How to Remove Damp-Heat from the Body

Aug 28, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, the accumulation of dampness and heat in the body may be caused by factors such as consuming greasy and spicy foods, long-term late nights and irregular作息 (作息乱 should be translated as "irregular lifestyle habits"), chronic superficial gastritis, cholecystitis, and chronic enteritis. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other methods. In daily life, one can engage in appropriate activities such as walking or practicing Tai Chi to promote blood circulation and metabolism of dampness.

Generally, the accumulation of dampness-heat in the body may be caused by factors such as consuming greasy and spicy foods, long-term late-night habits, chronic superficial gastritis, cholecystitis, chronic enteritis, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and improve the condition through general lifestyle adjustments, medication, and other approaches under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Greasy and Spicy Diet: Long-term consumption of fried, spicy, or excessively sweet foods can increase the digestive burden on the spleen and stomach, leading to internal generation of dampness-heat, which may manifest as bitter taste in the mouth and abdominal distension. It is recommended to maintain a light diet, consume more wax gourd, coix seed, and mung beans, and reduce intake of hot pot, barbecues, and desserts. Eating should be regular and moderate, avoiding overeating.

2. Long-term Late-Night Habits and Irregular作息: Staying up late damages the yang energy of the spleen and stomach, impairs fluid metabolism, and promotes dampness-heat formation, often accompanied by fatigue and poor appetite. Maintaining a consistent daily schedule, ensuring 7–8 hours of sleep, avoiding staying up between 1–3 AM, staying away from electronic devices one hour before bedtime, and soaking feet before sleep can help improve sleep and metabolism.

3. Chronic Superficial Gastritis: Mild inflammation of the gastric mucosa affects the function of the spleen and stomach, leading to impaired transformation and transportation processes and accumulation of dampness-heat. Symptoms may include stomach pain and acid reflux. Patients should follow medical advice to take herbal medicines such as Xiang Sha Yang Wei Wan (Aromatic Spleen-Nourishing Pills), Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (Dioscorea & Atractylodes Powder), or Huo Xiang Qing Wei Capsules (Agastache Stomach-Clearing Capsules) for regulation.

4. Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder affects bile secretion, hinders digestion by the spleen and stomach, and promotes dampness-heat formation, manifesting as dull pain in the upper right abdomen and nausea. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory and bile-promoting medications such as Xiaoyan Lidan Pian (Anti-inflammatory and Gallbladder Pills), Ursodeoxycholic Acid Capsules, or Jin Dan Pian (Golden Gallbladder Pills) to clear heat and promote bile flow.

5. Chronic Enteritis: Dampness-heat invading the intestines causes recurrent inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, manifesting as abdominal pain, loose stools, and mucus in the stool. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as Chang Yan Ning Pian (Enteritis Relief Tablets), Xiang Lian Wan (Magnolia & Coptis Pills), or Compound Berberine Tablets to clear heat, dry dampness, and relieve diarrhea.

In daily life, moderate walking, practicing Tai Chi, and maintaining a cheerful mood can promote blood circulation, improve fluid metabolism, and avoid prolonged anxiety. Through comprehensive regulation, the function of the spleen and stomach can be gradually improved, dampness-heat can be eliminated, and overall health can be maintained.

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Which three types of people should not consume Astragalus (Huang Qi)?

Generally speaking, there is no saying that specifies "three types of people who cannot take Huang Qi (Astragalus)." However, individuals with colds and fever, those with excessive internal heat due to yin deficiency, individuals with excessive damp-heat in the body, patients with hyperthyroidism, and pregnant women are advised not to take Huang Qi. These groups should be clear about their contraindications to avoid possible adverse effects from consuming Huang Qi. Other populations may take Huang Qi if needed.

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What to Eat to Remove Damp-Heat from the Body

Under normal circumstances, damp-heat in the body easily causes symptoms such as bitter taste and stickiness in the mouth, heaviness in the limbs, sticky bowel movements, and short, dark urine. One may consume foods such as winter melon, mung beans, adzuki beans, coix seed, and purslane to help regulate these conditions. Additionally, medications such as Longdan Xiegan Wan, Qingre Qushi Granules, Simiao Wan, Yin Zhi Huang Oral Liquid, and Compound Chickenweed Artemisia Capsules may be taken as directed by a physician to eliminate damp-heat.

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What is the fastest method to remove damp-heat from the body?

Generally speaking, there is no such thing as the "fastest method to remove dampness and heat from the body." Accumulation of dampness and heat in the body may result from factors such as consuming sweet, greasy, or oily foods, long-term late-night activities and irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle habits" or "routine"), weakened function of the spleen and stomach, damp-heat syndrome in the large intestine, or damp-heat syndrome of the liver and gallbladder. It is recommended to seek timely medical advice, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition through general调理 (调理 should be translated as "regulation" or "lifestyle adjustments") and medical treatments under a doctor's guidance.

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What are the symptoms of a damp-heat constitution?

Accumulation of damp-heat in the body impedes the circulation of qi and blood, leading to a persistent feeling of heaviness, as if wrapped in wet cloth. Even with sufficient sleep, fatigue is difficult to relieve, and physical activity may exacerbate feelings of weakness in the limbs, mental lethargy, and difficulty concentrating. Damp-heat traveling along the meridians to the skin stimulates excessive sebum production by the sebaceous glands, causing the face and scalp to become oily, particularly noticeable on the forehead and sides of the nose.