What is a common characteristic of Stomach Fire/Phlegm Fire?

A common characteristic of Stomach Fire or Phlegm Fire in Traditional Chinese Medicine is the presence of a sticky-yellow tongue coat. This symptom reflects the accumulation of heat and phlegm in the digestive system, which leads to inflammation and excess secretion. The sticky texture suggests the presence of phlegm, typically associated with a disturbed internal environment due to excess heat.

In cases of Stomach Fire or Phlegm Fire, the body's metabolic processes can become disrupted, leading not only to changes in the tongue coat but also to sensations such as thirst, a reddish tongue, and possibly a rapid pulse. The yellow color indicates heat, while the stickiness signifies the presence of phlegm, both of which are characteristic manifestations of these conditions.

This aligns with the broader diagnostic framework in Traditional Chinese Medicine, which utilizes tongue examination as a key tool for assessing the state of internal organs and overall health conditions.