What to do about dry throat due to excessive internal heat
Dec 05, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Gang
Introduction
"Shanghuo" (excessive internal heat) falls under the category of heat syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine. For sore throat and dryness caused by "shanghuo," it is recommended to improve symptoms through maintaining oral hygiene, drinking sufficient water, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and oral medications. Consuming chrysanthemum tea, green tea, or honeysuckle tea can help eliminate excess internal heat and prevent "shanghuo." If symptoms are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a hospital and receive appropriate treatment under a doctor's guidance.
“Heatiness” falls under the category of heat syndromes in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). For heatiness causing dry throat, it is recommended to improve symptoms through maintaining oral hygiene, drinking water, dietary adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and oral medications.
1. Maintain Oral Hygiene
Dry throat may damage the oral mucosa and increase the risk of oral infections. Regular tooth brushing, using mouthwash, and tongue cleaning can relieve oral discomfort and reduce infection risks.
2. Drink Water
Increasing fluid intake promotes metabolism and accelerates the elimination of toxins from the body, thereby alleviating symptoms of dry throat.
3. Dietary Adjustments
Focus on eating vitamin-rich vegetables and fruits, and reduce consumption of spicy or fried foods to avoid worsening symptoms. Additionally, consume more heat-clearing foods such as cucumber, tomato, bamboo shoots, and mung beans to help relieve heatiness.
4. Lifestyle Modifications
Smoking and alcohol consumption can easily irritate the throat and cause dryness; therefore, avoid these unhealthy habits. Also, avoid staying up late and ensure sufficient sleep.
5. Oral Medications
Under a doctor's guidance, use heat-clearing and detoxifying medications to relieve symptoms. Commonly used medicines include Qingre Jiedu Oral Liquid, Lanqin Oral Liquid, and Pudilan Xiaoyan Oral Liquid.
In daily life, drinking chrysanthemum tea, green tea, or honeysuckle tea may help eliminate excess internal heat and prevent heatiness. If symptoms of heatiness are severe, it is advisable to seek medical attention at a hospital and receive appropriate treatment under professional guidance.
