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Red Lipsaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 3 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 5 herbs

Symptom family: Lip Symptoms

Root Causes of Red Lips in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Red lips according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Lung
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Red Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency Red lips, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Red Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Red lips, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Heat

In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more

Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Red Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Red lips, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San
Detailed description of the cause

Lung

In TCM the Lungs are seen as the organ responsible for controlling Qi and respiration, as well as being a key part of the body's defensive system. They are thought to maintain the balance and flow of air and moisture, and are closely linked to the skin and hair. When the Lungs are imbalanced or malfunctioning in TCM, it can lead to respiratory issues like coughing or asthma, a weakened immune system, dry skin, and emotional disturbances such as sadness or grief. These symptoms are believed to arise from disruptions in the Lungs' ability to regulate Qi and protect the body, highlighting their central role in maintaining overall health and well-being.... see more

Lung Patterns That Can Lead to Red Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Lung Yin Deficiency Red lips, Hoarse voice, Itchy throat, Reluctance to speak, Thin chest Bai He Gu Jin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Red Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire Red lips, Hypochondriac distention, Upper abdominal distension, Feeling of oppression of the chest, Irritability, Melancholia, Depression, Mood swings, Globus sensation, Feeling hot, Flushed face, Thirst, Anger, Pre menstrual tension, Irregular periods, Pre menstrual breast distension, Excessive menstruation... see more Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang | Jia Wei Xiao Yao San

TCM Herbal Formulas for Red Lips

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address red lips, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Heat
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that harmonize liver-Spleen

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Bai He Gu Jin Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause red lips, such as Lung Yin Deficiency

Learn more

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause red lips, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Red Lips Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Top Formula for Heat:
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause red lips, such as Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Red Lips Caused by Heat

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire
Jia Wei Xiao Yao San Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some red lips-causing patterns like Lung Yin Deficiency.

One such formula is Bai He Gu Jin Tang, with lily bulb as a key herb.

Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

These formulas are suitable for some red lips-causing patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire.

One such formula is Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang, with white peony root as a key herb.

Formulas that harmonize Liver-Spleen

These formulas are suitable for some red lips-causing patterns like Stagnant Liver Qi turning into Fire.

One such formula is Jia Wei Xiao Yao San, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Red Lips

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address red lips, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
  • Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
  • Herbs that cool the blood
  • Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
View More Categories

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Red lips can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.

One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red lips, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.

Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.

"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for red lips

Herb Formulas they belong to (if applicable)
Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) Bai He Gu Jin Tang
White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) Xuan Yu Tong Jing Tang

Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency

Red lips can be treated by these herbs when caused by a lack of Yin, which is essential for cooling and moistening the body, thereby restoring balance.

One such herb is Lily Bulbs (Bai He), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red lips, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.

Herbs that cool the Blood

Red lips can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.

One such herb is Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red lips, like Bai He Gu Jin Tang.

Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior

Red lips can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.

One such herb is Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for red lips, like Jia Wei Xiao Yao San.