Sweet Taste In Mouthaccording to TCM

What is Sweet Taste in Mouth?

A persistent sweet taste in the mouth is an unusual or abnormal taste sensation that can linger even without the presence of a sweet substance. The experience is often jarring and can detract from the enjoyment of flavors and affect appetite. While not typically discussed in medical literature as frequently as its counterparts, a sweet taste in the mouth can be a sign of underlying health issues or a side effect of medication.

How does TCM view Sweet Taste in Mouth?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches the symptom of a sweet taste in the mouth as a signal of imbalance within the body’s harmonious state. According to TCM, this taste alteration could indicate Spleen disharmony or the presence of Dampness. Identifying the correct disharmony pattern is paramount to TCM practitioners as it guides the course of treatment, aiming for a holistic resolution of symptoms.

Root Causes of Sweet Taste In Mouth in TCM

TCM posits that a sweet taste in the mouth often arises from Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, leading to symptoms such as lack of appetite, a feeling of coldness in the epigastric area, and general bodily heaviness.

This pattern of disharmony is seen as an imbalance where the Spleen’s transforming and transporting functions are impaired, leading to the accumulation of Dampness and the abnormal sweet sensation.

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

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 Sweet Taste In Mouth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen	Sweet taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Nausea, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness... see more	Ping Wei San

Dampness

"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more

Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Sweet Taste In Mouth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen	Sweet taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Nausea, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness... see more	Ping Wei San

Spleen

In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more

Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Sweet Taste In Mouth

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Cold-Damp invading the Spleen	Sweet taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Epigastric coldness, Head and body heaviness, Sweet taste in mouth, Absence of thirst, Diarrhea, General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Nausea, Edema, Dull pale complexion, White vaginal discharge, Upper abdominal fullness... see more	Ping Wei San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sweet Taste In Mouth

To address the sweet taste in the mouth, TCM turns to formulas like Ping Wei San, which aims to transform Dampness and harmonize the Stomach. Ingredients such as Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu) play a crucial role in these formulas, targeting the aromatic transformation of Dampness and restoring the Spleen’s proper function. The selected herbs and formulas are tailored to the individual’s specific pattern, seeking to realign their internal balance and alleviate the sweet taste.

See more details below about Ping Wei San, a herbal formula used to address sweet taste in mouth.

Top Formula for Cold:
Ping Wei San

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause sweet taste in mouth, such as Cold-Damp invading the Spleen

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Top Formula for Dampness:
Ping Wei San

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause sweet taste in mouth, such as Cold-Damp invading the Spleen

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Sweet Taste In Mouth

See more details below about Black Atractylodes Rhizomes (Cang Zhu), a herb used to address sweet taste in mouth.