Excessive Thirstaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Thirst and Hydration
What is Excessive Thirst?
Excessive thirst, also known as polydipsia, refers to an abnormal, constant, and intense desire to drink fluids. This condition is often indicative of underlying health issues and can be associated with symptoms such as frequent urination and dry mouth. Excessive thirst can disrupt daily life, leading to a continuous need to consume liquids without feeling adequately quenched.
How Does TCM View Excessive Thirst?
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), excessive thirst is not merely a symptom of dehydration but a sign of internal disharmony. TCM practitioners believe that various patterns of imbalance within the body can cause excessive thirst. Identifying the specific pattern is crucial for effective treatment, as the underlying causes can differ significantly. This holistic approach contrasts with the Western medical view, which often focuses solely on hydration status.
Root Causes of Excessive Thirst in TCM
One common cause of excessive thirst in TCM is Stomach Heat of the Bright Yang Stage according to the 6 Stage Theory of Zhang Zhong Jing. This pattern is characterized by intense thirst, high fever, excessive sweating, flushed face, irritability, and a feeling of heat. Stomach Heat can result from dietary excesses, such as consuming too much spicy or greasy food, leading to an accumulation of heat in the stomach.
Another cause is Body Fluids Deficiency, which presents with symptoms like unusual thirst, dry skin, dry mouth, dry nose, and dry stools. This pattern can arise from chronic illness, prolonged exposure to heat, or excessive physical activity, which depletes the body's fluids. The deficiency of body fluids leads to dryness and a persistent desire to drink more.
Explore below more details about what might cause Excessive thirst according to TCM.
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 Excessive Thirst
Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heat Irritability High Fever Excessive Sweating Flushed Face Delirium Upper Abdominal Burning Pain Craving For Cold Beverages
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Yang Stomach Heat | Intense thirst, High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Intense thirst, 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 |
Body Fluids Deficiency
In TCM a deficiency of body fluids indicates an imbalance where the body lacks sufficient Yin fluids, which are crucial for lubrication and nourishment. This condition often results from prolonged illness, overexertion, or consuming too many drying or heating foods. Symptoms of body fluid deficiency can include dryness in the skin, eyes, mouth, and throat, as well as a dry cough, constipation, and a feeling of thirst. Additionally, there might be more subtle signs like a dry tongue, a thin pulse, and a general sense of fatigue or weakness. This pattern of disharmony reflects an underlying insufficiency in the body's ability to generate and maintain essential fluids, which are vital for the proper functioning of organs and systems.... see more
Body Fluids Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Thirst
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Body Fluids Deficiency | Unusual thirst, Skin dryness, Dry mouth, Dry nose, Dry cough, Dry lips, Dry tongue, Dry throat, Dry stools... see more | Xing Su San | Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Zeng Ye Tang |
Cold
In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more
Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Thirst
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Yang Stomach Heat | Intense thirst, High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Excessive Thirst
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Yang Stomach Heat | Intense thirst, High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
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 Excessive Thirst
Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heat Irritability High Fever Excessive Sweating Flushed Face Delirium Upper Abdominal Burning Pain Craving For Cold Beverages
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Bright Yang Stomach Heat | Intense thirst, High fever, Excessive sweating, Excessive thirst, Flushed face, Feeling of heat, Irritability, Delirium... see more | Bai Hu Tang |
| Stomach Heat or Fire | Intense thirst, 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 |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Excessive Thirst
For treating excessive thirst caused by Bright Yang Stomach Heat, TCM practitioners may recommend Bai Hu Tang. This formula includes Gypsum (Shi Gao) as a key herb, which helps clear Qi-level Heat and purge Fire, addressing the root cause of excessive thirst and associated symptoms.
In cases of Body Fluids Deficiency, formulas like Bai He Gu Jin Tang can be used. This formula features Lily Bulbs (Bai He) as a key herb, which nourishes Yin and tonifies, helping to restore the body's natural fluid balance and alleviate symptoms of dryness and excessive thirst.
By understanding and addressing the specific patterns of disharmony that lead to excessive thirst, TCM provides a comprehensive approach to treatment. This holistic method not only targets the immediate symptom but also works to restore the body's overall balance and harmony, promoting long-term health and well-being.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address excessive thirst, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- Body Fluids Deficiency
- Cold
- Wind
- View More Causes
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that reduce food accumulation and transform stagnation
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
- Formulas that expel parasites
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
Top Formula for Heat:
Bai Hu Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause excessive thirst, such as Bright Yang Stomach Heat
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Excessive Thirst Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Bai Hu Tang | Bright Yang Stomach Heat |
| 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 |
Top Formula for Body Fluids Deficiency:
Xing Su San
Suitable for Body Fluids Deficiency patterns that may cause excessive thirst, such as Body Fluids Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Excessive Thirst Caused by Body Fluids Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Xing Su San | Body Fluids Deficiency |
| Bai He Gu Jin Tang | Body Fluids Deficiency |
| Zeng Ye Tang | Body Fluids Deficiency |
Top Formula for Cold:
Bai Hu Tang
Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause excessive thirst, such as Bright Yang Stomach Heat
Learn more
Top Formula for Wind:
Bai Hu Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause excessive thirst, such as Bright Yang Stomach Heat
Learn moreFormulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-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 excessive thirst
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Wei San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
| Xie Huang San | Stomach Heat or Fire |
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-causing patterns like Bright Yang Stomach Heat.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-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 excessive thirst-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 excessive thirst-causing patterns like Stomach Heat or Fire.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that expel parasites
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-causing patterns like Terminal Yin stage.
One such formula is Wu Mei Wan, with chinese plum as a key herb.
Formulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-causing patterns like Body Fluids Deficiency.
One such formula is Xing Su San, with apricot seed as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-causing patterns like Body Fluids Deficiency.
One such formula is Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
These formulas are suitable for some excessive thirst-causing patterns like Body Fluids Deficiency.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Excessive Thirst
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address excessive thirst, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
- Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Herbs that expel parasites
- Herbs for external application
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Herbs that stop bleeding
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Excessive thirst 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 excessive thirst, like Bai Hu Tang.
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 excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Bai Hu Tang | Xie Huang San | Hua Ban Tang |
| Cape Jasmine Fruits (Zhi Zi) | Xie Huang San |
| Calcitum (Han Shui Shi) | Not applicable |
| Lotus Plumules (Lian Zi Xin) | Not applicable |
| Watermelons (Xi Gua) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.
One such herb is Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lily Bulbs (Bai He) | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Dendrobium (Shi Hu) | Not applicable |
| Japanese Raisin Tree Seeds (Zhi Ju Zi) | Not applicable |
| Pear Skins (Li Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Bai He Gu Jin Tang |
| Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) | Zeng Ye Tang |
| Emblic (Yu Gan Zi) | Not applicable |
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Not applicable |
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Crown Prince Ginseng (Tai Zi Shen), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Crown Prince Ginseng (Tai Zi Shen) | Not applicable |
| Ginseng Leaves (Ren Shen Ye) | Not applicable |
| Rice Sprouts (Jing Mi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Chinese White Olives (Qing Guo), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese White Olives (Qing Guo) | Not applicable |
| Green Tea (Lv Cha ) | Not applicable |
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Chinese Plums (Wu Mei), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Wu Mei Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that stabilize and bind" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Chinese Plums (Wu Mei) | Wu Mei Wan |
| Glutinous Rice Roots (Nuo Dao Gen) | Not applicable |
Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when it originates from obstructions in the lung pathways, helping to ease respiratory discomfort and restore normal breathing.
One such herb is Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Xing Su San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that relieve coughing and wheezing" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Apricot Seeds (Xing Ren) | Xing Su San |
| Loquat Leaves (Pi Pa Ye) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Excessive thirst 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 excessive thirst, like Qing Wei San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Qing Wei San |
| Picrorhiza Rhizomes (Hu Huang Lian) | Not applicable |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Excessive thirst 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 Talc (Hua Shi), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Not applicable |
| Wax Gourd Peels (Dong Gua Pi) | Not applicable |
Herbs that expel parasites
Excessive thirst 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 excessive thirst, like Fei Er Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that expel parasites" recommended for excessive thirst
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Quisqualis Fruits (Shi Jun Zi) | Fei Er Wan |
| Areca Nuts (Bing Lang) | Fei Er Wan |
Herbs for external application
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Catechu (Er Cha), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Kuding Tea (Ku Ding Cha), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Herbs that stop bleeding
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs in cases where it is due to internal or external bleeding, working to stabilize and constrict blood flow.
One such herb is Kudzu Flowers (Ge Hua), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Pepino Melons (Ren Shen Guo), which is directly recommended for excessive thirst.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Excessive thirst 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 excessive thirst, like Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Perilla Leaves (Zi Su Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Xing Su San.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Excessive thirst can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for excessive thirst, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.