What are the traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and eliminating dampness?
Nov 07, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Common traditional Chinese medicines for clearing heat and eliminating dampness include Longdan Xiegan Pills, Yinzhihuang Granules, Er Miao Pills, Si Miao Pills, and Qingre Qushi Granules. These medications are used to treat conditions caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat and should be selected according to specific symptoms under professional guidance. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.
Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and eliminating dampness mainly include Longdan Xiegan Wan, Yinzhihuang Granules, Er Miao Wan, Si Miao Wan, Qingre Qushi Granules, and others. These medications are intended for conditions caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat and should be selected according to specific symptoms under professional guidance. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention at a hospital promptly and follow the doctor's instructions for treatment.
1. Longdan Xiegan Wan: Primarily used for dizziness, red eyes, tinnitus, deafness, hypochondriac pain, and bitter taste in the mouth due to damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder and improves symptoms such as short, dark urine and damp-heat leukorrhea caused by downward flow of damp-heat. It should be taken according to the prescribed course.
2. Yinzhihuang Granules: Suitable for jaundice caused by liver and gallbladder damp-heat, characterized by yellowing of the face and eyes, chest and rib distension, nausea, and vomiting. It helps reduce bilirubin levels and promotes the elimination of damp-heat. Use in newborns must strictly follow medical advice.
3. Er Miao Wan: Composed of Phellodendron bark (Huangbai) and Atractylodes (Cangzhu), this formula excels at clearing heat and drying dampness. It is used for redness, swelling, and pain in the legs and knees, dark yellow urine, and dampness-induced itching of the scrotum due to downward infiltration of damp-heat. The medicine has a cold nature; use with caution in individuals with spleen and stomach deficiency-cold.
4. Si Miao Wan: Based on Er Miao Wan with the addition of Achyranthes root (Niuxi) and Coix seed (Yiyiren), it not only clears heat and dries dampness but also relaxes tendons and unblocks meridians. It is suitable for bi syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) due to damp-heat descending, presenting with red and swollen legs and knees, and bone or joint pain. It is particularly appropriate for those with both damp-heat and arthralgia.
5. Qingre Qushi Granules: Used for fatigue in the limbs, poor appetite, body heat, and dry mouth caused by summer-damp pathogenic factors. It clears heat and removes dampness while benefiting qi and promoting fluid production, balancing dampness removal with tonification. It is suitable for the summer-damp season or mild cases of damp-heat.
During the use of these heat-clearing and dampness-resolving Chinese patent medicines, maintain a light diet and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods. Monitor your body’s response closely; discontinue use if adverse effects such as diarrhea or abdominal pain occur.
