About This Herb*
Traditional Chinese Medicine background and properties
Herb Description*
Glutinous rice root is a gentle, mild herb primarily used to help stop excessive sweating, whether during the day (spontaneous sweating) or at night (night sweats). It also soothes the stomach, helps generate body fluids to relieve dry mouth and throat, and calms low-grade fevers caused by internal depletion. It is commonly used during recovery from illness or for people with chronic weakness who sweat too easily.
Herb Category*
Main Actions*
- Consolidates the Exterior and Stops Sweating
- Benefits the Stomach and Generates Fluids
- Clears Deficiency Heat
How These Actions Work*
'Consolidates the exterior and stops sweating' means this herb helps close the pores and prevent excessive loss of body fluids through sweating. It is used for both spontaneous sweating (daytime sweating without exertion) and night sweats. Because it is mild and gentle in nature, it works well for patients who are already weakened, including those recovering from illness or those with chronic conditions where the body's surface defences are weak.
'Benefits the Stomach and generates fluids' means this herb nourishes the Stomach's Yin (its moisture and cooling aspect), helping to relieve dryness in the mouth and throat. This is especially useful when excessive sweating has depleted body fluids, or when the Stomach lacks sufficient moisture to carry out digestion comfortably.
'Clears deficiency Heat' refers to its ability to gently reduce the low-grade fever and flushing that arise from Yin Deficiency. This is not the kind of heat-clearing used for acute infections, but rather for the lingering, smouldering warmth that comes when the body's cooling fluids are depleted, often seen as afternoon fevers, night sweats, and flushed cheeks.
Patterns Addressed*
In TCM, symptoms cluster into recognizable patterns of disharmony that reveal what's out of balance in the body. Nuo Dao Gen is traditionally associated with these specific patterns.
The following describes this herb's classification within Traditional Chinese Medicine theory and is provided for educational purposes only.
Why Nuo Dao Gen addresses this pattern
When the body's Qi is insufficient, it cannot properly hold the pores closed and secure body fluids at the surface. This leads to spontaneous sweating that worsens with even mild activity. Nuo Dao Gen, with its sweet and neutral nature, gently consolidates the exterior and stops sweating. Because it enters the Lung channel (which governs the skin and pores), it helps restore the body's ability to hold its surface defences in place. Its mildness makes it well suited for weakened patients who cannot tolerate stronger astringent herbs.
A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs
Daytime sweating without exertion, worse with activity
Tiredness and lack of stamina
Shortness of breath on mild exertion
Why Nuo Dao Gen addresses this pattern
When Yin (the body's cooling, nourishing fluids) is depleted, deficiency Heat rises unchecked, driving body fluids outward as night sweats. The patient often has afternoon low-grade fevers, flushed cheeks, dry mouth and throat, and a sensation of heat in the palms and soles. Nuo Dao Gen addresses this pattern through its ability to clear deficiency Heat and stop sweating while simultaneously generating fluids and nourishing the Stomach's Yin. Its neutral temperature means it does not further damage Yin the way warming herbs would, and its sweet taste gently replenishes depleted fluids.
A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs
Sweating during sleep that stops upon waking
Dry mouth and throat, especially at night
Afternoon tidal fever or low-grade warmth
Five-centre heat (palms, soles, chest)
Why Nuo Dao Gen addresses this pattern
When Stomach Yin is deficient, the Stomach lacks the moisture needed to properly digest food and nourish the body. This leads to dry mouth, poor appetite, and a vague discomfort in the stomach area. Nuo Dao Gen enters the Stomach system and its sweet taste specifically nourishes Stomach Yin and promotes fluid production. Classical sources note it can be combined with herbs like Yi Yi Ren, Bai Kou Ren, and Chen Pi to treat weak digestion and poor appetite.
A practitioner would look for one or more of these signs
Weak appetite with stomach discomfort
Persistent thirst and dry mouth
TCM Properties*
Neutral
Sweet (甘 gān)
Root (根 gēn)
This is partial information on the herb's TCM properties. More detailed information is available on the herb's dedicated page
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.