In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the liver governs free flow and regulates the body’s qi. Essentially, our liver is like the plumber at home, overseeing the smooth flow of fluids, blood, and qi throughout the body. If the liver is blocked, fluids cannot move freely, and over time, this stagnation generates dampness. Even worse, a chronically congested liver tends to produce heat, which mixes with dampness to form persistent damp-heat. And this is just one of the reasons.

Now, let’s discuss the second reason. When liver qi stagnates, it can also affect the spleen and stomach. The spleen and stomach are the source of phlegm production. If their functions are impaired by liver qi stagnation, dampness cannot be expelled properly, leading to the accumulation of heat over time and the formation of damp-heat. Therefore, individuals with severe damp-heat often have poor spleen and stomach function, experience indigestion, a sticky and sometimes bitter taste in the mouth, along with irritability, chest and flank distension, yellow urine, persistent dampness in the groin area, a yellow and greasy tongue coating, and abdominal bloating on both sides.

In that case, how should one address it? The key is to first open up the liver and then help the spleen and stomach return to their normal functions, enabling proper metabolism of dampness in the body. Think about it: when the liver is no longer congested, fluids can flow normally; when the spleen and stomach function properly and can expel dampness on their own, damp-heat can truly recede.

If the dampness has not yet turned into heat and the tongue coating is white and greasy or slightly yellow, you can try Chaihu Shugan Wan to regulate the liver qi first, and then combine it with Shenling Baizhu San to invigorate the spleen and remove dampness. You’ll gradually feel better. If the dampness has already transformed into heat and the tongue coating is noticeably yellow and greasy, take Longdan Xiegan Wan to clear the damp-heat first. Once the tongue appears cleaner, you can then add spleen-invigorating medicine based on your specific condition.

Overall, only when the liver is unblocked can damp-heat be thoroughly resolved, but don’t buy medicine arbitrarily on your own. Everyone’s situation is different, and taking the wrong medicine won’t help. The content of this article is for knowledge and science purposes only. If you experience physical discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly!