Disclaimer: All herbal teas, medicinal soups, acupuncture and Tui Na described in this article are only auxiliary wellness regimens for traditional health maintenance, not formal medical treatments. They cannot replace professional physician diagnosis, prescription drugs or clinical therapies. Anyone diagnosed with physical diseases shall strictly follow the treatment plans formulated by licensed medical practitioners. All TCM terminology, wellness regulation theories and traditional health philosophies in this text are solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine. No content herein shall be deemed guidance for clinical diagnosis or medical treatment. Read more
Edema refers to a condition in which fluids overflow into the superficial layers of the body, causing swelling in the face, eyelids, limbs, abdomen, back, or even the entire body. In severe cases, it may also be accompanied by pleural effusion and ascites. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the pathogenesis primarily involves dysfunction of the Lung, Spleen, and Kidneys, as well as disordered Qi transformation in the Triple Burner, leading to retention of fluids within the body and their overflow into the skin and muscles.
In traditional Chinese medicine, edema is classified into two major types: yang edema and yin edema. Yang edema is further divided into Wind and Water Invasion (Fengshui), Water Dampness Internally Accumulating (Skin Edema), and Water Dampness Stagnation. Yin edema is further divided into Spleen Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency.
1. Wind Invasion with Water Retention (Fengshui / Wind-Water): Abrupt onset, beginning with eyelid edema, then progressing to generalized edema, accompanied by fever with aversion to cold, cough and dyspnea, soreness and heaviness in the limbs, and difficult urination. Tongue coating: thin and white. Pulse: floating and tight. supports principle: support the dispersion of wind and help maintain normal fluid distribution.
2. Water-Dampness Internal Accumulation (Subcutaneous Edema / Pi Shui): Edema of the limbs that pits on pressure, accompanied by a heavy sensation and fatigue, scanty urine, a white greasy tongue coating, and a deep, slow pulse. The therapeutic principle is to warm the Yang and promote diuresis.
3. Water-Dampness Stagnation: Generalized edema with glossy and shiny skin, accompanied by stuffy sensation in the chest and abdomen, irritability and heat sensation, scanty dark urine, dry stools, yellow greasy tongue coating, and deep thready pulse. The supports principle is to support the elimination of excess fluids by unblocking the bowels.
4. Spleen Yang Deficiency: Edema, more pronounced below the waist, with pitting that does not rebound easily; epigastric stuffiness and abdominal distension; reduced appetite with loose stools; fatigue and cold limbs; scanty urination; pale tongue with slippery coating; deep moderate pulse. The therapeutic principle is to warm and activate Spleen Yang, and to support the transformation of dampness and water metabolism.
5. Kidney Yang Deficiency: Edema, more pronounced below the waist, pitting edema that does not rebound upon pressing; accompanied by lumbar pain, cold limbs, fatigue, aversion to cold, cold and damp scrotum, darkish complexion, spermatorrhea, impotence, diarrhea before dawn; tongue: pale and puffy body with white, glossy coating; pulse: deep and thready. Recommended approach: warm the Kidney and support yang qi, promote the transformation of qi to move water.
Since edema in clinical practice is often associated with Spleen-Kidney Yang Deficiency, this section focuses on introducing supportive approaches for edema patterns characterized by Spleen Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency.
1.Wen Yang Jian Pi Cha (Yang-Warming and Spleen-Supporting Tea)
Ingredients: Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 15 g, Magnolia officinalis (Houpo) 10 g, Chaenomeles sinensis (Mugua) 15 g, Pingguoren (apple kernel) 10 g, Areca catechu peel (Dafupi) 12 g, Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi) 6 g, Poria cocos (Fuling) 15 g, Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) 6 g, Shuixiang (water fragrance) 3 g, Ziziphus jujuba (Dazao) 5 pieces, Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 10 g, Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao) 3 g.
Preparation method: Decoct the above herbs in water twice, mix the decoctions, and take as a tea. One dose daily, divided into morning and evening servings.
Efficacy: supports internal warmth and digestive function, helps promote smooth Qi circulation and maintain normal fluid metabolism. Assists the body in maintaining proper water balance, particularly for individuals with Spleen Yang Deficiency.
2.Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) and Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) Tea
Ingredients: Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) 20g, Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 12g, Stephania tetrandra (Fangji) 9g, Cinnamomum cassia (Guizhi) 9g, Poria cocos (Fuling) 15g, Alisma orientale (Zexie) 9g.
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into a coarse powder, place in a thermos flask, pour in boiling water, cover and let steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports the Spleen, replenishes Qi, and promotes healthy fluid metabolism. supports normal water balance in cases of Spleen Yang Deficiency.
3.Dazao Meidou Cha (Jujube and White Hyacinth Bean Tea)
Ingredients: 50g Dazao (Chinese red date, Ziziphus jujuba), 100g Meidou (cowpea, Vigna unguiculata), 15g Dasuan (garlic, Allium sativum), 15g Fuling (Poria cocos, cloth-wrapped).
Preparation: Decoct the above four ingredients in water. Remove Poria cocos (Fuling). Drink the decoction and consume the dates, beans, and garlic. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports the Spleen and stomach, nourishes Yin and blood, and promotes water metabolism. helps maintain a balanced internal environment for those with water retention associated with Spleen Yang Deficiency pattern.
4.Mai Ya Chi Dou Cha (Barley Sprout and Red Bean Tea)
Ingredients: 100g Hordeum vulgare (Malt), 50g Phaseolus calcaratus (Adzuki Bean).
Preparation: Decoction the two ingredients in water until the beans are thoroughly cooked. Drink the decoction as a tea and eat the beans. Take 1-2 doses daily.
supports Qi and promotes water metabolism. helps maintain normal fluid balance in cases of Spleen Yang Deficiency pattern.
5.Fuzi Dangshen Cha (Aconitum carmichaelii [Fuzi] and Codonopsis pilosula [Dangshen] Tea)
Ingredients: Processed Aconitum carmichaelii (Fuzi) 10 g, Codonopsis pilosula (Dangshen) 10 g, Poria cocos (Fuling) 15 g, Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao) 15 g, Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) 10 g, Zingiber officinale (Shengjiang) 3 g.
Preparation: Grind the above herbs into coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports Kidney warmth and helps dispel cold, strengthens the Spleen and promotes healthy fluid metabolism. This formula is beneficial for individuals with a pattern of Kidney Yang Deficiency to help maintain normal water balance.
6.Shanyao Lian Zao Cha (Chinese Yam, Lotus Seed, and Red Date Tea)
Ingredients: 100 g Chinese yam (Shan Yao), 50 g lotus seed (Lian Zi), 15 jujubes (Da Zao), 30 g white sugar.
Preparation: Decoct the above herbs in water, add white sugar, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: supports the middle burner and promotes healthy energy levels, benefits the Kidneys and helps maintain normal essence retention. Used to support individuals with Kidney Yang Deficiency pattern for healthy fluid metabolism.
7.Winter Melon (Benincasa hispida) Peel Tea
Ingredients: Benincasa hispida (Wax Gourd Peel) 30g, white sugar 20g.
Preparation: Grind Benincasa hispida (Dongguapi, winter melon peel) into coarse powder. Place it together with sugar into a thermos flask. Pour in boiling water, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. Two doses per day.
Efficacy: supports a balanced internal environment and healthy fluid metabolism. helps with occasional fluid retention and swelling due to dampness accumulation, and supports normal urination.
8.Plantago asiatica (Plantain Seed) Tea (Cheqianzi Cha)
Ingredients: 15g of Plantago asiatica (Cheqianzi, Plantain Seed).
Preparation: Crush Plantago asiatica (Plantain Seed) and place in a thermos. Pour boiling water over it, cover, and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports the body’s natural ability to clear heat and promote healthy urinary function. helps maintain normal water metabolism and comfortable urination in cases of occasional fluid retention and discomfort associated with Damp-Heat Accumulation.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.
Great read! I’ve been dealing with puffy eyes and cold hands lately—sounds like it might be a spleen-kidney issue. Definitely going to try the ginger and astragalus tea. Thanks for explaining the TCM angle so clearly!
Interessant! Ich kämpfe auch manchmal mit Wassereinlagerungen. Kannst du einen bestimmten Tee empfehlen, wenn man zusätzlich oft kalte Füße hat? Das k
“This is so helpful! I’ve been dealing with puffiness and low energy, and now I understand it might be related to Spleen-Kidney Yang deficiency. Can’t wait to try some of these teas. Thanks for sharing such practical TCM wisdom!”
Great article! I’ve been struggling with mild edema and always wondered about natural remedies. Do you have any tips on how to tell if it’s specifically a spleen-kidney yang deficiency versus other types? I’d love to try these teas but want to make sure it’s the right fit. Thanks!
Great article! I’ve struggled with edema for years and never connected it to spleen-kidney issues. The herbal tea suggestions are so helpful—I’ll definitely try the cinnamon and ginger one first. Thanks for sharing this TCM wisdom!