What causes excessive liver fire?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling persistently irritable and prone to developing sores inside my mouth, with several ulcers forming. A friend mentioned this might be due to excessive liver fire. I would like to ask, what exactly causes excessive liver fire?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Liver fire exuberance is a term in traditional Chinese medicine that refers to heat-related manifestations caused by dysfunction of the liver. It may be triggered by emotional factors, improper diet, lifestyle habits, environmental influences, or diseases.
Long-term emotional distress and stagnation of liver qi can lead to internal heat accumulation, resulting in excessive liver fire. Emotions such as anxiety, depression, and sudden outbursts of anger can easily disrupt the normal dispersion of liver qi, thereby generating liver fire. Consuming excessive spicy, greasy, or barbecued foods can also promote internal heat and increase the burden on the liver, triggering liver fire.
High work pressure and irregular lifestyles, such as frequent late nights, may also contribute to liver fire exuberance. This is because organs begin detoxification only during sleep, and insufficient sleep can hinder the circulation of qi and blood in the liver. Some individuals, due to an inherently heat-prone constitution or improper postnatal care, are more susceptible to symptoms of liver fire. Liver diseases such as chronic hepatitis and cirrhosis, as well as endocrine disorders, can also lead to liver fire.
Treatment should follow the principle of syndrome differentiation and treatment, aiming to clear liver heat and resolve fire, while also regulating lifestyle, maintaining emotional well-being, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in appropriate physical activity.
