What are the symptoms of excessive damp-heat?

Common symptoms of excessive internal heat and dampness include bodily heaviness and fatigue, oily and itchy skin, digestive disturbances, sticky mouth with unpleasant odor, and dark yellow, difficult urination. If the above symptoms persist for more than two weeks and affect daily life, it is recommended to seek medical advice promptly to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

1. Bodily heaviness and fatigue: Heat and dampness invading the body can obstruct the flow of qi, leading to heavy, sore limbs that remain unrelieved even after rest. This may also be accompanied by dizziness, a sensation of head heaviness, low spirits, and lethargy.

2. Oily and itchy skin: Heat and dampness rising to the skin stimulate overactive sebaceous glands, causing oily face and scalp. This may trigger skin conditions such as eczema and acne. Some individuals may develop persistent itching, red rashes, or chronic skin issues that are difficult to resolve.

3. Digestive system abnormalities: Heat and dampness impair the spleen and stomach's digestive functions, resulting in poor appetite, abdominal bloating, belching, and sticky, loose stools. A feeling of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements is common, and some people may also experience nausea or an urge to vomit.

4. Sticky mouth with unpleasant odor: Heat and dampness rising upward to the mouth cause thick, sticky saliva, along with bitter taste, bad breath, and a thick, yellow tongue coating—especially noticeable upon waking. This may also be associated with throat discomfort or a sensation of a foreign body in the throat.

5. Dark yellow and difficult urination: Heat and dampness affecting the bladder disrupt urine metabolism, leading to dark yellow urine, reduced volume, and difficulty in urination. Some individuals may also feel mild burning in the urethra.

For daily care, maintain a dry and well-ventilated living environment, and avoid prolonged exposure to hot, humid conditions. Reduce consumption of spicy, greasy, raw, cold, and sweet foods. Increase intake of heat-clearing and dampness-resolving foods such as winter melon and coix seed (yi yi ren). Regular moderate exercise is also recommended to promote blood and qi circulation and help eliminate internal heat and dampness.