Scanty And Dark Urine in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different scanty and dark urine patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Scanty and dark urine is a condition where the urine produced is not only limited in quantity but also appears darker than normal. This change in urine color and volume can signify various health issues.
Synonyms for this condition include decreased and dark urine, low volume of dark-colored urine, and scanty dark urination. It's a specific symptom indicating potential dehydration or other underlying health concerns.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches scanty and dark urine as a sign of underlying imbalances in the body’s energy system. Unlike Western medicine, which often focuses on treating symptoms, TCM seeks to understand and address the root cause of the symptom.
Scanty and dark urine is seen as a manifestation of certain patterns of disharmony within the body, and treatment is aimed at restoring balance and harmony to these systems.
TCM Patterns for Scanty And Dark Urine
Heat
Causes: Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness, Cardiac burning sensation, Abdominal pain, Craving for cold beverages, Hematuria, Urinary burning
Heat in the Large Intestine
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Constipation, Mouth burning sensation, Anal burning, Dry stools, Dry tongue
Damp-Heat
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Thirst, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Constipation
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Scanty dark urination
Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Painful urination, Dry mouth, Dry throat
Excess-Heat
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Thirst, Arthritis, Constipation, Lupus
Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Heat and pain in the joints, Difficulty in moving, Fever, Chills, Dull yellow complexion, Rheumatic fever, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gouty inflammation, Connective tissue disorders
Dampness
Causes: Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Fever, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Irritability, Feeling of heaviness, Limb numbness, Foot edema, Alternating diarrhea and constipation, Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Yellow sclera
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Thirst, Feeling of heaviness
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain
Damp-Heat
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Along with: Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Acne
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions, Ulcers on the lower limbs, Painful urination, Dry mouth, Dry throat
Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Heat and pain in the joints, Difficulty in moving, Fever, Chills, Dull yellow complexion, Rheumatic fever, Rheumatoid arthritis, Gouty inflammation, Connective tissue disorders
Yin Deficiency
Causes: Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms, Afternoon heat sensation, Evening heat sensation, Hematuria, Dry throat, Preference for sipping, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emission, Hypersexuality, Dry stools
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Scanty dark urination
Along with: Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation, Hot palms and soles, Dry stools, Scanty and dark urine, Flushed cheekbones
Kidney Yin Deficiency
Scanty dark urination
Along with: Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Infertility, Premature ejaculation, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Anxiety, Heat sensation in palms, Evening heat sensation, Flushed cheekbones, Menopausal hot flashes, Preference for sipping, Evening anxiety
Yin Deficiency
Scanty dark urination
Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Dry mouth and throat at night, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping
Qi Stagnation
Causes: Scanty and dark urine
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Scanty and dark urine
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Yang Excess
Causes: Scanty dark urination
Yang Excess or Full Yang
Scanty dark urination
Along with: Feeling of heat, Hyperactivity, Lack of sweating, Heat intolerance, Constipation
Herbal Formulas for Scanty And Dark Urine
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address scanty and dark urine
Ba Zheng San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire
- Promotes urination
- Unblocks painful urinary dribbling
- Purges Fire
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Scanty and yellow urine, Lower back pain, Weakness of lower extremities, Red and swollen feet, Swollen knee, Thick greasy vaginal secretions...
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Yin Chen Hao Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat
- Resolves dampness
- Reduces jaundice
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Gallbladder
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac pain, Hypochondriac distention, Nausea or vomiting, Fat malabsorption, Dull yellow complexion, Fever...
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Shao Yao Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood
- Clears Heat
- Dries dampness
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools...
Lian Po Yin
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning...
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies Yin
- Drains Fire
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Flushed cheekbones, Restlessness, Insomnia, Night sweats, Low grade fever in the afternoon, Heat sensation in palms...
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Er Miao San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
- Drains Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Expel Dampness
- Relieve pain
- Move Qi and Blood
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Xuan Bi Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
- Unblocks the meridians
- Disbands painful obstruction
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat and pain in the joints, Difficulty in moving, Fever, Chills, Dull yellow complexion, Rheumatic fever...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine, Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Causes Fire to descend
- Eliminates irritability
- Calms the spirit
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Drains Fire
- Stabilizes the Exterior
- Stops sweating
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Dao Chi San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Heart
- Promotes urination
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Full-Heat in the Small Intestine
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Restlessness, Insomnia, Tongue ulcers, Mouth ulcers, Throat pain, Deafness...
Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Reinforces and strengthens Heart Qi
- Calms the Mind
- Nourishes and moistens the Heart Blood
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Yang Excess or Full Yang
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Hyperactivity, Lack of sweating, Heat intolerance, Constipation
Ma Zi Ren Wan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Intestines
- Invigorates Qi
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Heat in the Large Intestine
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Constipation, Mouth burning sensation, Anal burning, Dry stools, Dry tongue
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness...
Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Kidney Yin and Essence
- Nourishes the Liver Blood
- Beautifies hair
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Kidney Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive sweating, Back pain, Hearing loss, Dry mouth and throat at night, Lower back pain, Constipation...
Ke Xie Fang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Fire
- Transforms Phlegm
- Preserves the Lungs
- Stops coughing and bleeding
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness...
Mu Li San
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Inhibits sweating
- Stabilizes the exterior
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Excess-Heat
How it manifests:
Scanty and dark urine
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Thirst...
Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these scanty and dark urine patterns:
Main Actions
- Generates Body Fluids
- Nourishes the Yin
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Scanty And Dark Urine Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Scanty dark urination
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy...