The spleen and stomach are vital organs governing digestion and absorption of daily food. Yet they are vulnerable to damage. Unrestrained eating habits — alternating hot and cold food, excessive spicy and salty flavors — easily trigger various gastrointestinal disorders, among which spleen-stomach damp-heat is extremely prevalent.

Manifestations of Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat

Spleen-stomach damp-heat refers to the invasion of damp-heat pathogens into the spleen and stomach, obstructing their normal physiological functions. Typical symptoms include general feverish sensation, bitter and dry mouth, unrelieved thirst, dark yellow urine. Severe cases present yellowish facial complexion and yellow greasy tongue coating.

This condition mostly stems from irregular and uncontrolled diet, which greatly injures the spleen and stomach. For mild cases, adjustments in daily life suffice: cut down or avoid spicy irritants, eat more fruits and vegetables, stick to regular three meals with fixed time portions. Moderate exercise boosts metabolism; staying indoors and oversleeping should be avoided, and exposure to fresh air also helps relieve spleen-stomach discomfort indirectly.

Tieguanyin Is Not Recommended for Spleen-Stomach Damp-Heat Sufferers

Most teas deliver health benefits yet require moderate consumption. Tieguanyin, a well-known cool-natured tea, is ideal for summer use to clear summer heat and refresh the mind. Even so, it is unsuitable for people with spleen-stomach damp-heat.

As a cool tea, Tieguanyin contains alkaline substances that damage gastric protease. For those with inherently weak spleen and stomach, it aggravates the condition: it irritates gastrointestinal mucosa and may induce stomach and intestinal illnesses. Therefore, patients with spleen-stomach damp-heat should avoid Tieguanyin.

Three Teas Better Suited for This Constitution

People with spleen-stomach damp-heat may drink broadleaf holly leaf tea, Pu'er tea and Longjing tea. These varieties benefit gastric health greatly, acting as auxiliary conditioning drinks for patients and preventive beverages for people without gastrointestinal troubles, bringing multiple physical benefits.

Every organ of the human body supports daily life, and minor dysfunction will disrupt routine activities. Most illnesses originate from improper diet, which validates the ancient maxim "diseases enter via the mouth". Hence, strict attention to dietary habits is essential.