How to best regulate excessive liver fire?

Dec 25, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Liver fire excess may be caused by factors such as irregular作息 (作息不规律), unregulated饮食 (饮食不节), stagnation of liver qi (肝气郁结), insufficient liver blood (肝血不足), and upward inflammation of liver fire (肝火上炎). It can generally be managed through adjustments to作息 and饮食, relaxation of mood, and regulation with traditional Chinese medicine. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, prompt medical attention is recommended. Additionally, avoid excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations, and maintain adequate sleep and a positive mood.

Generally speaking, there is no definitive method for optimally managing excessive liver fire ("gan huo wang"). Excess liver fire may be triggered by factors such as irregular作息 patterns, dietary indiscretions, stagnation of liver qi, insufficient liver blood, or upward inflammation of liver fire. Usually, adjustments to作息 habits and diet, relaxation of the mind, and regulation with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can be helpful. If symptoms are severe or do not improve, prompt medical consultation is recommended. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Irregular作息: Long-term late nights and insufficient sleep due to irregular作息 habits may prevent the liver from adequately resting and recovering, thus causing excessive liver fire. It is recommended to adjust your作息 schedule, ensure sufficient sleep, and maintain regular作息 to allow the liver to rest adequately.

2. Dietary indiscretions: Long-term consumption of spicy, greasy, or irritating foods, or overeating due to poor dietary habits may burden the liver and lead to excessive liver fire. It is recommended to adjust your diet, focusing on bland, easily digestible foods rich in vitamins, reduce intake of spicy and greasy foods, and maintain a balanced diet.

3. Stagnation of liver qi: Prolonged low mood, depression, or excessive mental stress may cause stagnation of liver qi, affecting the liver's function of free coursing and thereby leading to excessive liver fire. Symptoms may include chest and rib-side distension and pain, and low mood. The treatment principle mainly involves soothing the liver and resolving stagnation. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas such as Xiaoyao Wan, Chaihu Shugan San, or Shugan Wan may be used under medical guidance for regulation.

4. Insufficient liver blood: When liver blood is deficient, the nourishing and moistening functions of the liver may weaken, possibly leading to excessive liver fire. Symptoms may include dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia, and frequent dreams. The treatment principle mainly involves nourishing the liver and enriching the blood. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas such as Siwu Tang, Guipi Tang, or Shouwu Wan may be used under medical guidance for regulation.

5. Upward inflammation of liver fire: Upward inflammation of liver fire is a manifestation of excessive liver fire, which may be caused by emotional distress, qi stagnation transforming into fire, and other factors. Symptoms may include bitter taste and dryness in the mouth, irritability, and anger. The treatment principle mainly involves clearing liver fire. Traditional Chinese herbal formulas such as Longdan Xiegan Wan, Dazhu Xiaoyao Wan, or Wuling Wan may be used under medical guidance for regulation.

In addition, avoiding excessive fatigue and emotional fluctuations, ensuring sufficient sleep, and maintaining a pleasant mood can help alleviate symptoms of excessive liver fire.

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