Why do people with spleen deficiency develop excessive liver fire?
Aug 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
The spleen and stomach are responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids. When the spleen is deficient, this transformative and transporting function becomes impaired, preventing the normal conversion of food essences into qi and blood, thereby causing insufficient nourishment of the liver. At the same time, spleen deficiency can lead to stagnation of qi, which then accumulates and transforms into fire, resulting in excessive liver fire. This often manifests as irritability, dry mouth, and red eyes. In addition, spleen deficiency is often accompanied by indigestion; food stagnation in the body easily generates damp-heat, which ascends to disturb the liver, further contributing to the rising of liver fire.
Not all individuals with spleen deficiency will necessarily experience excessive liver fire. If this occurs, it may be because spleen deficiency weakens the function of the spleen and stomach, leading easily to insufficient production of qi and blood and impaired circulation of qi, which in turn can trigger excessive liver fire. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice early. A detailed explanation is as follows:
The spleen and stomach are responsible for the transformation and transportation of food and fluids. When the spleen is deficient, its transforming and transporting functions become impaired, preventing the normal conversion of food essence into qi and blood, thereby causing insufficient nourishment for the liver. At the same time, spleen deficiency may lead to stagnation of qi, which transforms into fire and results in excessive liver fire. This often manifests as irritability, dry mouth, and red eyes.
In addition, individuals with spleen deficiency often suffer from indigestion, and food retention in the body can easily generate damp-heat. This damp-heat may ascend and disturb the liver, further promoting excessive liver fire. In such cases, symptoms of excessive liver fire may be accompanied by manifestations of spleen deficiency, such as abdominal distension and loose stools.
Regulating the condition requires simultaneously strengthening the spleen and soothing the liver. One may appropriately consume foods that fortify the spleen, such as Chinese yam and lotus seeds, along with ingredients that clear liver fire, such as chrysanthemum flowers and cassia seeds. If symptoms persist or worsen, timely professional guidance should be sought, and self-medication should be avoided.
