Some friends often sigh, feeling a sense of blockage in their chest, their emotions not very uplifting, and they wonder if they have liver qi stagnation. Is it possible? It indeed could be liver qi stagnation! Unlike the heat symptoms of liver fire, liver qi stagnation is characterized by qi stagnation, emotional changes, and is also known as liver qi depression syndrome. This condition arises from the liver’s failure to regulate and disperse qi, leading to stagnation and presenting as symptoms. Typical manifestations include depression, frequent sighing, fullness in the chest or lower abdomen, accompanied by wandering pain. Female patients may experience breast lumps, breast tenderness, irregular menstruation, and dysmenorrhea. Modern medical diagnoses often identify symptoms of liver qi stagnation in conditions such as chronic hepatitis, depression, menopausal syndrome, and mammary gland hyperplasia.What Causes Liver Qi Stagnation?It is often related to emotional factors and pathogenic invasions. Emotional factors can include anger, mental depression, unfulfilled desires, or sudden psychological stimuli that disrupt the smooth flow of liver qi, causing stagnation and blockage, which impairs liver function and leads to symptoms. Pathogenic factors may include blood stasis and phlegm-dampness, which obstruct the liver meridian, causing qi flow to be hindered; or damage to the spleen and stomach, where poor qi movement in the spleen and stomach affects the liver qi, leading to stagnation.Introducing 7 Herbal Formulas for Liver Qi Regulation1. Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)Ingredients: Chen Pi (Aged Tangerine Peel), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Chuan Xiong (Szechuan Lovage), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Shao Yao (Peony), Gan Cao (Licorice).Effects: Spreads the liver, relieves depression, promotes qi flow, and alleviates pain.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for those who are prone to internalizing anger, sighing frequently, and often experience significant pain or fullness in the hypochondriac or chest area.2. Zuo Jin Wan (Left Metal Pill)Ingredients: Huang Lian (Coptis), Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia).Effects: Clears liver heat, drains fire, and stops nausea.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for those who experience acid reflux or bitter vomiting when angry, with a generally red tongue and yellow coating.3. Si Mo Tang Kou Fu Ye (Four Milled Decoction Oral Liquid)Ingredients: Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Bing Lang (Betel Nut), Wu Yao (Lindera).Effects: Smooths qi, descends counterflow, relieves accumulation, and alleviates pain.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for those who experience abdominal distension and indigestion due to anger, and it promotes gastrointestinal motility.4. Jie Yu An Shen Ke Li (Depression Relief and Calming Granules)Ingredients: Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Da Zao (Jujube), Shi Chang Pu (Acorus), Jiang Ban Xia (Pinellia), Chao Bai Zhu (Fried Atractylodes), Fu Xiao Mai (Fried Wheat), Zhi Yuan Zhi (Prepared Polygala), Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice), Chao Zhi Zi (Fried Gardenia), Bai He (Lily), Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema), Yu Jin (Curcuma), Long Chi (Dragon’s Tooth), Chao Suan Zao Ren (Fried Sour Jujube Seed), Fu Ling (Poria), Dang Gui (Angelica).Effects: Spreads the liver, relieves depression, calms the spirit, and stabilizes the mind.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for those who experience insomnia, irritability, anxiety, and forgetfulness due to liver qi stagnation.5. Dang Gui Long Hui Wan (Angelica and Aloe Pill)Ingredients: Dang Gui (Angelica), Long Dan Cao (Gentian), Da Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Huang Lian (Coptis), Huang Bai (Phellodendron), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Lu Hui (Aloe), Qing Dai (Indigo), Mu Xiang (Aucklandia), She Xiang (Musk).Effects: Drains liver and gallbladder fire, moistens the intestines, and promotes bowel movements.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for individuals with good constitution who experience constipation and yellow urine when angry.6. Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder)Ingredients: Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice), Dang Gui (Angelica), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Shao (White Peony), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Chai Hu (Bupleurum).Effects: Spreads the liver, relieves depression, strengthens the spleen, and nourishes the blood.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for menopausal women experiencing premenstrual syndrome or menstrual irregularities.7. Dan Zhi Xiao Yao Wan (Moutan and Gardenia Free and Easy Pill)Ingredients: Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Bark), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Bai Shao (White Peony), Dang Gui (Angelica), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Bo He (Mint), Zhi Gan Cao (Fried Licorice).Effects: Soothes the liver, relieves depression, clears heat, and regulates menstruation.Applicable Population: This formula is suitable for menopausal or premenstrual syndrome patients who are prone to anger.
