Sticky Taste In The Mouthaccording to TCM
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Symptom family: Taste Disorders and Symptoms
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
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 | Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan |
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
Top Formula for Dampness:
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause sticky taste in the mouth, such as Damp-Heat in the Liver or Damp-Heat
Learn moreAll 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 |
| Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan | Damp-Phlegm |
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
1.5 cun lateral to the lower border of the spinous process of the 11th thoracic vertebra (T11).
