Lately, many people have been complaining to me that they feel out of sorts during seasonal changes, experiencing a bitter taste in the mouth, bloating in the abdomen, and even a loss of appetite. In fact, nine times out of ten, this is due to liver-gallbladder damp-heat! Traditional Chinese Medicine often says, “Without eliminating damp-heat, various ailments will linger.” Even though damp-heat is invisible and intangible, it’s like a troublemaker hiding in the body, specifically disrupting the normal functioning of the organs. Today, let’s have a good chat about what liver-gallbladder damp-heat actually is and how to regulate it.

Let’s start by talking about what liver-gallbladder damp-heat is. Simply put, it’s when damp-heat invades the domain of the liver and gallbladder, causing disruption. If you often feel a strong bitter taste in your mouth, stickiness and sliminess in the mouth, distending pain in the chest and flanks, abdominal bloating as if you’ve swallowed a balloon—full and uncomfortable—and urine as dark as strong tea; take a look at your tongue, and you might see a yellow, greasy coating. Some male friends may even experience the embarrassing issues of dampness and itching in the scrotum. These symptoms may seem unrelated, but in reality, they are all caused by the dysfunction of the liver and gallbladder’s dispersing and draining functions, allowing damp-heat to wreak havoc in the body.

In such cases, many people’s first instinct is to take Longdan Xiegan Wan. This formula can indeed clear heat, purge fire, remove dampness, and resolve toxins, with immediate effects. However, it is excessively cold and cool in nature—much like drinking ice water on a freezing day. For those with weak spleen and stomach, taking it not only fails to thoroughly expel damp-heat but also easily injures the spleen and stomach. Previously, a patient, feeling they had damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder, took Longdan Xiegan Wan without consulting a doctor, and within a few days started experiencing diarrhea, with their spleen and stomach condition worsening. Therefore, for those with poor spleen and stomach health, we need to find a gentler, more suitable method for regulation.

Today, I’d like to share a Chinese patent medicine—Yinshanlian Granules. This formula is gentler than Longdan Xiegan Wan; it can clear damp-heat thoroughly without harming the spleen and stomach. Its herbal combination is particularly meticulous, with each ingredient having its own role: Yin Chen (Virgate Wormwood Herb) is the main force for eliminating dampness, capable of thoroughly clearing dampness from both the liver-gallbladder and spleen-stomach; Ban Zhi Lian (Barbed Skullcap Herb) and Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) specifically combat inflammation, suppressing the discomfort caused by damp-heat; Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit) paired with Yin Chen more effectively clears heat from the liver-gallbladder and promotes bile flow; Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Fruit) helps stabilize the spleen and stomach, reducing diarrhea; and Gan Cao (Licorice Root) not only protects the spleen and stomach but also harmonizes the properties of the other herbs, making the entire formula both gentle and effective.

Previously, there was an elderly lady who constantly suffered from a bitter taste in the mouth, distending pain in the rib area, and frequent diarrhea. Despite taking many medications, she saw no improvement. Later, I suggested she try Yinshanlian Granules. After taking it consistently for some time, she happily told me that the bitter taste in her mouth was gone, her abdomen was no longer distended, her appetite had improved, and her spleen and stomach had not experienced any further issues. This illustrates the benefit of gentle regulation: the body accepts it more easily, and the effects are more enduring.

Finally, a reminder: the content of this article is for reference only. Everyone’s constitution is different, and regulatory methods cannot be generalized. Do not arbitrarily purchase and take medications on your own. It is best to consult a professional doctor and obtain a prescription tailored to your specific condition!