Dry Lips in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different dry lips patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Dry lips, commonly known as chapped or cracked lips, occur when the lips lose moisture, leading to an uncomfortable and sometimes painful condition. This ailment can be caused by various factors, including extreme weather conditions, dehydration, or certain medical conditions. The lips may appear flaky, red, and tender to the touch. While often a minor issue, persistent dry lips can indicate an underlying imbalance or a need for better self-care.
From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), dry lips are often a sign of an internal imbalance rather than just an external problem. TCM theory suggests that symptoms like dry lips can arise from Deficiencies or disharmonies within the body's fundamental substances, such as Qi, Blood, Yin, and Body Fluids.
Understanding the precise pattern of disharmony is essential in TCM because it determines the treatment strategy. Dry lips are not just treated with topical applications but are approached holistically, considering the overall health and balance of the individual.
TCM Patterns for Dry Lips
Blood Deficiency
Causes: Dry lips
Blood Deficiency
Dry lips
Along with: Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory, Insomnia
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Dry lips
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Body Fluids Deficiency
Causes: Dry lips
Body Fluids Deficiency
Dry lips
Along with: Skin dryness, Dry mouth, Dry nose, Dry cough, Dry tongue, Dry throat, Dry stools
Qi Deficiency
Causes: Dry lips
Qi and Blood Deficiency
Dry lips
Along with: General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations, Dizziness, Poor memory, Insomnia, Dislike of speaking, Loss of appetite, Limb numbness, Skin numbness
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Dry lips
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
Dry lips
Along with: Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Nausea, Generalized fatigue, Upper abdominal discomfort, Loss of taste
Herbal Formulas for Dry Lips
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address dry lips
Gui Pi Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and nourish Qi and Blood
- Tonifies Heart and Spleen
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Ba Zhen Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies and augments Qi
- Tonifies and augments Blood
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Guo Qi Yin
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Warms the menses
- Dispels blood Stagnation
- Nourishes the blood
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Zhi Gan Cao Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Nourishes Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Restores the pulse
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Qi and Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
General weakness, Generalized fatigue, Weak voice, Pale face, Shortness of breath, Palpitations...
Si Wu Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Restores and nourishes Blood
- Stimulates Blood circulation
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory...
Xing Su San
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Body Fluids Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Skin dryness, Dry mouth, Dry nose, Dry cough, Dry tongue, Dry throat...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Stomach and Spleen Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry stools, Nausea, Generalized fatigue...
Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Qi
- Generates Blood
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Blood Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Dizziness, Scanty menstruation, Amenorrhea, Dull shallow face, Pale lips, Poor memory...
Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin
- Moistens the Lung
- Transfers Phlegm
- Clears Heat
- Reliefs Cough
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Body Fluids Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Skin dryness, Dry mouth, Dry nose, Dry cough, Dry tongue, Dry throat...
Zeng Ye Tang
Addresses these dry lips patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Essence
- Lubricates Dryness
Addresses These Dry Lips Pattern Variations
Body Fluids Deficiency
How it manifests:
Dry lips
Accompanying symptoms:
Skin dryness, Dry mouth, Dry nose, Dry cough, Dry tongue, Dry throat...