Is it okay to take Sizhao Pills for excessive dampness in the body?
Sep 03, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
When dampness intertwines with food accumulation and qi stagnation, causing symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, constipation or sticky, unsatisfactory bowel movements, and reduced appetite, ingredients in Sizhiao Pills such as rhubarb (Da Huang) and Gleditsia sinensis (Zhu Ya Zao) can aid in eliminating food stagnation, regulating qi, and promoting bowel movements. This helps remove accumulations within the body and indirectly alleviates discomfort caused by dampness obstruction, making the medication specifically suitable for such conditions.
Generally, when excessive dampness in the body is accompanied by symptoms such as food accumulation, Qi stagnation, or constipation, it may be appropriate to take Sizhiao Pills under medical guidance. However, if the dampness is simply due to a standalone dampness condition or a spleen and stomach deficiency-cold pattern, Sizhiao Pills are not suitable. If in doubt, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional in advance. Detailed explanation is as follows:
When dampness combines with food retention or Qi stagnation, causing symptoms such as abdominal distension, belching, constipation, or sticky and unsatisfactory bowel movements, and reduced appetite, ingredients in Sizhiao Pills like rhubarb and Gleditsia sinensis can help eliminate food stagnation, regulate Qi, and promote bowel movements. This can assist in removing internal accumulations and indirectly alleviate discomfort caused by dampness obstruction, making the medicine appropriate for such situations.
If the condition is merely excessive dampness without significant retention, manifested as heavy limbs and a thick greasy tongue coating, or if the dampness is due to spleen and stomach deficiency-cold, accompanied by cold intolerance, diarrhea, and a cold sensation in the stomach area, the cold nature of Sizhiao Pills will not only fail to remove dampness but may also impair the body's yang energy in the spleen and stomach, worsening the deficiency-cold symptoms. It could even lead to discomfort such as abdominal pain and diarrhea. In such cases, taking these pills is not advisable.
Before taking Sizhiao Pills, it is important to identify the type of dampness and any accompanying symptoms to avoid taking the medicine blindly. This medicine should not be taken for a prolonged period, and should be discontinued promptly once symptoms improve. Those with weak spleen and stomach should use it cautiously. If symptoms do not improve after taking the medication for three days, medical advice should be sought promptly to adjust the treatment plan.
