
Is drinking boiled water helpful for "reducing internal heat" (a traditional Chinese medicine concept referring to symptoms like inflammation or irritation)?
I am a 28-year-old male who frequently stays up late and works overtime. Recently, I have been experiencing symptoms of dry mouth and throat pain. I heard that drinking more boiled water can help relieve internal heat. I would like to know if this is effective.

Drinking boiled water can play a supportive role in alleviating symptoms of excessive internal heat, but it cannot directly eliminate the heat. Excessive internal heat is often caused by an accumulation of heat pathogens in the body or insufficient body fluids, manifesting as symptoms such as dry mouth, sore throat, and oral ulcers. Drinking boiled water helps replenish body fluids, promote metabolism, and assist in eliminating toxins, thereby providing some relief. Warm boiled water, in particular, can avoid irritating the gastrointestinal tract while moisturizing the throat and mouth, improving symptoms of internal heat caused by dehydration. However, if excessive internal heat is caused by improper diet, emotional stress, or body constitution issues, simply drinking boiled water may not fully resolve the problem.
Adjusting lifestyle and dietary habits according to individual conditions is key. In addition to drinking boiled water, it is advisable to reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods and consume more vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins, such as pears and bitter melon. Ensuring adequate sleep and engaging in moderate exercise can help regulate the body's condition and reduce symptoms of excessive internal heat. If symptoms persist or worsen, for example, severe sore throat or recurrent oral ulcers occur, timely medical consultation should be sought for professional advice.