White tongue coating and sticky stool? Can Poria powder and aged tangerine peel resolve kidney deficiency and qi deficiency issues?

Nov 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

The patient has had a white and enlarged tongue for a long time, and experiences sticky stools that adhere to the toilet bowl. They are concerned about kidney deficiency and qi deficiency, and are unsure whether Poria powder and aged peel (Chen Pi) would be effective. The patient often feels fatigued and is 35 years old.

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong

A white tongue coating and sticky stools that adhere to the toilet bowl may indicate impaired transportation and transformation functions of the spleen and stomach, as well as excessive dampness. Kidney deficiency is categorized into kidney yin deficiency and kidney yang deficiency; symptoms of kidney yin deficiency may include tidal fever and night sweats, while kidney yang deficiency may present with cold intolerance and cold limbs. Qi deficiency commonly manifests as fatigue, weakness, and spontaneous sweating.

Poria powder has functions of promoting diuresis to remove dampness, strengthening the spleen, and calming the mind, while tangerine peel can regulate qi, strengthen the spleen, dry dampness, and resolve phlegm. Both may help alleviate dampness-related conditions of the spleen and stomach, but they are not specifically targeted to address kidney deficiency or qi deficiency. Relying solely on poria powder and tangerine peel may not comprehensively resolve kidney deficiency or qi deficiency issues. It is recommended that patients first consult a physician. If diagnosed with excessive dampness, individuals may combine the consumption of poria powder and tangerine peel with dietary adjustments, such as reducing intake of raw, cold, and greasy foods, and consuming more coix seed and red beans.

If kidney deficiency and qi deficiency are present, treatment under a physician's guidance with medications that replenish kidney qi, nourish kidney yin, or warm kidney yang may be appropriate. For kidney yang deficiency, foods such as lamb and Chinese chives, which help warm and tonify kidney yang, may be consumed. For kidney yin deficiency, foods like lily bulbs and tremella fungus may be appropriate. Additionally, adequate rest is important, overexertion should be avoided, and appropriate exercise should be performed to enhance physical health.