What are the Chinese patent medicines for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

Aug 26, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may use medications under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used medications include Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Dragon胆泻肝丸), Yin Zhi Huang Granules, Xiao Yan Li Dan Pian (Anti-inflammatory Gallbladder Tablets), Ku Huang Granules, and Compound Chicken Gizzard Grass Capsules (Compound Abrus Precatorius Capsules). Additionally, patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may use other appropriate medications under a doctor's guidance. At the same time, patients should maintain a light diet during treatment.

Under normal circumstances, patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may use medication under a doctor's guidance. Commonly used medications include Longdan Xiegan Pills, Yin Zhi Huang Granules, Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets, Ku Huang Granules, and Compound Ji Gucao Capsules. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Longdan Xiegan Pills

Longdan Xiegan Pills are composed of ingredients such as Gentiana (Longdan), Bupleurum (Chaihu), and Scutellaria (Huangqin). They have functions of clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, and promoting diuresis. These pills can help alleviate symptoms caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, such as dizziness, red and painful eyes, tinnitus, deafness, flank pain, bitter taste in the mouth, and short, dark urine. Therefore, they are suitable for patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder.

2. Yin Zhi Huang Granules

Yin Zhi Huang Granules contain traditional Chinese herbs such as Artemisiae Scopariae (Yinchen), Gardenia (Zhi zi), and Scutellaria baicalensis extract (Huangqin苷). They function to clear heat, detoxify, promote diuresis, and relieve jaundice. These granules can help alleviate jaundice caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, improve yellowing of the skin and eyes, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and dark yellow urine. They aid in regulating damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder and should be taken under a doctor's guidance.

3. Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets

Xiaoyan Li Dan Tablets are made from Andrographis (Chuanxinlian), Rabdosia serra (Xi Huangcao), and Simarouba amara (Kumu). They have effects of clearing heat, removing dampness, and promoting bile secretion. These tablets are suitable for flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, as well as acute cholecystitis and cholangitis presenting with the above symptoms. Therefore, they are appropriate for patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder.

4. Ku Huang Granules

Ku Huang Granules contain ingredients such as Artemisiae Scopariae (Yinchen), Bupleurum (Chaihu), and Rhubarb (Dahuang). They can clear heat, promote diuresis, soothe the liver, and relieve jaundice. These granules are used to treat jaundice caused by internal accumulation of damp-heat, alleviate yellowing of the skin and sclera, abdominal distension, poor appetite, nausea, and vomiting. They have regulatory effects on jaundice symptoms caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder.

5. Compound Ji Gucao Capsules

Compound Ji Gucao Capsules are composed of Ji Gucao, Artemisiae Scopariae (Yinchen), Gardenia (Zhi zi), and other ingredients. They have functions of clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder, soothing the liver, and relieving pain. These capsules are specifically used for symptoms caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, such as discomfort in the flanks, abdominal distension, fatigue, bitter taste in the mouth, and yellow urine. Therefore, they are among the commonly used medications.

In addition, patients with damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder may also use other suitable medications under the guidance of a doctor. During the treatment, it is also important to maintain a light diet, avoid spicy, greasy, and irritating foods, keep a regular lifestyle, and avoid staying up late.

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What are the symptoms of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

The symptoms of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder include distension and pain in the hypochondrium, bitter taste and dryness in the mouth, poor appetite, jaundice, and irregular bowel movements. In daily life, attention should be paid to dietary regulation, consuming more heat-clearing and dampness-resolving foods such as mung beans and adzuki beans. Avoid eating excessive spicy, greasy, or sweet foods that may increase internal dampness and heat, such as chili peppers, fried foods, and cakes. This helps reduce the burden on the spleen and stomach and prevents the formation of internal damp-heat.