What does it mean when the tongue coating is thick?
Disease description:
Feeling that my tongue coating is very thick—what could be the reason for such a heavy-colored tongue coating?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Ziyi
In traditional Chinese medicine, "thick tongue coating" generally refers to a thick, dark-colored, sticky coating on the tongue. This condition is usually caused by factors such as spleen and stomach deficiency, internal accumulation of damp-heat, insufficient qi and blood, or mental stress. To effectively treat a thick tongue coating, it is essential first to improve spleen and stomach function, eliminate damp-heat, replenish qi and blood, and regulate mental well-being, thereby restoring digestive function, enhancing nutrient absorption, and returning the tongue coating to normal. Patients should seek timely medical consultation and must not self-medicate, to avoid adverse reactions and delays in treatment.
