What medication should be taken for thick, white, and greasy tongue coating?

Dec 12, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Commonly used herbal remedies for thick, white, greasy tongue coating include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, Ping Wei Wan, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San consists of ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, and other herbs, and is known for its effects of tonifying the spleen and stomach and benefiting lung qi. It helps improve thick, white, greasy tongue coating caused by spleen and stomach deficiency, poor appetite, and loose stools, promotes digestive function, and reduces accumulation of dampness in the body.

Commonly used medications for thick, white, greasy tongue coating generally include Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, Ping Wei Wan, and Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan. Specific details are as follows:

1. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San: Composed of ginseng, white atractylodes, poria, and other ingredients, this formula tonifies the spleen and stomach and benefits lung qi. It helps improve thick, white, greasy tongue coating caused by spleen and stomach deficiency accompanied by poor appetite and loose stools, promotes digestive function, and reduces internal dampness accumulation. It should be taken according to the instructions or as directed by a physician.

2. Ren Shen Jian Pi Wan: Contains ginseng, honey-fried astragalus, angelica, and other components. It strengthens the spleen, boosts qi, harmonizes the stomach, and stops diarrhea. Suitable for indigestion and thick, greasy tongue coating due to spleen deficiency, it enhances spleen function and relieves accompanying symptoms such as abdominal distension and poor appetite.

3. Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui: Main ingredients include agastache, perilla leaf, angelica dahurica, etc. It dispels exterior pathogens, resolves dampness, regulates qi, and harmonizes the middle. Ideal for thick, white, greasy tongue coating caused by external wind-cold combined with internal dampness stagnation. It helps eliminate internal dampness and relieve discomfort such as nausea, epigastric fullness, and abdominal pain.

4. Ping Wei Wan: Composed of苍术 (Atractylodes lancea), magnolia bark, tangerine peel, and others. It dries dampness, strengthens the spleen, regulates qi, and harmonizes the stomach. Specifically targets thick, white, greasy tongue coating and abdominal fullness due to dampness obstructing the spleen and stomach. It resolves dampness, supports spleen function, and improves impaired digestion leading to internal dampness retention.

5. Xiang Sha Liu Jun Wan: Contains saussurea, amomum, codonopsis, and other ingredients. It tonifies qi, strengthens the spleen, and harmonizes the stomach. Suitable for thick, white, greasy tongue coating caused by spleen deficiency with qi stagnation and indigestion. It alleviates symptoms such as bloating, belching, and loose stools, aiding in the recovery of digestive function.

Before using any medication, it is essential to identify the underlying cause of the thick, white, greasy tongue coating to avoid inappropriate treatment. Maintain a light diet during treatment, avoiding greasy, raw, cold, and spicy foods, and ensure regular作息 (daily routines). If symptoms do not improve after one week of medication, or if additional discomfort occurs, seek medical advice promptly to adjust the treatment plan. Long-term self-medication should be avoided.

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