Dry Mouth And Throat At Nightaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Oral Dryness
What is Dry Mouth and Throat at Night?
Dry mouth and throat at night, medically termed nocturnal xerostomia, is a condition where an individual experiences a significant decrease in saliva production during sleep. This can lead to discomfort, a parched throat, and difficulties in swallowing or speaking upon waking.
It's not uncommon for this to coincide with bad breath and an increased risk of dental issues, as saliva plays a crucial role in maintaining oral health by neutralizing acids and washing away food particles.
How Does TCM View Dry Mouth and Throat at Night?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets dry mouth and throat at night as a symptom often related to a deficiency or imbalance within the body's organ systems. Rather than viewing it as a standalone issue, TCM considers it a sign of deeper disharmony, such as patterns of Yin Deficiency or internal Heat.
Correctly identifying the involved pattern is critical in TCM, as this directs the practitioner to the most appropriate and effective treatment methods to replenish Body Fluids and restore balance.
Root Causes of Dry Mouth And Throat At Night in TCM
In TCM, dry mouth and throat at night are commonly associated with Yin Deficiency patterns, where the cooling, moistening aspects of the body's constitution are depleted. This can stem from various factors, including stress, poor diet, or overwork.
Kidney Yin Deficiency, for instance, might lead to dryness, back pain, and nocturnal sweating. Another pattern, Lesser Yin Heat Transformation, suggests an imbalance of Heat in the body, often presenting with symptoms such as night sweats and a sensation of heat in the evening. TCM treatments aim to nourish the Yin and clear the Heat, providing relief from dryness.
Explore below more details about what might cause Dry mouth and throat at night according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Kidney
- Heart
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 Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
Common Symptoms: Night Sweats Insomnia Scanty And Dark Urine Anxiety Flushed Cheekbones Preference For Sipping Dizziness Restlessness
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Dry mouth and throat at night, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, 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... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Lesser Yin Heat Transformation | Dry mouth and throat at night, Feeling hot, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Night sweats | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang |
| Yin Deficiency | Dry mouth and throat at night, Heat sensation in palms, Emaciation, Sore throat at night, Thirst, Anxiety, Jumpy, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools, Nocturnal emission, Pain relieved by pressure and cold, Preference for sipping... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Mu Li San | Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang |
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Dry throat at night, 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... see more | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
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 Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
Common Symptoms: Insomnia Night Sweats Feeling Hot Irritability Dark Urine Afternoon Heat Sensation Dry Mouth Preference For Sipping
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Lesser Yin Heat Transformation | Dry mouth and throat at night, Feeling hot, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Night sweats | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang |
| Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency | Dry throat at night, 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... see more | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Kidney
In TCM the Kidneys are regarded as the body's most fundamental reservoir of Essence, known as Jing, which influences growth, reproduction, and aging. They are not just organs for filtering blood, but a holistic system governing vital life forces. When the Kidneys malfunction in TCM, it can manifest as a variety of health issues, such as chronic fatigue, reproductive problems, imbalances in fluid metabolism leading to edema or dryness, lower back pain, and a sense of fear or insecurity.... see more
Kidney Patterns That Can Lead to Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
Common Symptoms: Night Sweats Insomnia Hearing Loss Lower Back Pain Scanty And Dark Urine Anxiety Heat Sensation In Palms Evening Heat Sensation
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidney Yin Deficiency | Dry mouth and throat at night, Perspiration, Back pain, Hearing loss, 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... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Lesser Yin Heat Transformation | Dry mouth and throat at night, Feeling hot, Irritability, Insomnia, Dark urine, Night sweats | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang |
| Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized | Dry throat at night, Palpitations, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Poor memory, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emissions with dreams, Evening heat sensation, Dry mouth and throat at night, Preference for sipping, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools... see more | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Jiao Tai Wan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin |
Heart
In TCM the Heart is considered the "emperor" of all organs, primarily responsible for governing Blood and housing the mind, known as "Shen." It plays a crucial role in maintaining mental-emotional equilibrium and controlling the circulation of Qi and blood throughout the body. When the Heart is imbalanced or malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues like heart palpitations, insomnia, dream-disturbed sleep, anxiety, and a flushed complexion. Emotional disturbances such as excessive joy or lack of joy are also seen as signs of Heart disharmony. These symptoms reflect not just physical heart conditions but also the state of one's Shen, indicating the interconnectedness of physical and emotional well-being in TCM.... see more
Heart Patterns That Can Lead to Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized | Dry throat at night, Palpitations, Restlessness, Insomnia, Vivid dreaming, Anxiety, Poor memory, Dizziness, Tinnitus, Hearing loss, Lower back pain, Nocturnal emissions with dreams, Evening heat sensation, Dry mouth and throat at night, Preference for sipping, Night sweats, Heat sensation in palms, Scanty and dark urine, Dry stools... see more | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Jiao Tai Wan | Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
For conditions linked to Yin Deficiency and Heat, TCM relies on herbal formulas to nourish and cool the body. Liu Wei Di Huang Wan and Zuo Gui Wan are two classic formulas used to replenish Kidney Yin and alleviate symptoms like dry mouth.
For addressing Heat, such as that from Lesser Yin Heat Transformation, Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with its cooling herbs like Goldthread Rhizomes, is typically prescribed. These formulas exemplify TCM's approach, focusing on restoring the delicate balance of Yin and Yang within the body to treat symptoms like dry mouth and throat.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address dry mouth and throat at night, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Yin Deficiency
- Heat
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that clear heat from deficiency
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that stabilize exterior and stop sweating
- Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause dry mouth and throat at night, such as Kidney Yin Deficiency or Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Dry Mouth And Throat At Night Caused by Yin Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Lesser Yin Heat Transformation, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
| Mu Li San | Yin Deficiency |
| Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang | Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Top Formula for Heat:
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause dry mouth and throat at night, such as Lesser Yin Heat Transformation or Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Dry Mouth And Throat At Night Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Lesser Yin Heat Transformation, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized.
One such formula is Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang, with biota seeds as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Lesser Yin Heat Transformation, Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency, Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Jiao Tai Wan | Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency or Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency, Yin Deficiency |
| Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Kidney Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that clear Heat from Deficiency
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang, with softshell turtle shell as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from deficiency" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
| Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Empty-Heat or Fire caused by Yin Deficiency |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Kidney Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan, with fleeceflower root as a key herb.
Formulas that stabilize Exterior and stop sweating
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Mu Li San, with oyster shells as a key herb.
Formulas that simultaneously attack and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Yin Deficiency.
One such formula is Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang, with ningpo figwort root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some dry mouth and throat at night-causing patterns like Kidneys And Heart Not Harmonized.
One such formula is Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin, with lotus seeds as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Dry Mouth And Throat At Night
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address dry mouth and throat at night, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that anchor and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for yin deficiency
- Herbs that stabilize and bind
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Dry mouth and throat at night 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 dry mouth and throat at night, like Liu Wei Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Zuo Gui Wan | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
| Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu) | Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan |
| Dong Quai (Dang Gui) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
| Sweet Wormwood Herbs (Qing Hao) | Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian) | Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Jiao Tai Wan |
| Phellodendron Bark (Huang Bo) | Zhi Bo Di Huang Wan |
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biota Seeds (Bai Zi Ren) | Bai Zi Yang Xin Tang |
| Jujube Seeds (Suan Zao Ren) | Suan Zao Ren Tang |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Dry mouth and throat at night 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 dry mouth and throat at night, like Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for dry mouth and throat at night
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Unprepared Rehmannia (Di Huang) | Dang Gui Liu Huang Tang | Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan |
| Ningpo Figwort Roots (Xuan Shen) | Zeng Ye Cheng Qi Tang |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Huang Lian E Jiao Tang.
Herbs that anchor and calm the Spirit
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs if it stems from disturbances in the Shen (spirit), often due to instability in the heart and kidney energies.
One such herb is Oyster Shells (Mu Li ke), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Mu Li San.
Tonic herbs for Yin Deficiency
Dry mouth and throat at night 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 Softshell Turtle Shells (Bie Jia), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Qing Hao Bie Jia Tang.
Herbs that stabilize and bind
Dry mouth and throat at night can be treated by these herbs if it is caused by a leakage of bodily fluids or energies, helping to consolidate and preserve the body's essential substances.
One such herb is Lotus Seeds (Lian Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dry mouth and throat at night, like Qing Xin Lian Zi Yin.