1
Excess heat damaging fluids
- Key distinguishing signs
- Intense thirst for cold water, red dry mouth, fever, constipation, dark urine, dry red tongue
- Treatment principle
- Clear heat and generate fluids
Digestivekǒu gān
Dry mouth
Also called:xerostomiathirst
From the TCM perspective: Dry mouth: insufficiency of fluids or heat consuming yin
Overview
Dry mouth is reduced saliva with thirst. TCM distinguishes true heat consuming fluids (great thirst for cold water), chronic yin/blood deficiency (mild dryness without much desire to drink), and dampness/phlegm blocking fluids from rising to the mouth (thirst without desire to drink).
☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)
2
Yin-fluid deficiency
- Key distinguishing signs
- Chronic dryness worse at night, hot palms/soles, night sweat, dry throat, red tongue with little coat
- Treatment principle
- Nourish yin and generate fluids
3
Damp-heat blocking fluids
- Key distinguishing signs
- Dry mouth without desire to drink, sticky bitter mouth, heaviness, sticky stool, yellow greasy coat
- Treatment principle
- Clear heat and transform dampness
4
Qi-blood deficiency
- Key distinguishing signs
- Mild dryness with fatigue, pallor, palpitations and restless sleep, pale tongue and fine weak pulse
- Treatment principle
- Tonify qi and blood and generate fluids
Daily self-care
- Sip water in small amounts and humidify air at night.
- Chew sugar-free gum or suck ice chips; avoid caffeine, alcohol and alcohol-based mouthwash.
- Use moistening foods (pear, watermelon, white fungus, lotus root) appropriate to the pattern.
When to seek medical help
The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:
- Marked thirst with frequent urination and weight loss (possible high blood sugar).
- Dryness with no saliva/tears and swollen glands (possible Sjögren syndrome).
- Acute dryness with dizziness and very little urine (dehydration).
Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.