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Heat and Dryness in the Large Intestine
Cause
- over-consumption of hot and spicy foods
- over-consumption of broiled and baked foods
- blood and yin deficiency
- living in a hot and dry environment
In traditional Chinese medicine “Heat in the Large Intestine” is caused by over-consumption of “hot” foods. Hot foods are all spicy foods, all meats (with the exception of pork), and most nuts. “Hot” drinks are coffee, wine and spirits. Cigarettes have also heating nature.
“Dryness in Large Intestine” is caused by the over-consumption of “dry” foods. Such foods are broiled and baked foods. Another cause for “dryness in the Large Intestine” is blood and/or yin deficiency. On how the concept "Yin" is incorporated in human physiology please read about Yin and Yang in Chinese medicine below.
Since Yang in nature represents activity, light, warmth it logically represents energy/warming faculty in the human body. Since Yin in nature represents stillness it translates into the material aspect of the human body. In other words Yin represents matter, blood, body fluids, while Yang is the force that makes them come to live.
Overall Yin and/or blood deficiency means that the body’s substance and body fluids are diminished. This may affect the Large Intestine, manifesting in Large Intestine dryness.
Living for a prolonged period of time in hot and/or dry environment can also lead to “heat and dryness in the Large Intestine”.
If you want to learn more about the Large Intestine and its functions from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine go to "The Large Intestine in Chinese medicine" in the Physiology chapter.
Symptoms
- constipation
- dry stools
- scanty dark yellow urine
- dry mouth and throat
In the case of “heat in Large Intestine” there is constipation with dry stools as the heat has dried out the fluids needed to nourish the intestine. The urine is scanty and dark yellow (heat sign). There might be a burning sensation and swelling in the anus. (1)
In the case of dryness in Large Intestine there will be constipation with dry stools difficult to discharge, and dry mouth and throat.
Treatment
To clear "heat and dryness in the Large Intestine" the foods and drinks mentioned in the Cause section need to be avoided. Foods with cool and moistening nature should be selected.
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Food therapy is the cheapest, non-toxic, biochemical approach to illness and disease. Food is something we continuously use to sustain our lives. Learning what foods are healing (and what disruptive) for each condition has the potential to convert every meal into therapy.
YS
(1) Maciocia, Giovanni (1989). The Foundations of Chinese Medicine. Nanjing: Harcourt Publishers Limited
(2) Pitchford, Paul (2002). Healing with Whole Foods. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books
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