Red Tongueaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Oral and Throat Ulcers and Sores
Root Causes of Red Tongue in TCM
Explore below more details about what might cause Red tongue according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Dryness
- Lung
- Stomach
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 Red Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency | Red tongue, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Dryness
"Dryness" in TCM refers to a state where there is a lack of moisture in the body, much like how the land feels during a drought. It's a pattern of disharmony that can arise from external factors like dry weather or internal issues, such as insufficient fluid intake or certain lifestyle habits. When your body experiences this dryness, you might notice symptoms like dry skin, a scratchy throat, dry eyes, or even constipation. It's similar to the feeling of being parched or having dry, chapped lips in a very dry climate. TCM views this as an imbalance where the body's yin - often associated with moisture and cooling - is depleted.... see more
Dryness Patterns That Can Lead to Red Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency | Red tongue, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Lung
In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more
Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Red Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency | Red tongue, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong 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 Red Tongue
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency | Red tongue, Dry throat, Thirst, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Red Tongue
See more details below about Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang, a herbal formula used to address red tongue.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Dryness
- Formulas that disperse dryness and moisten
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause red tongue, such as Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency
Learn more
Top Formula for Dryness:
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Suitable for Dryness patterns that may cause red tongue, such as Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency
Learn moreFormulas that disperse Dryness and moisten
These formulas are suitable for some red tongue-causing patterns like Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang, with glehnia root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Red Tongue
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address red tongue, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Red tongue 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 Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red tongue, like Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency" recommended for red tongue
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Glehnia Roots (Bei Sha Shen) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
| Dwarf Lilyturf Roots (Mai Dong) | Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Red tongue can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red tongue, like Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang.