Thirst in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different thirst patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Thirst is the body's natural response to dehydration or the need for fluids. It is characterized by a dry mouth, a desire to drink, and sometimes discomfort if not addressed. Thirst is essential for maintaining fluid balance, allowing the body to function properly. Without adequate hydration, various bodily functions, including temperature regulation, digestion, and circulation, can be impaired.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), thirst is seen as a symptom indicating an imbalance within the body's systems. Unlike the Western view that often considers thirst a straightforward sign of dehydration, TCM explores a deeper underlying imbalance. Various patterns of disharmony, such as Heat, Dampness, Wind, and Yin Deficiency, can cause thirst. Identifying the specific pattern is crucial for effective treatment.
TCM Patterns for Thirst
Heat
Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes
Causes: Thirst
Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.
Heat in the Blood
Thirst
Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood, Nosebleeds, Excessive menstruation
Toxic-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Thirst
Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Anal burning, Irritability, Delirium
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Thirst
Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat, Dry cough, Aversion to cold, Dry mouth
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Thirst
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
Exterior-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Body pain, Stiff neck
Gallbladder Heat
Thirst
Along with: Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness
Heart Fire blazing
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth
Heat in Uterus Blood
Thirst
Along with: Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Flushed face, Anger, Anxiety, Dark urine, Constipation
Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles
Thirst
Along with: Arthralgia, Joints red and hot, Fever, Anxiety, Wind phobia, Swollen joints, Joint stiffness
Liver Fire Blazing
Thirst
Along with: Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Cough of blood, Vomiting blood
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
Thirst
Along with: Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Eye hyperemia, Scanty and dark urine, Constipation
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Thirst
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Lung Heat
Thirst
Along with: Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Damp-Heat
Thirst
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
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Thirst
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Pericardium Fire
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Thirst
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Thirst
Along with: Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Thirst
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Thirst
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Tonsil swelling
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
Thirst
Along with: Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Stomatitis, Periodontitis, Glossitis, Trigeminal neuralgia, Bad breath
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
Thirst
Along with: Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Irritability, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis, Viral conjunctivitis, Sinusitis, Bronchial asthma, Viral pneumonia
Heat in Gall Bladder
Thirst
Along with: Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness, Cholecystitis, Icteric hepatitis, Kidney infection
Excess-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Arthritis, Constipation, Scanty and dark urine, Lupus
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Thirst
Along with: Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta, Prolonged lochia
Wind
Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens
Causes: Thirst
Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Thirst
Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Anal burning, Irritability, Delirium
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
Thirst
Along with: Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Bitter taste in the mouth, Vivid dreaming, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Nosebleeds, Vomiting blood, Cough of blood
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Thirst
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Wind-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness, Occipital headache, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Yellowish phlegm
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
Thirst
Along with: Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge, Copious thick yellow sputum, Sneezing, Headaches, Body pain, Tonsil swelling
Dampness
Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness
Causes: Thirst
Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
Thirst
Along with: Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools, Anal burning, Scanty and dark urine, Fever, Excessive sweating, Feeling of heat, Feeling of heaviness
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Lung Dryness
Thirst
Along with: Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Hoarse voice
Damp-Heat
Thirst
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
Summer Heat with Dampness
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Chest distension, Loss of appetite
Phlegm
Thick, sticky pathological fluid that obstructs body functions and can manifest anywhere in the body
Causes: Thirst
Phlegm is both a pathological product and a pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It results from impaired fluid metabolism when the body's transformative functions fail, particularly affecting the Spleen, Lungs, and Kidneys. Classical texts emphasize that "the Spleen is the source of phlegm production, while the Lungs are the storage vessel for phlegm."
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
Thirst
Along with: Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs, Urinary dysfunction
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
Thirst
Along with: Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat, Head and body heaviness, Dizziness, Copious thick yellow sputum
Yin Deficiency
Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body
Causes: Thirst
Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Thirst
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
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency
Thirst
Along with: Dry throat, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Red tongue
Stomach Yin Deficiency
Thirst
Along with: Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Yin Deficiency
Thirst
Along with: Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, 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
Mind Disturbance
Disruption of consciousness, mental clarity, and emotional equilibrium causing restlessness, confusion, or withdrawal
Causes: Thirst
Mind Disturbance represents a broad category of patterns in Traditional Chinese Medicine involving disruptions to consciousness, mental clarity, emotional stability, and cognitive function. These patterns affect the Shen (spirit/consciousness), which according to classical texts resides in the Heart and is distributed among the five organs.
Heart Fire blazing
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Insomnia, Flushed face, Hematuria, Dark urine, Bitter taste in the mouth
Pericardium Fire
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Cardiac burning sensation, Rapid breath, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat, Vivid dreaming, Excessive menstruation
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression, Stifling sensation in the chest, Chest pain, Rapid breath
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
Thirst
Along with: Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Incoherent or confused speech, Confusion, Rash behaviour, Uncontrolled laughing or crying, Verbal aggression, Talking to oneself, Depression, Dull shallow face, Aggression
Cold
Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location
Causes: Thirst
Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
Thirst
Along with: Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation, Dry stools, Dark urine, Anal burning, Irritability, Delirium
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
Thirst
Along with: High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness, Flushed face, Eye hyperemia, Dry nose, Irritability, Insomnia, Cough of blood, Mottled skin
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
Thirst
Along with: Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Irritability, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis, Viral conjunctivitis, Sinusitis, Bronchial asthma, Viral pneumonia
Dryness
Depletes body fluids and primarily damages the lungs
Causes: Thirst
Dryness is the predominant pathogenic factor of autumn in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It represents environmental dryness that damages the body's fluids and particularly affects the respiratory system.
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat, Dry cough, Aversion to cold, Dry mouth
Lung Dryness
Thirst
Along with: Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Hoarse voice
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency
Thirst
Along with: Dry throat, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Red tongue
Dryness in Large Intestine
Thirst
Along with: Constipation, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness, Bad breath, Irritable bowel syndrome, Hemorrhoids, Mouth ulcers
Summer Heat
Intense summer heat that rapidly depletes both energy and fluids
Causes: Thirst, Thirsting
Summer-Heat (暑 Shǔ) is a unique pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that only occurs during summer. Unlike other disease-causing factors in TCM that can arise internally or externally, Summer-Heat always comes from the environment - specifically from exposure to intense summer heat and humidity.
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest, Feeling of heaviness, Body pain, Dark urine, Urinary dysfunction
Summer-Heat
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort, Irritability
Summer Heat with Dampness
Thirst
Along with: Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Anxiety, Chest distension, Loss of appetite
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps
Thirsting
Along with: Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Paralysis, Loss of consciousness, Abnormal behavior, Muscle numbness, Muscle spasm
Qi Stagnation
Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress
Causes: Thirst
Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Thirst
Along with: Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling of heat, Flushed face, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation
Blood Stasis
Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels
Causes: Thirst
Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
Thirst
Along with: Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Amenorrhea, Menstrual cramps, Uterine fibroids, Retained placenta, Prolonged lochia
Yang Excess
Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems
Causes: Thirst
Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.
Yang Excess or Full Yang
Thirst
Along with: Feeling of heat, Hyperactivity, Lack of sweating, Heat intolerance, Constipation
Herbal Formulas for Thirst
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address thirst
Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Stomatitis...
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Exterior-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Body pain, Stiff neck
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Excess-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Flushed face, Red skin eruptions, Mottled skin, Irritability, Arthritis...
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Coughing, Sore throat, Congested nose, Nasal discharge...
Zi Xue Dan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Controls spasms and convulsions
- Extinguishes Wind
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat...
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Da Qing Long Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Promotes sweating
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Interior Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Exterior Cold invading with Interior Heat from Stagnation
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever without perspiration, Body pain, Irritability, Upper respiratory tract infections, Influenza, Purulent keratitis...
Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heaviness, Muscle pain, Lack of sweating, Absence of thirst, Profuse white sputum, Swollen limbs...
Gu Jing Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
- Stabilizes the menses
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Heat in Uterus Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Flushed face, Anger...
Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and relieves acute conditions of the Gallbladder
- Relieves acute Damp-Heat syndromes
- Resolves Phlegm
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Gallbladder Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Alternating sensation of hot and cold, Bitter taste in the mouth, Dry throat, Hypochondriac pain, Nausea, Upper abdominal fullness
Heat in Gall Bladder
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Mild chills with high fever, Bitter taste in the mouth, Stifling sensation in the chest, Vomiting of sour fluids, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Nausea...
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Hot Phlegm
- Clears Gallbladder Heat
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Stomach
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Ma Xing Shi Gan Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Invigorates Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Calms wheezing by directing rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Lung Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Clears Dampness
- Invigorates the Blood
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Qing Qi Hua Tan Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Phlegm
- Directs Rebellious Qi downwards
- Stops coughing
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Qing Re Gu Jing Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Empty Heat
- Tonifies the Kidney Yin
- Stops bleeding
- Supplies Body Fluids
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Heat in Uterus Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Flushed face, Anger...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Shi Gao Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Releases the Exterior
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Exterior-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Excessive sweating, Body pain, Stiff neck
Wind Cold with Internal Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
High fever, Severe chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, General sensation of tightness...
Xie Xin Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxicity
- Dries Dampness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat...
Pericardium Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Stifling sensation in the chest, Bitter taste in the mouth, Insomnia, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain...
Bai He Di Huang Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Moistens the Lungs
- Enriches the Body Fluids
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Lung and Kidney Yin
- Moistens the Lung
- Transfers Phlegm
- Clears Heat
- Reliefs Cough
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Dryness
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Dry cough, Dry throat, Skin dryness, Hoarse voice
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Cong Chi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Da Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Purges Heat from the Stomach and Intestines
- Relieves constipation
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Yang Excess or Full Yang
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Hyperactivity, Lack of sweating, Heat intolerance, Constipation
Dan Zhi Xiao Yao San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Drains Fire
- Stabilizes the Exterior
- Stops sweating
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Dang Gui Long Hui Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Liver and Gallbladder Fire Excess
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Di Gu Pi Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Er Chen Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Dries Damp and dispels Phlegm
- Regulates Qi and harmonizes the Middle Burner (Stomach and Spleen)
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Er Miao San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Dampness from the Lower Burner
- Drains Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Releases the Exterior
- Drains Heat
- Unblocks the bowels
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Feng Yin Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Extinguishes and pacifies Wind with heavy medicinals
- Calms the Mind
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Gua Lou San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Remove breast carbuncle (mastitis) after birth giving
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Stomatitis...
Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Expels Summerheat
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Qi
- Removes Dampness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach...
Hua Ban Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Cools the Blood
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Huai Jiao Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears heat from the Intestines
- Stops bleeding
- Disperses wind
- Regulates Qi
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in Uterus Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Excessive menstruation, Sudden period before schedule, Dark menstrual blood, Sticky menstrual blood, Flushed face, Anger...
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Causes Fire to descend
- Eliminates irritability
- Calms the spirit
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Hui Chun Dan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Arrests spasms and convulsions
- Clears Heat and transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Huo Ren Cong Shi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Unblocks the Yang Qi (Defensive Qi) in the Exterior
- Induces sweating
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Huo Xiang Zheng Qi San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Transforms Dampness
- Regulates Qi
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach...
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Liver and Spleen Qi Stagnation
- Tonifies Spleen
- Clears Deficient Heat
- Nourishes the blood
- Clears Liver Fire from Stagnant Liver Qi
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Jing Jie Lian Qiao Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind
- Clears toxic-Heat
- Disperses Stagnation
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Ke Xie Fang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Fire
- Transforms Phlegm
- Preserves the Lungs
- Stops coughing and bleeding
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Liver Fire insulting the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Shortness of breath, Asthma, Hypochondriac pain and discomfort, Cough with yellow or blood tinged sputum, Headaches, Dizziness...
Liang Di Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin
- Cools Blood
- Stop bleeding
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Liang Ge San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the bowels by clearing the Upper Burner
- Draining the Middle Burner
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat...
Ling Jiao Gou Teng Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Liver
- Extinguishes Wind
- Increases Fluids
- Relaxes the sinews
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Tremors, Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache...
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the yin and nourishes the Kidneys
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine...
Liu Yi San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Summer-Heat
- Drains Dampness
- Supplements Qi
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort...
Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids
- Directs Rebellious Qi downward
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Mu Li San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Inhibits sweating
- Stabilizes the exterior
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine...
Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Qing Jing San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Blood-Heat
- Stops bleeding
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Qing Luo Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Summer-Heat
- Clears the Lungs
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort...
Qing Re Tiao Xue Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Expel Dampness
- Relieve pain
- Move Qi and Blood
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears summerheat
- Augments the Qi
- Nourishes the Yin
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Upper abdominal discomfort...
Qing Xin Li Ge Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Unblocks the stool
- Benefits the throat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Heart
- Augments the Qi and Yin
- Stops turbid painful urinary dribbling
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heart Fire blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Mouth ulcers, Tongue ulcers, Restlessness, Anxiety, Feeling of heat...
Qing Zao Jiu Fei Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears dryness
- Moistens the Lungs
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Ren Shen Ge Jie San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Tonifies the Qi
- Augments the Kidneys
- Stops coughing
- Arrests wheezing
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Heat in the Lungs
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Coughing, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Stifling sensation in the chest, Sputum, Feeling of heat...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Sang Xing Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears and disperses Dryness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Sha Shen Mai Men Dong Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears and nourishes the Lungs and Stomach
- Generates Body Fluids and moistens Dryness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach and Lung Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Dry throat, Fever, Scanty sputum, Dry cough, Red tongue
Shao Yao Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Regulates and harmonizes the Qi and Blood
- Clears Heat
- Dries dampness
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat in the Large Intestine
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Abdominal pain, Abdominal fullness, Diarrhea, Hematochezia, Mucous in feces, Smelly stools...
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Augments the Qi
- Strengthens the Spleen
- Drains Dampness
- Stops diarrhea
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Sheng Tie Luo Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Sedates the Heart
- Clears Phlegm
- Clears Fire
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm-Fire harassing the Heart
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Shi Hui San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Cools the Blood and
- Stops bleeding
- Clears Heat and drains Fire
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat in the Blood
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia, Hematuria...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Suan Zao Ren Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Blood
- Calms the Mind and eliminates irritability
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Heat and
- Eliminates Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Lower abdominal pain, Nighttime fever, Incoherent or confused speech, Irritability, Restlessness, Amenorrhea...
Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Enriches the Yin
- Nourishes the Blood
- Clears Heat
- Calms the Mind
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon heat sensation, Dry mouth, Preference for sipping, Dry mouth and throat at night, Night sweats, Cardiac burning sensation...
Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Removes Heat and Dryness in the Lower Burner
- Removes constipation
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation...
Wu Shi Lian Mei Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Heat
- Preserves Body Fluids
- Transforms Yin
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer-Heat entering the Lesser Yin and Terminal Yin warps
How it manifests:
Thirsting
Accompanying symptoms:
Wasting, Thirst, Cardiac burning sensation, Irritability, Restlessness, Paralysis...
Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
- Cools the Blood
- Reduces swelling
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Xiang Ru San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Scatters Cold
- Transforms Dampness
- Harmonizes the Middle Burner
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Summer Heat with Dampness
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Aversion to cold, Excessive sweating, Headaches, Feeling of heaviness, Tight feeling in chest and stomach...
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Moderately purges Heat accumulation
- Circulates Qi in the Middle
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Bright Yang Fire in Stomach and Intestines
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Afternoon fever, Excessive sweating, Sweating on limbs, Abdominal fullness, Abdominal pain, Constipation...
Xiao Feng San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Eliminates Dampness
- Clears Heat
- Cools the Blood
- Nourishes the Blood
- Relieves skin itchness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Xiao Yao San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Harmonizes the function of Liver and Spleen
- Relieves Liver Qi stagnation
- Nourishes the Blood
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Damp-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Neck gland swelling, Headaches, Tight feeling in chest and stomach, Sticky taste in the mouth, Absence of thirst...
Xie Bai San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Heat from the Lungs
- Calms wheezing
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Lung Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Feeling of heat, High fever, Cough with thin yellow sputum, Shortness of breath, Excessive sweating, Acne
Xie Qing Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Liver and drains Fire
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Liver Fire Blazing
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Irritability, Anger, Tinnitus, Deafness, Temporal headache, Dizziness...
Xin Jia Xiang Ru Yin
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Summerheat
- Releases the Exterior
- Clears Heat
- Transforms Dampness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Early Stage Summerheat with Exterior Wind-Cold
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Chills, Lack of sweating, Headaches, Flushed face, Stifling sensation in the chest...
Xing Su San
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Dry-Cold
- Disseminates the Lung Qi and relieves cough
- Transforms thin mucus
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Dry-Heat or Dry-Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Excessive sweating, Sore throat, Skin dryness, Dry nose, Dry throat...
Xuan Bi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears and resolves Damp-Heat
- Unblocks the meridians
- Disbands painful obstruction
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Heat invading the Channels joints and muscles
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Arthralgia, Joints red and hot, Fever, Anxiety, Wind phobia, Swollen joints...
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Pacifies the Liver
- Removes Stagnation
- Drains Fire
- Unblocks the Meridians
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Stifling sensation in the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression...
Yi Wei Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Strengthen the Stomach
- Creates Body Fluids
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Loss of appetite, Preference for sipping, Slight abdominal distension after eating
Yu Nu Jian
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears stomach Heat
- Nourishes Kidney Yin
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Stomach Fire or Stomach Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Toothache, Headaches, Loose teeth, Bleeding gums, Irritability, Stomatitis...
Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Generates Body Fluids
- Nourishes the Yin
- Unblocks the bowels
- Drains Heat
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine...
Zeng Ye Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes Yin and Essence
- Lubricates Dryness
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Dryness in Large Intestine
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Constipation, Dry stools, Dry mouth, Dry throat, Poor constitution, Dizziness...
Zhi Bao Dan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat
- Opens the sensory orifices
- Resolves toxicity
- Transforms Phlegm
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Phlegm Fire harassing the Pericardium
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Palpitations, Flushed face, Bitter taste in the mouth, Noisy breathing, Restlessness, Insomnia...
Zhu Ye Cheng Liu Tang
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Releases the Exterior
- Vents rashes
- Clears
- Generates Body Fluids
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Wind-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Aversion to cold, Fever, Sneezing, Coughing, Nasal discharge, Occipital stiffness...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule...
Zuo Gui Wan
Addresses these thirst patterns:
Main Actions
- Nourishes the Yin
- Strengthens the Kidneys
- Fills the Essence
- Augments the marrow
Addresses These Thirst Pattern Variations
Yin Deficiency
How it manifests:
Thirst
Accompanying symptoms:
Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine...
Tuo Li Xiao Du San
Traditional formula for thirst
Main Actions
- Draws out toxicity
- Expels pus from the interior
- Tonifies Qi and Blood