Symptom family: Tongue Symptoms

Root Causes of Dry Tongue in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Dry tongue according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Body Fluids Deficiency
  • Phlegm
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dry Tongue

Common Symptoms: Sore Knees Lower Back Pain Knee Weakness Dry Mouth Dizziness Blurry Vision Insomnia Nocturnal Emission

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Kidney Yin Deficiency Dry tongue, Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety... see more Zuo Gui Yin | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Dang Gui Di Huang Yin | Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin Dry tongue, Sore knees, Lower back pain, Knee weakness, Dry mouth, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Hair graying, Hair loss... see more Er Zhi Wan

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dry Tongue

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dry tongue, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Body Fluids Deficiency
  • Phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Dry Tongue Caused by Yin Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Zhi Wan Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin
Zuo Gui Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dang Gui Di Huang Yin Kidney Yin Deficiency
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San Kidney Yin Deficiency

Acupoints for Dry Tongue

Explore below some acupoints used to address dry tongue, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Lung Channel
  • Kidney Channel
Chize LU-5

Chize LU-5

On the cubital crease, on the redial aspect of the biceps tendon. It can be easily identified when the elbow is slightly flexed.

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