Liver Health: Your Qi and Shen Depend on It: 3 Common Liver Problems and TCM Remedies

Liver Health: Your Qi and Shen Depend on It: 3 Common Liver Problems and TCM RemediesThe saying "A bad liver makes you age prematurely" isn't an exaggeration. The liver is a vital metabolic organ in the human body, responsible for detoxification, synthesis, secretion, and various other physiological functions, making it a cornerstone of health

Liver Health: Your Qi and Shen Depend on It: 3 Common Liver Problems and TCM Remedies

The saying "A bad liver makes you age prematurely" isn't an exaggeration. The liver is a vital metabolic organ in the human body, responsible for detoxification, synthesis, secretion, and various other physiological functions, making it a cornerstone of health. However, modern lifestyles with high stress levels, irregular diets, and late nights often lead to liver damage and various health issues.

As we age, liver function naturally declines, and some common "minor ailments" emerge, including fatigue, low mood, and insomnia, all of which may be linked to liver health. Today, we'll explore three common liver problems and share some TCM remedies to help you maintain better liver health.

1. Liver Qi Stagnation: Feeling Depressed, Anxious, and Chest Tightness? You Might Need to Regulate Liver Qi

Liver Qi stagnation refers to the blockage of Qi in the liver, preventing its normal circulation. This often manifests as low mood, irritability, anxiety, chest tightness, sighing, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Common Symptoms:

• Emotional Fluctuations: Feeling constantly down, easily angered, prone to sighing, and experiencing frequent emotional ups and downs.

• Chest Tightness and Shortness of Breath: Feeling a tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, as if a heavy weight is pressing down.

• Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Experiencing dizziness, blurred vision, and blackouts, especially when standing.

• Insomnia and Vivid Dreams: Difficulty falling asleep, prone to vivid dreams, poor sleep quality, and waking up feeling exhausted.

• Loss of Appetite: Poor appetite, indigestion, bloating, and heartburn.

Remedies:

TCM believes Liver Qi stagnation is related to emotional fluctuations, excessive stress, and irregular lifestyle. Therefore, regulating Liver Qi is crucial. Besides daily relaxation, adjusting your sleep schedule, and trying the following TCM remedies:

• Red Flower Bupleurum Granules: Commonly used for regulating Liver Qi, nourishing blood, and regulating menstruation, Red Flower Bupleurum Granules alleviate Liver Qi stagnation-induced low mood, chest tightness, dizziness, and blurred vision.

Usage Recommendation: Please read the instructions carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

2. Liver Blood Deficiency: Feeling Tired, Having Insomnia and Vivid Dreams? You Might Need to Nourish Liver Blood

Liver blood deficiency refers to a lack of blood in the liver, leading to insufficient nourishment for the body, often presenting as fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, insomnia and vivid dreams, pale complexion, dry nails, and hair loss.

Common Symptoms:

• Easy Fatigue: Constant fatigue, lack of energy, feeling listless even after adequate rest.

• Dizziness and Blurred Vision: Frequent dizziness, blurred vision, blackouts, especially after exertion or emotional fluctuations.

• Insomnia and Vivid Dreams: Difficulty falling asleep, prone to vivid dreams, poor sleep quality, and waking up feeling exhausted and difficulty focusing.

• Pale Complexion: Pale complexion, lack of blood color, dull lips, possibly accompanied by dry nails and hair loss.

• Dry Eyes: Dry and tired eyes, feeling dry even without excessive eye strain.

Remedies:

TCM believes Liver blood deficiency is related to overwork, overthinking, and dietary indiscretion. Therefore, nourishing Liver blood is crucial. Besides regular rest and a balanced diet, try the following TCM remedy:

• Four-Ingredient Decoction: Commonly used for nourishing blood, this decoction consists of angelica, Chuanxiong, white peony root, and rehmannia. It nourishes Liver blood and alleviates Liver blood deficiency-induced fatigue, dizziness, blurred vision, and insomnia and vivid dreams.

Usage Recommendation: Please read the instructions carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

3. Liver Fire: Feeling Dry Mouth and Bitter Taste, Irritable, and Having Headaches? You Might Need to Clear Liver Fire

Liver fire refers to excessive heat in the liver, often manifesting as dry mouth and a bitter taste, irritability, headache, yellow urine, constipation, insomnia and vivid dreams, and dry and itchy eyes.

Common Symptoms:

• Dry Mouth and Bitter Taste: Feeling dry and bitter in the mouth, even after brushing your teeth, possibly accompanied by bad breath.

• Irritability: Short temper, easily angered, and difficulty controlling emotions.

• Headache: Frequent headaches, particularly after emotional excitement or exertion.

• Yellow Urine: Yellow urine, increased urination, and urinary urgency and frequency.

• Constipation: Dry and hard stool, difficulty defecating, and tendency towards constipation.

• Red and Swollen Eyes: Red and swollen eyes, accompanied by dryness and a burning sensation.

Remedies:

TCM believes Liver fire is related to emotional fluctuations, spicy food intake, and excessive stress. Therefore, clearing Liver fire is crucial. Besides controlling emotions, maintaining a bland diet, and trying the following TCM remedy:

• Dragon's Gallbladder Clear Liver Pills: Commonly used for clearing Liver fire, promoting bile excretion, and treating jaundice, Dragon's Gallbladder Clear Liver Pills clear Liver and gallbladder heat and alleviate Liver fire-induced dry mouth and bitter taste, irritability, headache, and yellow urine.

Usage Recommendation: Please read the instructions carefully and consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.

Conclusion

Liver health is fundamental to overall health. If you experience the symptoms mentioned above, don't ignore them and seek timely treatment. The three common liver problems and corresponding TCM remedies discussed here are for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis and treatment.

Kindly Note:

• The use of any TCM remedy should be under the guidance of a qualified medical professional. Do not self-medicate.

• While taking TCM remedies, monitor your condition closely. If you experience any adverse reactions, stop taking the medicine immediately and consult your doctor.

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid overwork, eat a bland diet, and maintain emotional well-being for better liver health.

I'm Dr. Guo, and I'll see you next time!