How to Remove Dampness from the Body: TCM Food Remedies for Better Health

Feeling tired, heavy, and foggy-headed? Struggling with bloating, sticky stools, or swelling in the limbs? These may be signs of internal dampness, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).

Dampness can disrupt your metabolism, lower your energy, and affect digestion. Luckily, natural foods can help remove this internal damp and bring your body back to balance.

Common Symptoms of Dampness

• Thick, greasy tongue coating

• General fatigue and sluggishness

• Heavy limbs or muscle soreness

• Facial or limb swelling

• Sticky stools, poor digestion

• Body odor or bad breath

• Symptoms worsen in humid weather

TCM Dietary Guidelines for Dampness

1. Avoid Cold and Raw Foods – Especially iced drinks and tropical fruits.

2. Reduce Fried and Sugary Foods – They produce phlegm and dampness.

3. Focus on Damp-Draining and Spleen-Tonifying Foods – The spleen governs fluid metabolism.

Top Foods to Eliminate Dampness

• Red beans – Help reduce water retention and boost spleen energy.

• Coix seed (Job's Tears) – A classic anti-damp ingredient.

• Chinese yam – Improves digestion and boosts energy.

• Winter melon – Great for reducing swelling and clearing damp.

• Poria (Fu Ling) – Calms the mind and supports spleen health.

• Hyacinth bean – Aids digestion and removes damp.

• Ginger – Warms the body and dispels damp-cold.

• Dried tangerine peel – Enhances digestion and moves stagnant Qi.

Recommended Herbal Drinks

• Red Bean & Coix Seed Tea – Gentle, detoxifying, and great for daily use.

• Ginger & Jujube Tea – Ideal for people with cold-damp conditions.

• Poria & Tangerine Peel Tea – Reduces bloating and promotes spleen health.

Lifestyle Tips to Support Dampness Removal

• Sweat regularly through moderate exercise

• Keep your home dry and ventilated

• Avoid staying up late

• Dry your body thoroughly after showering

Final Thoughts

Dampness removal is a journey, not a quick fix. By adjusting your daily meals and habits, you can gradually remove internal damp and enjoy improved energy and well-being. Start small — your body will thank you!