Symptom checker

Craving For Hot Beveragesaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 3 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 3 herbal formulas Herbs Icon 6 herbs

Symptom families: Thirst and Hydration, Dietary Cravings and Sensitivites

Root Causes of Craving For Hot Beverages in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Craving for hot beverages according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Sinking
  • Cold
  • Small Intestine
  • Large Intestine
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Deficiency

Qi Deficiency in TCM is like running low on battery power. Qi is the vital energy that powers every function in your body. When there's a Qi Deficiency, it means your body doesn't have enough of this essential energy. This can make you feel tired all the time, weak, or even cause shortness of breath. It's similar to how you feel when you haven't had enough sleep or nutritious food. Your body just doesn't have the energy it needs to perform at its best. Unlike modern medicine, which often focuses on specific physical causes for fatigue and weakness, TCM views Qi Deficiency as an overall energy depletion that affects your entire well-being, and it seeks to replenish and balance this vital energy.... see more

Qi Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Hot Beverages

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi Deficiency Fever Thirst for warm drinks, Intermittent fever that worsens upon exertion, Spontaneous sweat, Aversion to cold, Craving for hot beverages, Chronic hepatitis, Arrhythmia, Hypertension, Chronic bronchitis, Chronic rhinitis, Aphthous stomatitis... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Sinking

Qi Sinking is a pattern of disharmony in TCM where the body's energy, or Qi, is thought to "sink" or drop down. Imagine a balloon slowly deflating and falling; that's similar to what happens with Qi Sinking. This can lead to feelings of heaviness, fatigue, and even physical symptoms like prolapse of organs or frequent urination. It's as if the body's energy, which usually supports and holds things in place, isn't able to do its job properly. TCM views this as an imbalance where the uplifting and supporting qualities of Qi are weakened.... see more

Qi Sinking Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Hot Beverages

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Large Intestine collapse Thirst for warm drinks, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Mental exhaustion, Craving for hot beverages... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Cold

In TCM "Cold" as a pattern of disharmony refers to a specific type of imbalance within the body's systems, often linked to a deficiency or weakness. It's not about feeling physically cold or having a common cold, but rather a metaphorical description of certain symptoms and underlying conditions. When a TCM practitioner says someone suffers from "Cold," it usually implies that the body's Yang energy, which is warm and active, is insufficient or overpowered by Yin energy, which is cool and passive. Symptoms of Cold in TCM can include a general feeling of coldness, cold limbs, pale complexion, low energy, slow metabolism, and a preference for warmth. ... see more

Cold Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Hot Beverages

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold Desire for hot drinks, Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities... see more Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Detailed description of the cause

Small Intestine

In TCM the Small Intestine plays a critical role in receiving partially digested food from the Stomach and further separating the clear from the turbid, essentially distinguishing nutrients from waste. This process is vital for proper absorption and assimilation of food. The Small Intestine is also associated with clarity of judgment and decision-making. When it malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, poor appetite, or irregular bowel movements. Additionally, a malfunctioning Small Intestine may manifest as mental confusion or difficulty in making decisions, reflecting its role in discernment and clarity in both physical and mental realms. ... see more

Small Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Hot Beverages

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Small Intestine Deficient and Cold Desire for hot drinks, Borborygmi, Abdominal pain relieved by pressure or eating, Craving for hot beverages, Diarrhea, Pale and abudant urination, Cold extremities... see more Xiao Jian Zhong Tang | Shen Ling Bai Zhu San
Detailed description of the cause

Large Intestine

In TCM the Large Intestine is primarily seen as responsible for the absorption of fluids and the excretion of waste. It is closely related to the Lung in terms of energy flow and function, reflecting the interconnectedness of organ systems in TCM. When the Large Intestine malfunctions, it can lead to issues such as constipation or diarrhea, abdominal pain, and an inability to let go of emotional waste, like holding onto grief or stress. This is in line with the TCM view that the physical and emotional aspects of health are deeply connected. An imbalanced Large Intestine can also manifest as skin problems, signifying the organ’s role in eliminating toxins and maintaining balance in the body’s internal environment.... see more

Large Intestine Patterns That Can Lead to Craving For Hot Beverages

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Large Intestine collapse Thirst for warm drinks, Chronic diarrhea, Anus prolapse, Hemorrhoids, Generalized fatigue, Cold extremities, Lack of appetite, Mental exhaustion, Craving for hot beverages... see more Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Craving For Hot Beverages

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address craving for hot beverages, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Qi Deficiency
  • Qi Sinking
  • Cold
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold

Top Formula for Qi Deficiency:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Suitable for Qi Deficiency patterns that may cause craving for hot beverages, such as Qi Deficiency Fever

Learn more

Top Formula for Qi Sinking:
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang

Suitable for Qi Sinking patterns that may cause craving for hot beverages, such as Large Intestine collapse

Learn more

Top Formula for Cold:
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang

Suitable for Cold patterns that may cause craving for hot beverages, such as Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Craving For Hot Beverages Caused by Cold

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Xiao Jian Zhong Tang Small Intestine Deficient and Cold
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

Formulas that tonify Qi

These formulas are suitable for some craving for hot beverages-causing patterns like Qi Deficiency Fever or Large Intestine collapse.

One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

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

All "formulas that tonify qi" recommended for craving for hot beverages

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang Qi Deficiency Fever, Large Intestine collapse
Shen Ling Bai Zhu San Small Intestine Deficient and Cold

Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold

These formulas are suitable for some craving for hot beverages-causing patterns like Small Intestine Deficient and Cold.

One such formula is Xiao Jian Zhong Tang, with maltose as a key herb.

TCM Herbs for Craving For Hot Beverages

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address craving for hot beverages, organized by herb category.

  • By Herb Category
  • Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
  • Herbs that drain dampness

Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency

Craving for hot beverages can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.

One such herb is Maltose (Yi Tang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for hot beverages, like Xiao Jian Zhong Tang.

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

Herbs that drain Dampness

Craving for hot beverages can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.

One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for craving for hot beverages, like Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.