Home
Articles
Q&A

What fruits can cause "heatiness"?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Fruits that tend to cause internal heat ("shang huo") generally include lychee, longan, durian, mango, and cherry. These fruits are mostly of a warm or hot nature. Lychee, for example, is warm in nature and sweet in taste, with juicy and delicious flesh. However, excessive consumption may easily generate internal heat, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, dry mouth, thirst, and constipation—signs commonly associated with "shang huo." Individuals with a naturally heat-prone constitution may experience these effects more noticeably. Therefore, intake of such fruits should be moderated.

Fruits that tend to cause "internal heat" (shang huo) generally include lychee, longan, durian, mango, cherry, and others, which are mostly considered warm or hot in nature. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Lychee: Lychee has a warm nature and sweet taste, with juicy and delicious flesh. Excessive consumption may easily generate internal heat, leading to symptoms such as sore throat, dry mouth, thirst, and constipation—signs of "shang huo," especially more pronounced in individuals with a naturally heat-prone constitution.

2. Longan: Longan is warm in nature and traditionally used to nourish the heart and strengthen the spleen. However, due to its strong warming properties, overconsumption may intensify internal heat, causing restlessness, insomnia, mouth ulcers, and nosebleeds. It is best suited for those with cold-deficient constitutions and should be consumed in moderation.

3. Durian: Known as the "king of tropical fruits," durian is hot in nature and sweet in taste. It is extremely high in calories and sugar. Eating durian may easily induce heatiness, resulting in symptoms like dry mouth, acne, and constipation. Overeating may significantly worsen "shang huo" conditions.

4. Mango: Mango is warm in nature with a sweet and sour taste; certain varieties have particularly noticeable warming effects. Excessive intake may lead to heat accumulation in the body, causing sore throat, skin itching, and dry, hard stools. Individuals with damp-heat constitutions should be especially cautious.

5. Cherry: Cherry is warm in nature with a sweet and sour taste. Although highly nutritious, its warming property should not be overlooked. Overconsumption may increase internal heat, leading to dry mouth, sore throat, and throat swelling. Those with a heat-prone constitution are more susceptible to "shang huo" if eating too many cherries.

Intake of these fruits should be controlled to avoid excessive consumption at one time. If symptoms of "shang huo" occur after eating them, drinking more water or consuming mung bean soup may help alleviate the discomfort.

Related Articles

View All
Is it better to eat rooster or hen after a miscarriage?
For women with a naturally warm constitution or those concerned about the potential effects of trace estrogen in female chickens on post-abortion recovery, choosing rooster meat is more suitable. Rooster meat has lower fat content, high-quality protein that is easily absorbed, and can help restore strength after cooking. It is less likely to exacerbate internal heat, making it appropriate for most women in the early recovery phase after miscarriage, especially those with poor appetite who need light yet nourishing dietary support.
avatar
Dr. Zhang Lu
View Full Answer
What are the medicinal effects of eating goose bile raw?
In general, consuming goose gallbladder raw is not recommended, as it may pose health risks. According to traditional beliefs, eating goose gallbladder raw is thought to have medicinal effects such as clearing heat and detoxifying the body, improving eyesight, promoting bile secretion, relieving throat discomfort, and assisting in improving skin conditions. Traditional views hold that goose gallbladder is of a cold nature, and when consumed raw, it can eliminate internal heat and toxins, thereby alleviating symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and swollen gums caused by "excessive internal heat" (so-called "shang huo").
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the side effects and contraindications of ginseng?
Side effects of ginseng generally include symptoms of excessive internal heat (heatiness), insomnia, blood pressure fluctuations, gastrointestinal discomfort, and allergic reactions. Contraindications typically include avoiding use during colds or fever, contraindication in individuals with excess-heat conditions, cautious use in those with uncontrolled hypertension, caution in pregnant women, and avoidance of concomitant use with certain medications. Excessive or long-term consumption of ginseng may easily lead to heatiness symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, constipation, and swollen gums.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Is drinking goji berry tea regularly cooling or heat-inducing?
Goji berries themselves are sweet in taste and neutral in nature, and do not belong to either hot or cold food categories. When steeped alone, they do not have significant effects on clearing internal heat or causing excessive internal heat (fire). For individuals with balanced constitutions and no obvious tendency toward cold or heat imbalances, regular moderate consumption can gently provide nutrition, maintain the body's yin-yang balance, and avoid discomfort related to excessive dryness or coldness. Thus, goji berry tea is a mild, suitable daily beverage choice.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What type of ginseng should be consumed to tonify physical weakness and yin deficiency?
For deficiency of qi and yin, American ginseng or forest-grown ginseng are generally recommended. American ginseng is cool in nature, with a sweet and slightly bitter taste, and is the primary type of ginseng suitable for individuals with yin-deficiency constitution. It not only replenishes qi to improve fatigue and physical weakness, but also nourishes yin, clears heat, promotes body fluid production, and relieves thirst. It does not exacerbate internal heat caused by yin deficiency, making it ideal for those with both yin deficiency and physical weakness, especially individuals experiencing symptoms such as dry mouth and throat. It can be sliced and steeped in water or ground into powder for oral consumption.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
How to regulate the body for individuals with a heat-prone constitution
Individuals with a heat-prone constitution can generally improve their condition through dietary regulation, adjustment of daily routines, moderate exercise, emotional balance, and supplementary herbal teas. It is advisable to consume more cooling foods such as mung beans, winter melon, and bitter gourd, which help clear internal heat, eliminate dampness, promote body fluid production, and relieve dryness. Spicy, hot, and fried foods should be reduced to avoid exacerbating internal heat. The diet should primarily consist of light, easily digestible meals, with smaller portions eaten more frequently to reduce the burden on the body.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
Can Codonopsis and red dates be consumed together as tea?
In general, Codonopsis root (Dangshen) and red dates can be consumed together as a tea, but excessive consumption is not recommended. It is important to control the amount consumed, as overuse may lead to discomfort such as bloating or internal heat. Individuals with internal damp-heat, excessive phlegm-dampness, or those prone to heatiness should drink it sparingly or avoid it altogether to prevent worsening of symptoms. If abnormal symptoms such as dry mouth or constipation occur during consumption, usage should be stopped immediately.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
What are the traditional Chinese medicine treatments for skin dryness syndrome?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment for cutaneous xerosis syndrome includes oral herbal medicine, acupuncture regulation, external herbal therapies, acupoint massage, and dietary therapy as adjuncts. Treatment should be individualized based on syndrome differentiation such as yin deficiency with internal heat or deficiency of qi and blood, focusing on nourishing yin, moistening dryness, and regulating the internal organs. If severe symptoms such as marked dry mouth, dry eyes, or skin ulceration occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. For the pattern of yin deficiency with internal heat, herbs that nourish yin and moisten dryness are used to relieve dry mouth and dry skin.
avatar
Dr. Sun Lianqing
View Full Answer
彩牛养生

Your trusted source for health information and wellness guidance.

Quick Links

Resources

Connect

© 2024 HealthPortal. All rights reserved.