What are the common causes of excessive liver fire, and how can it be prevented?
Aug 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Liver fire hyperactivity may be caused by large emotional fluctuations, irregular作息 (作息 should be translated as "lifestyle habits" or "作息" can be kept as is if appropriate), consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, keratitis, or damp-heat syndrome of the liver and gallbladder. Long-term and excessive consumption of spicy foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and ginger, or excessive alcohol intake, can easily lead to internal heat accumulation and result in liver fire hyperactivity, commonly accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, sore throat, and constipation. When necessary, follow medical advice to use heat-clearing and fire-purging medications such as Coptis Pills for Upper Heat (Huanglian Shangqing Wan).
Excessive liver fire may be caused by large emotional fluctuations, irregular作息 (作息 here should be translated as rest and activity patterns), consumption of spicy and stimulating foods, keratitis, and damp-heat syndrome of the liver and gallbladder. It can generally be prevented or relieved through general treatments, medication, and other methods. If abnormalities occur, prompt medical attention is recommended. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Large emotional fluctuations: Prolonged states of anger, anxiety, or depression can lead to liver qi stagnation that transforms into fire, causing excessive liver fire. It is recommended to release emotions through listening to music, traveling, or confiding in others, maintaining a calm and stable mindset.
2. Irregular作息: Long-term late-night activities and insufficient sleep prevent the liver from receiving adequate rest, causing imbalance of yin and yang, which triggers excessive liver fire. One should develop regular作息 habits, ensure sufficient sleep each night, avoid staying up late, and allow the liver to function normally in metabolism.
3. Consumption of spicy and stimulating foods: Long-term excessive consumption of spicy foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan peppers, ginger, or excessive alcohol intake may easily generate internal heat, leading to excessive liver fire. This is often accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and throat, sore throat, and constipation. If necessary, follow medical advice to use medications such as Coptis Chinensis Upper Clearing Pills, Calculus Bovis Detoxification Tablets, or Yiqing Granules to clear heat and reduce fire.
4. Keratitis: In traditional Chinese medicine, it is considered related to liver fire rising. Inflammatory stimulation causes redness, pain, and increased secretions in the eyes, possibly accompanied by symptoms of excessive liver fire such as headache and bitter taste in the mouth. Doctors generally recommend using medications such as Pearl Bright Eye Drops, Compound Bear Gallbladder Eye Drops, or Coptis Sheep Liver Pills.
5. Damp-heat syndrome of the liver and gallbladder: Accumulation of damp-heat pathogens in the liver and gallbladder leads to dysfunction of these organs, manifesting symptoms of excessive liver fire, often accompanied by distending pain in the hypochondrium, bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, abdominal distension, and dark yellow urine. It is recommended to use medications such as Gentiana Liver-Clearing Pills, Capillarisin and Gardenia Yellow Granules, or Anti-inflammatory and Gallbladder Activating Tablets under medical guidance to clear heat and remove dampness.
In daily life, one should maintain good living habits, engage appropriately in activities such as walking and yoga to enhance physical fitness, and undergo regular health check-ups.
