About the Author
Main Signs and Symptoms
Female 50, has suffered from severe halitosis for the past 10 years and has tried a variety of treatments with no success. Previous TCM doctors have treated using the principles: ‘clear Heat-Toxin’, ‘drain Fire and clear Heat from the Stomach’.
Signs and symptoms: She is menopausal has poor digestion and feels depressed. She has a dull complexion and a sad demeanour. Her mouth is dry and the gums are redder than normal.
Pulse: wiry-slippery on the right side and deep-rapid on the left.
Tongue: Pale with a very thin coat
Diagnosis and Treatment
TCM Diagnosis:
Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency with deficiency Heat. Deficiency Heat rising to the upper body and injures the Body Fluids
Treatment:
Nourish the Yin and regenerate the Body Fluids.
Zhi Yin Gan Lu Yin (Rehmannia & Asparagus Formula) for 7 days.
Outcome:
After 7 days there has been a 90% improvement. She was advised to make a soup with Huai Shan Yao (Dioscorea oppositifolia, root) and consume it every day.
Comments:
In general halitosis is due to some form of Heat, affecting the Stomach. Commonly it is excess Heat (i.e. Damp-Heat, Phlegm-Heat, Fire or Heat-Toxin). However, in some patients, especially the elderly, the cause may be deficiency Heat, which is due to Yin deficiency of Liver and Kidney and is associated with the decline in hormone levels. The deficiency Heat rises to the upper body and injures the Fluids. In these cases it is not correct to use Heat clearing formulas; one must nourish the Yin and regenerate the Body Fluids.