Craving For Cold Beveragesaccording to TCM
Symptom families: Thirst and Hydration, Dietary Cravings and Sensitivites
What is Craving for Cold Beverages?
Craving for cold beverages refers to an intense desire or preference for chilled or cold drinks. This can manifest as a constant urge to drink cold water, iced beverages, or any drinks that are served at low temperatures. Such cravings are often linked to the body's internal conditions and can signal underlying health issues. In medical terms, this symptom is recognized as an indication that the body may be trying to balance internal heat or inflammation.
How does TCM view Craving for Cold Beverages?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views craving for cold beverages as a sign of internal heat or imbalance within the body's systems. Unlike Western medicine, which may primarily focus on dietary habits or environmental factors, TCM considers the cravings as a reflection of various patterns of disharmony. Identifying the correct pattern is essential in TCM to address the root cause of the symptom effectively.
Root Causes of Craving For Cold Beverages in TCM
One common cause of craving for cold beverages in TCM is Stomach Heat or Fire. This condition is marked by symptoms such as upper abdominal burning pain, excessive thirst, restlessness, and dry stools. People experiencing this pattern may have a strong desire for cold drinks to counteract the internal heat. Addressing the heat in the stomach is crucial to alleviate these cravings.
Another possible cause is Full-Heat in the Small Intestine. This pattern is characterized by symptoms like thirst for cold drinks, restlessness, insomnia, tongue ulcers, and abdominal pain. The intense internal heat leads to a craving for cold beverages as the body seeks relief from the heat. Treatment focuses on clearing the heat from the Small Intestine to restore balance.
Explore below more details about what might cause Craving for cold beverages according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Heat
- Stomach
- Small Intestine
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 Craving For Cold Beverages
Common Symptoms: Restlessness Mouth Ulcers Upper Abdominal Burning Pain Excessive Thirst Dry Stools Dry Mouth Acid Reflux Nausea
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Desire for cold drinks, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
| Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Thirst for cold drinks, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
Stomach
In TCM the Stomach is regarded as the "sea of nourishment," pivotal for digesting food and transforming it into Qi and blood. It works closely with the Spleen to distribute these essential nutrients throughout the body. When the Stomach is out of balance or malfunctions in TCM, it often leads to digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, vomiting, poor appetite, or a feeling of fullness. There may also be issues like acid reflux or a sour taste in the mouth. Emotionally, an imbalanced Stomach can contribute to excessive worry and overthinking, reflecting the TCM belief that physical and emotional well-being are deeply interconnected.... see more
Stomach Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Cold Beverages
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Desire for cold drinks, Upper abdominal burning pain, Excessive thirst, Craving for cold beverages, Restlessness, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Mouth ulcers, Acid reflux, Nausea, Vomiting after eating, Excessive hunger, Bad breath, Feeling of heat, Acne... see more | Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Qing Wei San | Xie Huang San | Fei Er Wan | Hua Ban Tang |
Small Intestine
In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more
Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Cold Beverages
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Full-Heat in the Small Intestine | Thirst for cold drinks, Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Scanty and dark urine, Hematuria, Urinary burning... see more | Dao Chi San |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Craving For Cold Beverages
To address cravings for cold beverages, TCM practitioners recommend specific herbal formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For Stomach Heat or Fire, formulas like Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang are used. This formula includes Rhubarb (Da Huang), which is known for its purgative properties to drain downward and clear heat accumulation.
For Full-Heat in the Small Intestine, Dao Chi San is commonly prescribed. This formula features Akebia Stems (Mu Tong), which helps to drain dampness and clear Heat from the organs, effectively reducing the symptoms associated with the craving for cold beverages. Each formula is tailored to address the specific imbalance, promoting overall health and reducing the desire for cold drinks.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address craving for cold beverages, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
Top Formula for Heat:
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause craving for cold beverages, such as Stomach Heat or Fire
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Craving For Cold Beverages Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Fei Er Wan | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Hua Ban Tang | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some craving for cold beverages-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Qing Wei San, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for craving for cold beverages
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Dao Chi San | Full-Heat in the Small Intestine |
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
These formulas are suitable for some craving for cold beverages-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some craving for cold beverages-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Fei Er Wan, with quisqualis fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Qi and Blood
These formulas are suitable for some craving for cold beverages-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Craving For Cold Beverages
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address craving for cold beverages, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Craving for cold beverages can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for cold beverages, like Xie Huang San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for craving for cold beverages
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Xie Huang San | Hua Ban Tang |
| Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Xie Huang San |
Herbs that expel parasites
Craving for cold beverages can be treated by these herbs if it arises from parasitic infections, utilizing their properties to eliminate parasites from the body.
One such herb is Quisqualis Fruits (Shi Jun Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for cold beverages, like Fei Er Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that expel parasites" recommended for craving for cold beverages
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Quisqualis Fruits (Shi Jun Zi) | Fei Er Wan |
| Areca Nuts (Bing Lang) | Fei Er Wan |
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Craving for cold beverages can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for cold beverages, like Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Craving for cold beverages can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for cold beverages, like Qing Wei San.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Craving for cold beverages can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Akebia Stems (Mu Tong), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for cold beverages, like Dao Chi San.