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Dark Lipsaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 1 cause Herbal Formulas Icon 1 herbal formula Herbs Icon 2 herbs

Symptom family: Lip Symptoms

Root Causes of Dark Lips in TCM

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

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Heart
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Dark Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yang Deficiency Slightly dark lips, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Cold hands, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang
Detailed description of the cause

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 Dark Lips

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Heart Yang Deficiency Slightly dark lips, Palpitations, Exertional dyspnea, Generalized fatigue, Spontaneous sweat, Slight feeling of stuffiness in the heart, Chills, Cold hands, Bright pale face, Dark lips... see more Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Dark Lips

See more details below about Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, a herbal formula used to address dark lips.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause dark lips, such as Heart Yang Deficiency

Learn more

Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

These formulas are suitable for some dark lips-causing patterns like Heart Yang Deficiency.

One such formula is Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang, with cinnamon bark as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Dark Lips

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

  • By Herb Category
  • Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
  • Tonic herbs for blood deficiency

Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold

Dark lips can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.

One such herb is Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dark lips, like Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.

Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency

Dark 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 White Peony Roots (Bai Shao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for dark lips, like Gui Zhi Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang.