What Chinese patent medicine is best for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder?

Generally, there is no single best Chinese patent medicine for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. Commonly used options include Longdan Xiegan Wan, Yin Zhi Huang Granules, Danggui Longhui Wan, Ku Huang Granules, and Li Dan Pian. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Longdan Xiegan Wan: Contains ingredients such as Gentiana (Longdan), Bupleurum (Chaihu), and Scutellaria (Huangqin). It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder and is suitable for 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, dark urine, and leukorrhea with damp-heat characteristics. It helps alleviate the effects of accumulated damp-heat on the liver and gallbladder and should be taken according to the recommended dosage.

2. Yin Zhi Huang Granules: Composed of Artemisia (Yinchen), Gardenia (Zhi zi), and Scutellaria glycosides (Huangqin gan). It clears heat, detoxifies, promotes dampness elimination, and reduces jaundice. This formula is suitable for jaundice caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, presenting with yellowing of the eyes and face, distending pain in the chest and hypochondrium, nausea, vomiting, and dark yellow urine. It helps promote bile excretion and alleviates jaundice symptoms.

3. Danggui Longhui Wan: Contains Angelica (Danggui), Gentiana (Longdan), Aloe (Luhui), and other ingredients. It clears fire and promotes bowel movements. It is suitable for excessive heat and fire in the liver and gallbladder accompanied by damp-heat syndrome, presenting with irritability, dizziness, blurred vision, pain in the ribs, abdominal distension, and constipation. It helps relieve discomfort caused by the intermingling of damp-heat and fire-heat.

4. Ku Huang Granules: Main ingredients include Sophora seeds (Kudouzi), Scutellaria (Huangqin), and Artemisia (Yinchen). It clears heat, promotes dampness elimination, soothes the liver, and reduces jaundice. It is commonly used for jaundice caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, presenting with yellowing of the skin and eyes, bitter taste in the mouth, and poor appetite. It helps regulate liver and gallbladder function and promotes the elimination of damp-heat.

5. Li Dan Pian: Contains Bupleurum (Chaihu), Rhubarb (Dahuang), Scutellaria (Huangqin), and other ingredients. It soothes the liver, relieves pain, clears heat, and promotes dampness elimination. It is indicated for flank pain and bitter taste in the mouth caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, as well as cholecystitis and cholangitis belonging to the pattern of damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. It helps alleviate pain and inflammation caused by damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder.

Before taking any Chinese patent medicine, it is essential to confirm that the symptoms correspond to damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. Self-medication without medical advice is not recommended. At the same time, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and greasy foods, and support the body's recovery process.