, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other approaches. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Improper Diet: Long-term excessive consumption of greasy, spicy, or sweet foods can overload the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to internal generation of dampness and heat. Symptoms may include bitter taste in the mouth and abdominal distension. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, consume more dampness-resolving foods such as wax gourd (winter melon), coix seed, and mung beans, and reduce intake of fried foods, hot pots, and desserts. Eating habits should be regular, avoiding overeating or binge eating.

2. Irregular Rest Patterns: Long-term late-night habits or irregular作息 can damage the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, impair water metabolism, and lead to damp-heat formation, often accompanied by fatigue and poor appetite. Maintaining a consistent daily routine, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep, avoiding staying up late between 1–3 AM, staying away from electronic devices one hour before bedtime, and engaging in relaxing activities such as foot soaking or listening to soft music can help improve sleep and overall health.

3. Chronic Superficial Gastritis: Mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa can impair the function of the spleen and stomach, leading to dysfunction in digestion and accumulation of damp-heat. Symptoms may include stomach pain and acid reflux. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (aromatic spleen-nourishing pill), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (a classical formula for spleen deficiency), or Huo Xiang Qing Wei Capsules to regulate the spleen and stomach and alleviate damp-heat symptoms.

4. Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD): Reflux of gastric contents irritates the esophagus and is often accompanied by dysfunction in the digestive functions of the spleen and stomach, leading to upward steaming of damp-heat. Symptoms may include heartburn and belching. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as omeprazole enteric-coated capsules, domperidone tablets, or hydrotalcite chewable tablets to suppress gastric acid secretion and enhance gastric motility.

5. Chronic Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder affects bile secretion and excretion, hinders digestion by the spleen and stomach, and leads to the generation of damp-heat. Symptoms may include dull pain in the upper right abdomen and nausea. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as anti-inflammatory gallbladder tablets, ursodeoxycholic acid capsules, or Jin Dan Pian (golden gallbladder pills) to clear heat and promote bile function.

In daily life, engaging in mild physical activities such as walking or tai chi can help promote blood circulation and dampness metabolism. Maintaining a cheerful mood and avoiding long-term anxiety or anger are also important to protect the health of the spleen and stomach. Through comprehensive lifestyle adjustments, the function of the spleen and stomach can be gradually improved, damp-heat can be eliminated, and the health of the digestive system can be maintained.

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What are the patent medicines for damp-heat in the spleen and stomach?

Under normal circumstances, patients with damp-heat in the spleen and stomach can use medications under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used medications include Gegen Qinlian Pills, Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Er Miao Pills, Yin Zhi Huang Granules, and Xiang Lian Pills. During treatment, patients should also maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and follow a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "daily routine" or "作息" could be transliterated as "zuoxi" if retaining Chinese terms is acceptable), to promote recovery.

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What are the traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for damp-heat in the spleen and stomach?

The traditional Chinese medicine formula Lian Pu Yin, primarily composed of Coptis (Huang Lian), Magnolia bark (Hou Po), Ternate Arisaema Rhizome (Shi Chang Pu), and Pinellia (Ban Xia), is effective in clearing heat, resolving dampness, regulating qi, and harmonizing the middle jiao. It is suitable for symptoms caused by damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, such as epigastric and abdominal distension and fullness, nausea, vomiting, bitter taste, sticky mouth, and dark yellow urine. This formula helps alleviate qi stagnation due to damp-heat blocking the middle jiao and improves digestive function.

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What causes a summerheat-dampness type of common cold, and what should be done?

In general, damp-heat感冒 (a type of common cold in traditional Chinese medicine) is often caused by external contraction of dampness-heat pathogens, food stagnation leading to internal dampness, environmental exposure to damp-heat, excessive fatigue consuming vital energy, or internal accumulation of damp-heat in the spleen and stomach. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through lifestyle adjustments and medication under a doctor's guidance. In daily life, adjust clothing according to seasonal changes, avoid prolonged exposure to air conditioning, and refrain from consuming cold beverages, particularly during summer.

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What medication should be taken for damp-heat in the spleen and stomach?

Under normal circumstances, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach is a condition caused by the accumulation of damp-heat pathogens in the spleen and stomach, leading to dysfunction in their digestive and transformative functions. Common symptoms include abdominal distension and fullness, limb fatigue, loose stools, bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth. Patients may take medications such as Huoxiang Qingwei Capsules, Gegen Qinlian Tablets, Xiangsha Liujun Pills, Lianpu Shuangqing Tablets, and Zhishi Daozhi Pills under the guidance of a physician.