How to manage excessive liver fire in children

Excessive liver fire in children may be caused by factors such as unbalanced diet, irregular作息, a constitution prone to heat, damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, and external contraction of heat pathogens. Comprehensive regulation usually can be achieved through dietary adjustments, improved作息, emotional management, and medication. A detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Unbalanced Diet: Long-term picky eating habits in children, particularly excessive intake of high-calorie, high-fat, and high-sugar foods while lacking vegetables and fruits rich in vitamins and fiber, may easily lead to heat accumulation in the body and cause excessive liver fire. It is recommended to adjust the diet structure, increase intake of vegetables and fruits, reduce fried and spicy foods, and maintain a balanced diet.

2. Irregular作息: Irregular作息 in children, such as staying up late or insufficient sleep, can affect the liver's normal detoxification and repair functions, leading to excessive liver fire. It is recommended to improve作息 habits, ensure sufficient sleep time, and establish a regular作息 schedule to promote liver health.

3. Constitution Prone to Heat: Children with a constitution prone to heat are more sensitive to external stimuli and susceptible to invasion by heat pathogens, leading to imbalance of yin and yang within the body and upward disturbance of heat pathogens to the liver. Besides excessive liver fire, symptoms such as flushed face, red ears, warm palms and soles may also appear. Treatment plans should be adjusted according to the child's constitution, such as taking Chinese herbs that clear heat and nourish yin, like Zhibai Dihuang Pills, Liuwedihuang Pills, Guishao Dihuang Pills, etc.

4. Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Stomach: Children have relatively weak spleen and stomach functions. If dietary habits are improper or excessive consumption of greasy and sweet foods occurs, it may lead to damp-heat in the spleen and stomach, which can hinder the circulation of qi and blood, affect the liver's function of free coursing, and cause rising liver fire. Symptoms may include abdominal distension, poor appetite, sticky and unsatisfactory bowel movements, etc. Under a doctor's guidance, medications that strengthen the spleen, resolve dampness, clear heat, and reduce fire, such as Jianpi Pills, Guipi Pills, Shenling Baizhu Powder, etc., can be used for treatment. At the same time, dietary adjustments are important—avoid excessive consumption of greasy and sweet foods, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits.

5. External Contraction of Heat Pathogens: After invasion by external heat pathogens, if the pathogens are not promptly cleared, they may penetrate inward and transform into heat, affecting the liver's normal function and causing rising liver fire. Symptoms may include fever, cough, sore throat, flushed face, and red eyes. Under a doctor's guidance, heat-clearing and detoxifying medications such as Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets, Lanqin Oral Liquid, Xiasangju Granules, etc., can be used for treatment. At the same time, it is important to ensure good indoor air circulation and avoid exposing the child to cold again.

Parents should provide children with a warm and harmonious environment, avoid excessive pressure, and cultivate healthy lifestyle habits to achieve a balanced physical and mental state.