Damp-Heat Constitution

濕熱體質 / 湿热体质

Constitutional tendency toward dampness combined with heat, often with greasy skin, heavy limbs or sticky sensation in the mouth.

This entry is a TCM pattern

Quick Facts

Health Topic	Constitution Care
Also Known As	Damp-heat type, Tendency to damp-heat, Shi-re constitution, Humid heat constitution
Common Symptoms	A constitutional tendency toward combined dampness and heat. Common observations include a heavy body with a sense of heat, greasy skin, sticky mouth or bitter taste, scanty dark urine, and discomfort in humid hot weather. The tongue often shows a yellow greasy coating.
Related Classical Formulas	Long Dan Xie Gan Tang · Yin Chen Hao Tang · Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan · San Ren Tang

Damp-Heat Constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Damp-heat constitution describes a long-term tendency in Traditional Chinese Medicine in which dampness and heat coexist. Typical features include bodily heaviness with heat signs, greasy skin and a yellow greasy tongue coating. It is distinguished from pure dampness and from pure excess heat. Traditional strategies focus on clearing heat and transforming dampness; specific formulas are selected only after further clinical differentiation. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another.