Is a bitter taste in the mouth due to stomach fire or liver fire?

Generally, a bitter taste in the mouth may be caused by excessive stomach heat or liver fire. Bitter taste caused by stomach heat is often accompanied by gastrointestinal discomfort, while a bitter taste induced by liver fire is frequently related to emotional factors. If abnormalities occur, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:

A bitter taste in the mouth caused by excessive stomach heat usually results from excessive consumption of spicy, greasy foods or excessive alcohol intake, which leads to heat accumulation in the stomach. In addition to a bitter taste, symptoms often include epigastric burning pain, bad breath, swollen and painful gums, and constipation. Excessive stomach heat accelerates digestion, causing frequent hunger, while discomfort and fullness in the epigastrium increase after eating. This type of bitter taste can be relieved by clearing and eliminating stomach heat.

Bitter taste resulting from liver fire rising upward is commonly triggered by significant emotional fluctuations, chronic depression and anxiety, or anger damaging the liver. In addition to a marked bitter taste, symptoms may include dizziness and headache, flushed face and red eyes, irritability, outbursts of anger, insomnia, and vivid dreams. Liver qi stagnation transforms into fire, which flares upward along the meridians, leading to a bitter taste in the mouth. Regulating emotions and clearing liver fire are key to improving this type of bitter taste.

When experiencing a bitter taste in the mouth, dietary adjustments should be made, including reducing the intake of spicy and greasy foods, maintaining a cheerful mood, and avoiding late nights. If the bitter taste persists or is accompanied by other discomforts, timely medical consultation is necessary to identify the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.