Xiaoyao Pills, Longdan Xiegan Pills, and Chaihu Shugan Pills are three commonly heard Chinese patent medicines for soothing and clearing the liver. However, these medicines should not be used indiscriminately, as incorrect usage can also affect the body. Today, Dr. Li will explain the differences between them and how to make the right choice.

First, Xiaoyao Pills

For liver depression and spleen deficiency. The liver is primarily responsible for regulating and facilitating the flow of qi in the body, while the spleen is responsible for digestion and absorption. When the liver and spleen functions are imbalanced, the body's supply of qi and blood becomes insufficient. These individuals often experience low mood, lack of energy, irritability, stomach discomfort, poor appetite, sallow complexion, and frequent dizziness or blurred vision. Women may experience menstrual issues, a tongue that appears swollen on both sides with possible cracks in the middle, and a pale color.

For this condition, it is necessary to soothe the liver, strengthen the spleen, and regulate qi and blood. Xiaoyao Wan can be tried.

Second, Longdan Xiegan Wan

Targeted at damp-heat in the liver and gallbladder. When damp-heat pathogens accumulate in the liver and gallbladder, it disrupts their functions, leading to excess dampness in the body, which combines with liver fire to form damp-heat. In addition to irritability and a tendency to get angry, individuals may experience signs of excessive heat, such as a red tongue, red eyes, and yellow urine, along with urgency and pain during urination, dizziness, tinnitus, dampness and itching in the lower body, and even urethritis. Women may notice increased vaginal discharge that is yellow and has an unpleasant odor.

For this situation, which requires clearing liver fire and dispelling dampness-heat, you can try Gentian Drain the Liver Pill.

Third, Bupleurum Soothing the Liver Pill.

It targets liver qi stagnation. It's suitable for those who have an abundance of qi internally but it's blocked. The main component is bupleurum, along with citrus aurantium, cyperus rhizome, perilla leaf, and costus root—all herbs that relieve distention and promote qi movement. It works like a bicycle pump, pushing through and circulating the stagnant qi in the body. It's suitable for people who often bottle up anger, have difficulty digesting greasy food, experience food stagnation with bloating and gas, have a belly with visible air patterns, suffer from bloating, belching, or nausea with acid reflux, and have a swollen tongue with distended sides.

You can try Bupleurum Soothing the Liver Pill to help circulate the qi.

The specific situation should be considered in light of individual conditions. The above content is for reference only and involves Chinese patent medicines, with no promotional intent. If you experience any physical discomfort, please seek medical treatment from a doctor.