How to treat excessive liver fire

Jun 20, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I am 45 years old. For the past two months, I have frequently felt irritable and prone to anger. My doctor said it's due to excessive liver fire. Could you please advise how to treat excessive liver fire?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
To treat excessive liver fire, the following approaches may be used: 1. Medication: Based on the specific type of liver fire—whether excess (real) fire or deficiency (false) fire—appropriate traditional Chinese medicines should be selected. For excess fire, formulas such as Long Dan Xie Gan Wan (Gentiana Liver-Draining Pills) or Dang Gui Long Hui Wan may be used to clear liver heat and purge fire. For deficiency fire, tonics such as Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pills) or Ming Mu Di Huang Wan (Rehmannia Six with Lycium and Chrysanthemum) are recommended to nourish yin and subdue yang. Medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician. 2. Dietary adjustment: Maintain a light diet and consume more foods that clear heat and reduce fire, such as mung beans, celery, and pears. Avoid spicy and greasy foods. 3. Lifestyle habits: Maintain regular sleep patterns and avoid staying up late or overexertion. Engage in moderate physical activities such as walking or tai chi to relieve emotional stress and reduce tension. 4. Acupressure: Self-massage of acupoints such as Taichong (LV3) and Hegu (LI4) can help reduce liver fire. Be sure to use moderate pressure to avoid local pain or discomfort. These methods are generally effective in treating excessive liver fire and relieving associated symptoms.