Sticky Taste In The Mouthaccording to TCM

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What is Sticky Taste in the Mouth?

A sticky taste in the mouth is a persistent sensation that can be described as having a viscous or clingy quality, altering the oral sensory experience. This symptom, which may accompany a range of underlying conditions, is often described as an adhesive flavor or a feeling as if something thick is coating the tongue and is not necessarily linked to the ingestion of any particular foods or substances.

How does TCM view Sticky Taste in the Mouth?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets a sticky taste in the mouth as an indicator of an internal imbalance, often involving the presence of Dampness or Heat within the body.

TCM stresses the importance of discerning the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptom, as this will direct the therapeutic approach to restore balance and eliminate the sticky taste.

Root Causes of Sticky Taste In The Mouth in TCM

In TCM, a sticky taste in the mouth is commonly associated with patterns of Dampness and Heat. For instance, Damp-Heat in the Liver can manifest as a sticky or adhesive sensation, often accompanied by feelings of fullness in the hypochondria and abdomen, as well as a lack of appetite and nausea.

Similarly, the presence of Damp-Heat more generally might produce a sticky taste along with fever, swelling of the neck glands, headaches, and a sensation of heaviness or heat.

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Phlegm
  • Liver
  • Stomach
  • Gallbladder
Detailed description of the cause

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 Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Common Symptoms: Feeling Of Heaviness Nausea Absence Of Thirst Hypochondrial Fullness And Distention With Pain Alleviated By Warmth Abdominal Fullness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Lack Of Appetite Yellow Vaginal Discharge

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver sticky taste, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang
Damp-Heat Sticky taste in the mouth, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Lian Po Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Sticky taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Dampness in the Gallbladder Sticky taste in the mouth, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more San Ren Tang
Damp-Phlegm Sticky taste in the mouth, Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat... see more Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Shen Qi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

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 Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Common Symptoms: Bitter Taste In The Mouth Feeling Of Heaviness Fever Abdominal Fullness Lack Of Appetite Nausea Yellow Vaginal Discharge Vaginal Itching

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver sticky taste, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang
Heat in Lessor Yang sticky taste, Fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Abdominal pain, Diarrhea, Sticky taste in the mouth, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal irritation, Upper abdominal burning pain, Tenesmus... see more Huang Qin Tang
Damp-Heat Sticky taste in the mouth, Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne... see more Yin Chen Hao Tang | Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San | Lian Po Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Sticky taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Detailed description of the cause

Phlegm

In TCM "Phlegm" as a pattern of disharmony is a complex concept that extends beyond the physical manifestation of mucus. It represents a pathological factor that can disrupt the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to various health issues. Phlegm in TCM is seen as a sticky, turbid substance arising from the body's inability to metabolize fluids properly, often due to a dysfunction of the spleen. It's not only associated with respiratory problems like cough and congestion but also with systemic issues. Symptoms can include a feeling of heaviness, mental cloudiness, dizziness, and in some cases, the formation of lumps or masses. Phlegm can even be "invisible," contributing to emotional disturbances like depression or stress. ... see more

Phlegm Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Phlegm Sticky taste in the mouth, Profuse white sputum, Focal distention of the chest, Upper abdominal focal distention, Nausea, Absence of thirst, Obesity, Swollen limbs, Abdominal fat... see more Er Chen Tang | Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang | Shen Qi Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver sticky taste, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Stomach Sticky taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal pain, Upper abdominal fullness, Feeling of heaviness, Face pain, Congested nose, Thick nasal discharge, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea, Feeling of heat, Dull yellow complexion... see more Lian Po Yin | Ge Hua Jie Cheng San
Detailed description of the cause

Gallbladder

In TCM the Gallbladder has a unique role in storing and excreting bile, but more importantly, it's seen as crucial for decision-making and courage. It's closely connected to the Liver, assisting in the smooth flow of Qi (vital energy) and supporting the Liver's role in maintaining emotional balance. When the Gallbladder malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to physical symptoms like gallstones, jaundice, or a bitter taste in the mouth. There might also be digestive disturbances, particularly related to fat metabolism. On an emotional level, a Gallbladder disorder can manifest as indecisiveness, timidity, or a tendency to easily succumb to stress. These symptoms highlight the TCM view of the Gallbladder as integral to both physical processes and emotional resilience.... see more

Gallbladder Patterns That Can Lead to Sticky Taste In The Mouth

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Dampness in the Gallbladder Sticky taste in the mouth, Jaundice, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow eyes, Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Yellow sclera, Cloudy urine, Absence of thirst, Dull headache, Feeling of heaviness... see more San Ren Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Sticky Taste In The Mouth

To counteract the sticky taste in the mouth, TCM practitioners may recommend formulas such as Long Dan Xie Gan Tang for patterns involving Damp-Heat in the Liver, which utilizes the key herb Chinese Gentian to clear Heat and dry Dampness. Yin Chen Hao Tang might be used when general Damp-Heat symptoms are present, featuring Virgate wormwood to drain Dampness. These formulas are tailored to the patient's specific TCM diagnosis, aiming to address the root cause of the symptom.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address sticky taste in the mouth, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Dampness
  • Heat
  • Phlegm
  • Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
  • Formulas that clear heat from the organs
  • Formulas that transform dampness and harmonize stomach
  • Formulas that reduce food stagnation with tonification
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that dispel phlegm
  • Formulas that warm yang and tonify

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Taste In The Mouth Caused by Dampness

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver, Damp-Heat
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San Damp-Heat
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan Damp-Heat
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach
San Ren Tang Dampness in the Gallbladder
Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm
Shen Qi Wan Damp-Phlegm

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Taste In The Mouth Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver, Damp-Heat
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Huang Qin Tang Heat in Lessor Yang
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San Damp-Heat
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan Damp-Heat
Ge Hua Jie Cheng San Damp-Heat in the Stomach

All Formulas Recommended for Sticky Taste In The Mouth Caused by Phlegm

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Er Chen Tang Damp-Phlegm
Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang Damp-Phlegm
Shen Qi Wan Damp-Phlegm

All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for sticky taste in the mouth

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Yin Chen Hao Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver, Damp-Heat
Lian Po Yin Damp-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Stomach
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan Damp-Heat
San Ren Tang Dampness in the Gallbladder

All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for sticky taste in the mouth

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang Damp-Heat in the Liver
Huang Qin Tang Heat in Lessor Yang

Acupoints for Sticky Taste In The Mouth

TCM also incorporates acupuncture as part of the treatment strategy. Points like Pishu BL-20 may be selected to tonify the Spleen Qi and Yang, resolve Dampness, and nourish Blood.

Additionally, Zhongwan REN-12 could be utilized to strengthen the Stomach and Spleen, harmonize the Middle Burner, and clear Dampness and Phlegm, thus addressing the root issues that might lead to a sticky taste in the mouth. These points are stimulated in context with the individual's overall health pattern and specific TCM diagnosis.

Explore below some acupoints used to address sticky taste in the mouth, organized by meridian.

  • By Meridian
  • Bladder Channel
  • Directing Vessel
Pishu BL-20

Pishu BL-20

1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).

Zhongwan REN-12

Zhongwan REN-12

On the midline of the abdomen, 4 cun above the umbilicus and 4 cun below the sternocostal angle.