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
Night sweats (盗汗) refer to a condition characterized by unconscious sweating after falling asleep, which stops upon waking, followed by a feeling of feverishness after the sweating subsides. Night sweats and spontaneous sweating (自汗) are both abnormal sweating phenomena, falling within the scope of “sweating pattern” (汗证) in traditional Chinese medicine.
According to TCM, abnormal sweating is related to dysfunction in the steaming of body fluids by Yang Qi and the opening and closing of sweat pores governed by Wei (Defensive) Yang. Invasion of pathogenic heat, hyperactivity of Yang Qi, or Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat can force fluids to leak out; alternatively, insecure Wei Yang and Qi deficiency failing to consolidate fluids can lead to excessive sweating. Conversely, external pathogens obstructing Wei Yang, or Wei Yang deficiency impairing the regulation of sweat pore opening and closing, may cause closure; or Yang Qi deficiency with insufficient steaming of fluids helps maintain fluids from being excreted, resulting in an inability to sweat (anhidrosis). Night sweating (stealing sweating) is often due to Yin Deficiency with Internal Heat forcing fluids out; therefore, TCM approaches to this condition focus on nourishing Yin and supporting a balanced internal environment.
1.Wheat and Red Date Tea (Triticum aestivum and Ziziphus jujuba)
Ingredients: Triticum aestivum (Fuxiaomai, Light Wheat) 30g, Ziziphus jujuba (Hongzao, Red Dates) 20 pieces.
Preparation method: Crush the *Triticum aestivum* (Fuxiao Mai) and remove the pits from the *Ziziphus jujuba* (Hongzao). Place both into an earthenware pot, decoct in water, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: Helps nourish Yin and helps with occasional occasional irritability. supports normal perspiration, particularly during sleep.
2.Ziziphus jujuba (Hongzao) and Prunus mume (Wumei) Tea (Red Date and Dark Plum Tea)
Ingredients: 15 pieces of Ziziphus jujuba (Hongzao, Chinese Red Date), 10 pieces of Prunus mume (Wumei, Smoked Plum).
Preparation: decoct the two ingredients in water and take as a tea. One dose per day.
supports Qi and Yin, and helps maintain normal perspiration. Intended to help with occasional night sweats.
3.Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) and Wheat Tea
Ingredients: Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) 15g, Triticum aestivum (Fuxiaomai, crushed) 30g, Dioscorea opposita (Huai Shanyao) 30g, Paeonia suffruticosa (Danpi) 6g.
Preparation: Decoction the above four ingredients twice, collect the liquid, mix evenly, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Function: helps maintain normal astringent and securing functions, supports qi, and helps with occasional occasional restlessness. supports the body’s natural management of occasional night-time perspiration.
4.Xiaomai Daogen Cha (Wheat and Rice Root Tea)
Ingredients: 20g Fuxiaomai (Triticum aestivum, light wheat, crushed), 15g Nuodaogen (Oryza sativa var. glutinosa root, sticky rice root), 10 pieces Dazao (Ziziphus jujuba, Chinese dates).
Preparation: Decoct the above three ingredients in water twice. Extract the liquid, mix well, and consume as tea. One dose daily.
Benefits: supports Qi and Heart health, helps maintain a calm mind, and supports normal sweating function. Helpful for occasional night sweating.
5.Triticum aestivum (Wheat), Poria cocos (Fuling), Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) Tea
Ingredients: 30 grams of Triticum aestivum (Fu Xiaomai, Light Wheat, crushed), 15 grams of Poria cocos (Fuling), 12 grams of Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong).
Decoction method: Decoct the above three ingredients in water twice, combine the liquid, and drink as a tea. One dose daily.
Actions: supports Qi and Spleen health, helps astringe Yin and calm the mind. Useful for supporting normal sweating during sleep.
6.Jiawei Wumei Cha (Modified Fructus Mume Tea)
Ingredients: 10 pieces of Prunus mume (Wu Mei), 30 grams of Oryza glutinosa (Nuo Dao Gen), 20 grams of Triticum aestivum (Fu Xiaomai) (crushed).
Preparation method: decoct the three ingredients above with water twice, extract the liquid and mix well, then drink as tea. One dose daily.
supports Qi and Yin, helps maintain a balanced internal environment and a calm state. helps maintain normal perspiration during sleep.
7.San Di Cha (Three-Earth Tea)
Ingredients: Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdi) 30g, Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudi) 30g, Lycium chinense root bark (Digupi) 9g.
Preparation: Grind the above three ingredients into a coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and let steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: Nourishes Yin and clears Heat. supports the body’s natural ability to manage occasional night sweating.
8.Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong) and Rehmannia glutinosa (Dihuang) Tea
Ingredients: 30 grams each of Rehmannia glutinosa (Shengdihuang) and Ophiopogon japonicus (Maidong).
Preparation: Grind the two ingredients together into a coarse powder, place in a thermos, pour in boiling water, cover and steep for 30 minutes. Drink as tea. One dose daily.
Actions: supports yin nourishment and Lung moisture. helps with occasional night sweats.
9.Panax quinquefolius (American Ginseng) Tea
Ingredients: 6g of Panax quinquefolius (Xiyangshen).
Preparation: Place American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) in a cup, steep in boiling water, and drink as tea. One dose daily.
Efficacy: helps maintain Lung health and nourish yin, supports stomach function and promotes fluid production. helps with occasional night sweating.
10.Platycladus orientalis (Bai Zi Ren) Tea
Ingredients: Platycladus orientalis (Bai Zi Ren) 10-15 grams.
Preparation: Mash Platycladus orientalis (Bai Zi Ren) and place it in a cup. Pour boiling water over it and steep, then drink as a tea. Take one dose daily.
Benefits: supports Heart health and calms the mind, promotes normal bowel function. Traditionally used to help with occasional night sweats, palpitations, restless sleep, forgetfulness, and excessive dreaming associated with Heart Blood Deficiency.
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 night sweats for a while now, and it’s comforting to see TCM offers natural ways to balance the body. Definitely going to try a few of these infusions—especially the ones with cooling herbs. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve been struggling with night sweats lately and never thought TCM could help! This is so timely—can’t wait to try some of these infusions. Do you recommend starting with just one herb or a blend?
Love this! Night sweats are so frustrating, especially when they wake you up feeling hot and clammy. I’ve been trying TCM herbal teas for a while now, and they really help balance my body at night. Can’t wait to try these infusions—number 3 sounds perfect for me! Thanks for sharing. 🌿
This is so helpful! I’ve been dealing with night sweats for months and never thought to try TCM infusions. Do you have a recommendation for someone with both night sweats and occasional insomnia? Would love to hear what worked for others.
I’ve struggled with night sweats for years—this is such a helpful breakdown! I never thought to try TCM infusions instead of just dealing with it. Can’t wait to try a few of these recipes. Thanks for sharing!