What is Excess Heat Constipation

Excess heat constipation, also known as damp-heat constipation, is a classification of constipation in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). According to TCM principles, constipation can be differentiated into two main categories—deficiency constipation and excess constipation—based on stool characteristics, bowel habits, tongue appearance, and pulse diagnosis. Excess constipation typically includes subtypes such as excess heat constipation and qi-stagnation constipation, while deficiency constipation may involve conditions like qi deficiency, yang deficiency, or blood deficiency.

Individuals experiencing excess heat constipation often suffer from symptoms such as dry, hard stools resembling sheep droppings, abdominal distension, bloating, dry mouth and throat, and difficulty passing stool for several days. The tongue usually appears red with a yellow or thick yellow coating; if dampness is present, the coating becomes thick, yellow, and greasy.

Managing this condition involves making lifestyle and dietary adjustments. It is advisable to reduce consumption of heat-inducing tropical fruits and instead increase intake of vegetables, hydrating fruits, and water. Establishing regular bowel habits through routine and fiber-rich diets is also crucial. In addition, herbal remedies such as Maziren Wan are commonly used in TCM to effectively relieve symptoms of excess heat constipation.

For long-term relief and prevention, combining natural dietary changes with appropriate herbal treatments under professional guidance can lead to better digestive health and improved bowel function.