Excessive liver fire and susceptibility to internal heat are actually quite common in daily life. For instance, consuming spicy, greasy, sweet, or rich foods, or excessive drinking, can impair the digestive function of the spleen and stomach, leading to the accumulation of damp-heat. Over time, this transforms into fire. Additionally, prolonged anxiety, anger, or poor mood can cause stagnation of liver qi, which, if persistent, gives rise to liver fire. If there is also dampness in the body, it may result in damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. Individuals with high work pressure or mental tension are more prone to these conditions.
For this situation, I will introduce a classic prescription to everyone, it isLongdan Xiegan DecoctionSpecifically purging excess fire from the liver and gallbladder and clearing damp-heat from the liver meridian, it is composed of Gentianae Radix et Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Gardeniae Fructus, Alismatis Rhizoma, Akebiae Caulis, Plantaginis Semen, Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Rehmanniae Radix, Bupleuri Radix, and Glycyrrhizae Radix, achieving the principle of "clearing heat without harming healthy qi, eliminating dampness without injuring the spleen."
Gentian root addresses the root cause of heat and dampness in the liver and gallbladder; Scutellaria baicalensis clears lung fire and also clears fire from the liver and gallbladder; Gardenia jasminoides has the effects of clearing heat and purging fire, cooling blood and detoxifying, promoting diuresis and relieving strangury, and it also facilitates the flow of the triple energizer.
For the "dampness evil" in the body, three herbs are combined: Alisma, Akebia, and Plantago seeds. Their main functions are to promote diuresis, drain dampness, and guide downward movement. Alisma can promote urination and drain dampness, reducing the burden of dampness evil in the body. Angelica sinensis and Rehmannia can nourish blood and yin, preventing damage to the body's vital energy while clearing pathogenic factors.
Finally, as a guiding herb, Bupleurum can release the exterior and harmonize the interior, soothe the qi of the liver and gallbladder, and raise yang; Licorice can moderate the harsh nature of the herbs, protect the spleen and stomach, and make the entire formula's medicinal properties more balanced.
Therefore, Longdan Xiegan Decoction can not only quickly clear liver fire and remove dampness and heat, but also take into account the body's vital energy. After using it for a period of time, the previous feelings of heaviness throughout the body, irritability, and discomfort will gradually disappear, making the whole person feel refreshed and relaxed.
However, it is important to remind everyone that although Longdan Xiegan Tang is a classic formula, each person's constitution and severity of symptoms vary. The specific usage and dosage should be consulted with a professional TCM practitioner and adjusted according to individual circumstances. Do not blindly self-prescribe or take the medication.
