Damp-heat constitution (Shi Re)

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Overview
Recognising the pattern
Dietary approach
Foods to favour
Foods to limit
Lifestyle
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1. Overview

Damp-heat (Shi Re) combines pathological damp with internal heat. It is associated with inflammatory and infectious tendencies: skin problems, urinary infections, gallbladder problems, hepatitis, gynaecological inflammation and irritable bowel disorders. Diet must clear both damp and heat without overcooling the digestive system.

2. Recognising the pattern

Oily skin with acne, particularly on chest and back
Bitter or metallic taste in the mouth, especially in the morning
Yellow tongue coating, often thick and greasy
Dark, scanty, strong-smelling urine
Heavy, sticky, foul-smelling stools (or constipation)
Foul body odour, heavy sweating with strong smell
Yellow vaginal discharge or recurrent urinary infections
Pulse: slippery and rapid

3. Dietary approach

Damp-heat is cleared with cool, light, slightly bitter foods that drain damp downwards. Mung bean, bitter melon, dandelion greens, barley and watermelon (in moderate amounts) are key. Spicy, fried, greasy, sugary and alcoholic foods all worsen damp-heat.

4. Foods to favour

Mung bean (soup, sprouts), Job's tears (yi yi ren), barley
Bitter melon, dandelion greens, watercress, celery, lettuce
Cucumber, courgette, white radish, lotus root
Pear, apple, kiwi, watermelon (small amounts)
Lean fish, egg whites, tofu
Green tea, peppermint tea, chrysanthemum tea
Seaweed, kombu
Whole grains: brown rice, quinoa

5. Foods to limit

Alcohol (particularly beer and spirits)
Spicy and fried food, takeaways
Lamb, beef, prawns, eggs in excess
Refined sugar, sweets, chocolate, pastries
Dairy in excess, especially cheese
Mango, pineapple, durian, lychee (very heating)
Coffee, smoking
Late-night eating

6. Lifestyle

Avoid hot and humid environments where possible. Keep the body cool but not chilled. Daily moderate exercise to sweat out heat. Avoid prolonged sitting (which traps damp in the lower body).