Bitter Taste In The Mouthaccording to TCM

What is Bitter Taste in the Mouth?

A bitter taste in the mouth is a distinct and persistent sense of bitterness that can affect one's ability to enjoy food and drink. It can be a transient or a lingering ailment, often indicating an underlying condition. Synonyms for this symptom include bad taste, bitterness in the mouth, and an unpleasant taste that can occur without an obvious cause.

How does TCM view Bitter Taste in the Mouth?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees a bitter taste in the mouth as an indication of imbalance within the body’s internal landscape. According to TCM, this symptom is not isolated but connected to the state of the internal organs, especially the Heart, Pericardium, Liver and Gallbladder.

Recognizing the specific disharmony causing this taste is crucial for TCM practitioners to provide an accurate and effective treatment plan, as it reflects the health of the body’s Qi, or vital energy.

Root Causes of Bitter Taste In The Mouth in TCM

TCM attributes a bitter taste in the mouth to various internal imbalances, notably Heat accumulation. Heat can stem from emotional stress leading to pattens such as Liver Qi Stagnation transforming into Fire or from an imbalance in the Stomach and Gallbladder causing Damp-Heat. These patterns disrupt the harmony of Qi flow and can manifest in the sensory experience as a bitter or unpleasant taste.

Explore below more details about what might cause Bitter taste in the mouth according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Bitter Taste In The Mouth

Common Symptoms: Thirst Dizziness Flushed Face Anxiety Insomnia Feeling Of Heat Restlessness Stifling Sensation In The Chest

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat Bitter taste in the mouth, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Acne... see more Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Lian Po Yin | Yin Chen Hao Tang | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Er Miao San | Xiao Yao San | Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder Bitter taste in the mouth, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang
Damp-Heat in the Liver Bitter taste in the mouth, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen Bitter taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more Lian Po Yin
Heat in the Blood Bitter taste in the mouth, Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Jing San | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Liang Di Tang | Di Gu Pi Yin
Gallbladder Heat Bitter taste in the mouth, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Thirst, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Half Exterior Half Interior Bitter taste in the mouth, Chest distension, Dry cough, Anxiety, Restlessness, Vomit, Lack of appetite, Dizziness, Blurry vision... see more Xiao Chai Hu Tang
Heart Fire blazing Bitter taste in the mouth, Palpitations, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin | Liang Ge San
Heat in Lessor Yang Bitter taste in the mouth, Fever, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal irritation, Upper abdominal burning pain, Tenesmus... see more Huang Qin Tang
Liver Fire Blazing Bitter taste in the mouth, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Dang Gui Long Hui Wan | Xie Qing Wan
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs Bitter taste in the mouth, Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Ke Xie Fang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire Bitter taste in the mouth, Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Thirst, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood... see more Zi Xue Dan | Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Bitter taste in the mouth, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San | Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Pericardium Fire Bitter taste in the mouth, Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Insomnia, Thirst, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation... see more Xie Xin Tang | Zi Xue Dan
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium Bitter taste in the mouth, Palpitations, Flushed face, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Zhi Bao Dan | Hui Chun Dan
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart Bitter taste in the mouth, Palpitations, Flushed face, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression... see more Wen Dan Tang | Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs Bitter taste in the mouth, Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum... see more Xiao Xian Xiong Tang
Heat in Gall Bladder Bitter taste in the mouth, Mild chills with high fever, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Thirst, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis, Kidney infection... see more Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat Bitter taste in the mouth, Intermittent upper abdominal pain, Hernia-Related pain, Dysmenorrhea exacerbated by hot food or drinks, Irritability, Peptic ulcer, Chronic gastritis, Hepatitis, Cholecystitis... see more Jin Ling Zi San
Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder Bitter taste in the mouth, Hypochondriac pain, Headaches, Dizziness, Red and irritated eyes, Hearing loss, Ear swelling, Irritability, Painful urination, Swollen and itchy external genitalia, Foul-Smelling vaginal discharge... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat Bitter taste in the mouth, Nausea or vomiting, Vertigo, Vivid dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, Excessive hunger, Focal distention of the chest, Slight thirst, Copious thick yellow sputum, Hypertension... see more Wen Dan Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Bitter Taste In The Mouth

Addressing the bitter taste involves cooling the Heat and resolving Dampness within the body. TCM may utilize formulas like Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San to transform Dampness and harmonize the Stomach when Damp-Heat is present.

For Heart or Pericardium Fire, which also presents with symptoms of restlessness and insomnia, a practitioner might prescribe Xie Xin Tang to clear Heat and resolve toxicity. Each treatment is tailored to the patient's unique pattern of disharmony, focusing on restoring balance and eliminating the bitter taste.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address bitter taste in the mouth, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type

All Formulas Recommended for Bitter Taste In The Mouth Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver, Heat in the Blood, Liver Fire Blazing, Liver Fire insulting the Lungs, Heat Excess in the Liver or Gallbladder, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire... see more
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder, Damp-Heat in the Liver
Zi Xue Dan Heart Fire blazing, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire, Pericardium Fire... see more
Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart, Qi Stagnation in Gallbladder and Stomach with Phlegm Heat... see more
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Heat in the Blood, Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang Gallbladder Heat, Heat in Gall Bladder
Xie Xin Tang Heart Fire blazing, Pericardium Fire
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium, Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Xiao Chai Hu Tang Half Exterior Half Interior
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San Damp-Heat
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan Damp-Heat
Er Miao San Damp-Heat
Xiao Yao San Damp-Heat
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang Damp-Heat
Qing Jing San Heat in the Blood
Liang Di Tang Heat in the Blood
Di Gu Pi Yin Heat in the Blood
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin Heart Fire blazing
Liang Ge San Heart Fire blazing
Huang Qin Tang Heat in Lessor Yang
Jin Ling Zi San Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Xie Qing Wan Liver Fire Blazing
Ke Xie Fang Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Zhi Bao Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Hui Chun Dan Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Sheng Tie Luo Yin Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Xiao Xian Xiong Tang Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs

Acupoints for Bitter Taste In The Mouth

TCM acupuncture also plays a role in treating this symptom. Points like Guangming GB-37 are chosen for their ability to clear Liver Qi Stagnation, while Qiuxu GB-40 can resolve Gall Bladder Heat. Acupoints like Riyue GB-24 are utilized to resolve Damp-Heat, and Touqiaoyin GB-11 is selected to subdue rising Liver Yang. These points, when stimulated, are believed to restore the harmonious flow of Qi and address the root cause of the bitter taste.

Explore below some acupoints used to address bitter taste in the mouth, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Gall Bladder Channel
  • Bladder Channel
  • Triple Burner Channel
Touqiaoyin GB-11

Touqiaoyin GB-11

Posterior and superior to the mastoid process, on the line connecting Tianchong GB-9Fubai GB-10 and Wangu GB-12.

Riyue GB-24

Riyue GB-24

On the mamillary line which is 4 cun lateral to the anterior midline, in the 7th intercostal space, 1 intercostal space below Qimen LIV-14.

Yanglingquan GB-34

Yanglingquan GB-34

In the depression anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula.

Guangming GB-37

Guangming GB-37

5 cun directly above the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Yangfu GB-38

Yangfu GB-38

4 cun above and slightly anterior to the tip of the external malleolus, on the anterior border of the fibula.

Qiuxu GB-40

Qiuxu GB-40

Anterior and inferior to the external malleolus, in the depression on the lateral side of the tendon of extensor digitorum longus muscle that goes to the little toe.

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