Liver Qi stagnation (gan qi yu jie) is a common condition, particularly prevalent among women. Therefore, it is essential to understand how to treat and regulate liver Qi stagnation to prevent long-term effects on the body. Today, we will discuss what medicines to take for liver Qi stagnation, what foods are beneficial, and what the symptoms of liver Qi stagnation are.
What Medicines to Take for Liver Qi Stagnation
1. Xiao Yao Wan (Free and Easy Wanderer Pill)
Xiao Yao Wan is a commonly used Chinese patent medicine for liver Qi stagnation, primarily composed of Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Bai Shao (White Peony), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan), Zhi Zi (Gardenia), and Bo He (Peppermint). It has the effects of soothing the liver, clearing heat, strengthening the spleen, and nourishing the blood, and is used for symptoms such as disharmony between the liver and spleen, and pain in the flanks.
2. Chai Hu Shu Gan San (Bupleurum Powder to Spread the Liver)
This formula mainly consists of Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), Xiang Fu (Cyperus), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Chi Shao (Red Peony), and Gan Cao (Licorice). It is effective in soothing the liver, regulating Qi, and alleviating pain, primarily treating liver Qi stagnation.
3. Shu Gan Wan (Liver Soothing Pill)
Shu Gan Wan is another commonly used Chinese patent medicine for liver Qi stagnation, composed of Chuan Lian Zi (Melia Toosendan), Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis), Pian Jiang Huang (Turmeric), Bai Shao (White Peony), Chen Xiang (Agarwood), Zhi Qiao (Bitter Orange), Mu Xiang (Saussurea), Sha Ren (Amomum), Chen Pi (Dried Tangerine Peel), Dou Kou Ren (Cardamom), Fu Ling (Poria), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Zhu Sha (Cinnabar). It has the effects of soothing the liver and stomach, regulating Qi, and alleviating pain, treating symptoms such as chest tightness and pain due to liver Qi stagnation.
What Foods to Eat for Liver Qi Stagnation
1. Bai Luo Bo (White Radish)
Bai Luo Bo is neutral in nature, with a pungent and sweet flavor, entering the spleen and stomach meridians. It has the effects of soothing the liver, relieving stagnation, and promoting digestion, which can alleviate symptoms such as chest tightness and loss of appetite caused by liver Qi stagnation.
Peel and wash the white radish, cut it into thin strips, and eat it cold for the best effect.
2. Fo Shou Gua (Chayote)
Fo Shou Gua is cool in nature and sweet in flavor, entering the lung, stomach, and spleen meridians. It has the effects of dispelling wind, clearing heat, and soothing the liver, which is effective for symptoms such as chest tightness and flank pain caused by liver Qi stagnation. It can be made into soup or eaten cold.
3. Shan Zha (Hawthorn)
Shan Zha is sour and sweet, slightly warm in nature, and excels at regulating Qi and alleviating pain, suitable for symptoms such as abdominal distension and pain caused by liver Qi stagnation.
Modern medical research has found that Shan Zha also has various effects such as anti-arrhythmia, softening blood vessels, and lowering blood pressure, which can be beneficial for arrhythmias. Cook three dried hawthorns with 50 grams of rice to make porridge and consume it.
4. Jin Ju (Kumquat)
Jin Ju is sweet and warm, capable of soothing the liver, regulating Qi, and relieving stagnation, which can alleviate symptoms such as chest and flank tightness and sighing due to liver Qi stagnation.
Additionally, the vitamin P contained in Jin Ju is an important nutrient for maintaining vascular health, enhancing the elasticity of microvessels.
Symptoms of Liver Qi Stagnation
1. Depression or irritability
This symptom is the most common, characterized by low mood, frequent sighing, or irritability, affecting daily life and work.
2. Distension and pain in the areas along the liver meridian
The liver meridian runs through the lower abdomen, flanks, throat, and top of the head. Liver Qi stagnation can manifest as lower abdominal pain, breast tenderness, flank pain, and headaches.
3. Changes in the neck and throat
The liver meridian runs through the throat, and liver Qi stagnation here can cause a sensation of a foreign body in the throat, difficulty swallowing, and a cough that cannot be relieved, known in TCM as “mei he qi” (plum pit qi). If Qi stagnation persists, it can further affect the normal circulation of blood and fluids, leading to phlegm and blood stasis in the neck, resulting in neck lumps.
4. Breast and menstrual disorders in women
Traditional Chinese medicine holds that “women are governed by the liver,” making them more susceptible to liver Qi stagnation. In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, women may also experience breast tenderness, lumps, dysmenorrhea, or menstrual irregularities.
5. Digestive system disorders
In TCM, the liver and spleen are closely related physiologically and pathologically. Prolonged liver Qi stagnation can affect the spleen and stomach, leading to digestive dysfunction, decreased appetite, belching, abdominal distension, and even diarrhea.
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