What medication should be taken for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder accompanied by damp-heat in the spleen and stomach?

Nov 10, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Sun Lianqing
Introduction
Herbal medicines commonly used for damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder accompanied by spleen and stomach dampness include Long Dan Xie Gan Wan, Huang Lian Shang Qing Wan, Huo Xiang Zheng Qi Shui, and Yin Zhi Huang Granules, which are suitable for clearing heat, eliminating dampness, and harmonizing the internal organs. Long Dan Xie Gan Wan: Its primary effects are to clear heat from the liver and gallbladder and eliminate damp-heat. It specifically targets damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, while also regulating the flow of qi in the spleen and stomach, thereby improving symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension, and sticky bowel movements.

For damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder accompanied by spleen and stomach dampness, commonly used medications include Longdan Xiegan Pills, Huanglian Shangqing Pills, Huoxiang Zhengqi Water, Sān Rén Tāng (Three-Kernel Decoction), and Yinzhihuang Granules, which are suitable for clearing heat and resolving dampness while harmonizing the internal organs. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Longdan Xiegan Wan (Gentiana Liver-Clearing Pill): Its primary functions are to clear heat from the liver and gallbladder and resolve damp-heat. It effectively targets liver and gallbladder damp-heat while also regulating the flow of qi in the spleen and stomach, improving symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth, hypochondriac pain, abdominal distension, and sticky bowel movements. It is suitable for individuals with pronounced damp-heat symptoms.

2. Huanglian Shangqing Wan (Coptis Upper-Clearing Pill): This formula focuses on clearing heat, promoting bowel movements, dispelling wind, and relieving pain. It clears excess heat from the spleen, stomach, liver, and gallbladder, alleviating symptoms such as oral ulcers, sore throat, epigastric or abdominal distension and pain, and dry, constipated stools. It is particularly appropriate for individuals with a real-heat type of damp-heat constitution.

3. Huoxiang Zhengqi Shui (Agastache Rectifying Fluid): Known for its ability to release the exterior, resolve dampness, regulate qi, and harmonize the middle burner. It helps eliminate dampness and turbidity in the spleen and stomach while assisting in clearing damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder. It improves symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, chest tightness, and abdominal bloating. It is ideal for individuals experiencing damp-heat along with external pathogenic factors.

4. Sān Rén Tāng (Three-Kernel Decoction): Mainly functions to regulate qi flow and clear damp-heat. It simultaneously addresses the liver, gallbladder, spleen, and stomach by harmonizing organ function to promote the elimination of damp-heat. It relieves symptoms such as bodily heaviness, bitter and sticky taste in the mouth, and loose stools. The formula has a relatively mild nature.

5. Yinzhihuang Granules: Specializes in clearing heat and detoxifying, resolving dampness, and reducing jaundice. It clears damp-heat from the liver and gallbladder while supporting spleen and stomach digestive function. It improves symptoms such as yellowing of the skin, dark yellow or reddish urine, and epigastric fullness. It is especially suitable for individuals with severe damp-heat accompanied by jaundice.

It is recommended to select medications under the guidance of a licensed Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner, carefully controlling dosage and treatment duration. A light diet and regular daily routine should be maintained to support recovery. If symptoms do not improve or adverse effects such as diarrhea occur after taking the medication, prompt follow-up consultation is advised to adjust the treatment plan.