Comparing the Liver According to Traditional Chinese and Western Physiology

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Comparing the Liver According to Traditional Chinese and

Western Physiology

JoAnn Guest

Nov 21, 2004 21:11 PST

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Comparing the Liver According to Traditional Chinese and Western

Scientific Physiology

 

Dr. Michael Tierra L.Ac.,O.M.D.

 

Perhaps in no organ system is the similarity and difference between

Western physiological and Traditional Chinese physiology more evident

than in the TCM description of the liver.

 

The difference is essentially that of form and function but since the

liver's known Western physiological functions are so complex, it is

possible for the Western scientific mind to clearly see the bridge

between body and mind that is at the heart of TCM theory.

 

To come to a full appreciation of the depth of observation and knowledge

that over 5000 years of Chinese medical theory achieved can only serve

to amplify the remarkable scientific edifice that has been created in

the last 150 years or so in Western medical physiology.

 

The two can only serve to help each other as a kind of check and

balance. It would be a tragedy of profound ignorance if the West turned

its back on the profound physiological wisdom of the ancient medical

systems simply because of impatience in dealing with its cultural jargon

and other semantic difficulties.

 

Finally, it is no accident that the ancient Chinese assigned the liver

and gall bladder to the wood element. Probably no other organ system is

so keyed to respond to botanical medicine as is the liver.

 

Most people around the word recognize as part of their folk heritage

the importance of vegetables to a healthy liver.

 

Further, it is the bitter flavor of certain herbs that specifically

triggers the secretion of bile that aids digestion as well as liver

metabolism generally.

 

The first TCM description might actually serve as a summary to a

description of all other liver functions. It is, however, the essential

way that most TCM practitioners access and remember the various complex

functions of the liver in clinical settings.

 

The liver is the general governing the bodymind:

 

While the heart is the king or supreme commander over all body-mind

functions, the Chinese describe the liver as the general or long-range

planner.

 

Let's consider what this actually means in terms of Western Physiology:

 

 

First consider how a good general helps defend against external

invasions and attacks and how the liver similarly protects the body-mind

from various external poisons and pathogens.

 

In this regard, the liver serves as an important citadel for the

function of the immune system as it is primarily responsible for

detoxification and elimination of various metabolic poisons.

 

While the external immune system is involved in overcoming pathological

bacteria and viruses throughout the body, the liver makes the process

more efficient by removing the debris in the form of vanquished and

exhausted blood cells and other metabolic wastes from the blood.

 

In this way renewed cells can arise within the blood to continue the

process of phago-cytosis and other protective functions.

 

The liver serves as long-range planner by refining, filtering, using and

storing important nutrients such proteins, glycogen, vitamins and

various minerals including iron for immediate and future use.

 

The planning capacity of the liver is also demonstrated by its ability

to chemically alter or excrete different hormones including thyroxin and

essentially all the steroid hormones such as estrogen, cortisol,

aldosterone and so forth.

 

While many of these are generated as part of natural physical cycles,

they can also be radically thrown out of balance in reaction to fear or

stress and thus the liver plays a key role in helping to maintain a

clear and balanced mental state.

 

The liver is also actively involved in detoxifying and excreting into

the bile many different drugs, including sulfonamides, penicillin,

ampicillin and erythromycin to name a few.

 

The liver regulation, the smooth flowing of chi

 

Glucose is stored in the body in the form of glycogen. While all cells

are capable of storing some glycogen, liver cells are uniquely able to

store up to 5 to 8 per cent of their weight as glycogen.

 

One of the important functions of the liver is to re transform glycogen

into glucose and release it into the blood as needed to maintain a

relatively constant energetic balance.

 

Impaired liver function can cause fatigue, irritability and depression

as a result of impaired glycogenesis which is the breakdown of glycogen

to re-form glucose in the cells.

 

The liver harmonizes digestion

 

The process of gluconeogenesis described previously demonstrates the

liver's ability to play a key role in the digestion and metabolism of

carbohydrates.

 

Faulty carbohydrate metabolism by the liver will cause blood glucose to

radically rise or fall causing either hypo or hyperglycemia.

 

The liver is also of primary importance in fat metabolism.

 

There are four primary liver functions involved with fat metabolism: 1.

The release of energy from the breakdown and burning of fatty acids and

the formation of acetic acid,

 

2. The formation of lipoproteins,

 

3. The formation of cholesterol and phospholipids that are found in

cell membranes and intracellular structures throughout the body

 

4. The conversion of large quantities of carbohydrates to fat.

 

Besides these, the secretion of bile salts into the duodenum neutralizes

the acidified food material that has passed from the stomach. Bile also

stimulates natural intestinal peristalsis that helps regulate bowel

movement.

 

Green citrus peel (Pericarpium citri Reticulatae viride) or " ching Pi " .

This herb has an aromatic bitter principle that helps stimulate

digestion and relieve chi congestion including all the above named

symptoms.

 

Cyperus (Rhizoma cyperi rotundi) " xiang fu " is a common grass-like herb

that grows in various parts of the world including the Pacific Northwest

where it is called " nutgrass. The rhizomes were commonly roasted and

eaten as food by the natives. It also relieves all signs of chi

stagnation and is especially useful for gynecological complains with

Dang Quai.

 

Ayurvedic medicine uses turmeric root as a liver herb that aids

digestion and gently aids the flow of bile.

 

It is used to regulate blood sugar and treat diabetes and hypoglycemia,

regulate menstruation and aid digestion.

 

In Western herbal medicine barberry root and gentian are used as bitter

tonics to aid digestion.

 

Barberry or its Western states counterpart, Oregon Grape are used as a

bitter tonic for digestive problems and gynecological complaints as well

treating many chronic diseases.

 

The liver harmonizes the emotions

 

The fact those large amounts of liver tissue must be adversely affected

in order to show up as liver dysfunction in customary liver tests.

Before these are obvious given the present imprecision of these physical

tests, abnormalities of liver function are readily diagnosed according

to abnormal emotional reactions.

 

The correlation of mood swings is clearly recognized and attributed as a

result of rising and falling blood sugar levels.

 

However, the liver's inability to maintain appropriate levels of

alkalinity as food passes from the stomach to the duodenum can result in

dyspeptic symptoms ranging from relatively mild abdominal pains to

severe ulcers.

 

This complex can be related to what in TCM is termed as liver invading

spleen or irregular or stagnant liver chi.

 

Further, the liver's function of excreting different hormones associated

with stress and cyclical imbalance may be impaired as a result of its

having to contend with other important functions such as the

detoxification of drugs and various external pollutants.

 

The re-circulation of various stress related hormones will result in

radical mood shifts and inappropriate angry behavior.

 

Through this process we see that the liver is responsible for the

detoxification and elimination of both endogenous as well as exogenous

toxins.

 

Endogenous toxins are produced from various stresses and attitudes while

exogenous toxins are the result of external toxins and pollutants from

air, food and water.

 

While both types of toxins are often present, endogenous,

thought-produced toxins can result in extreme feelings of anger and

frustration, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, premenstrual tension,

aggravation of menopausal symptoms and other physiological and

behavioral symptoms.

 

All of these obviously play upon the nervous system and it is a

fundamentally important aspect of herbal strategy to treat various

psychological and neurological symptoms by using herbal cholagogues that

aid the secretion of bile and thereby help clear the liver.

 

One Chinese liver herb that is specifically used for internal heat

causing irritability, restlessness, insomnia and delirium is gardeniae

jasminoidis (zhi zi). This herb is sometimes called the " happiness herb "

because of its effect in clearing internal heat and restless

irritability associated with liver chi stagnation.

 

A Western herb that regulates emotions associated with hormonal

imbalances in women as a result of their reproductive cycle and

menopause stage is vitex agnus castus or chaste berry.

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Irregular liver chi causing cysts, tumors and breast lumps

 

Blockage of liver chi also causes swelling of the glands in various

parts of the body and in women predisposes them to the formation of

cysts and lumps in the reproductive organs and tumors and lumps in the

breast.

 

These are specifically caused by an accumulation of toxins, which the

liver is unable to process and eliminate.

 

One Chinese herb that is commonly used in the West for treating liver

conditions is dandelion.

 

Chinese medicine specifically uses the entire plant of the dandelion,

the upper part as well as the root for clearing heat and detoxifying

fire poison as well as reducing abscesses, dissipating nodules, treating

all problems of the breast. This includes breast lumps and tumors.

 

In Western medicine dandelion can also be used and one can also consider

the use of dried pokeroot, since it is considered specifically effective

for treating all glandular diseases.

 

 

 

Liver Stores the blood

 

Rather than pass directly to the cells of the body, all nutrients

absorbed from the intestinal walls are channeled into a special vein

called the " portal vein " .

 

While all other veins go directly to the heart from where they are

pumped and distributed throughout the body, the portal vein goes into

the liver where it opens into a bed of fine capillaries.

 

This food enriched blood is circulated around and through the liver

cells where it is further processed then either immediately used or

stored for future need. Eventually the nutrient enriched blood is

collected into another large vein called the " vena cava " where it

finally empties into the heart for general distribution throughout the

body.

 

An increase in veinous pressure that drains and circulates through the

liver can cause the liver to markedly swell. The liver can store from

200 to 400 ml. of blood as a result of only relatively slight rise (4 to

8 mm. Hg) in hepatic venous pressure.

 

For this reason, if none other, the liver is one of the major blood

reservoirs. Further, during a pathological hemorrhage condition where

large amounts of blood are lost, much of the normal blood stored in the

liver sinusoids is drained into the remainder of the circulation to

replace the lost blood.

 

Another concept involving the liver's ability to store blood is the

regulation of clotting functions. The liver does this by producing many

of the plasma clotting factors including prothrombin and fibrinogen as

well as the production of bile salts necessary for the absorption of

vitamin K which is needed for the production of the various clotting

factors.

 

Two important Chinese herbs that tonify blood and enter the liver

meridian are angelica sinensis (Dang Quai) and white peony root

(Paeoniae lactiflorae).

 

Dang Quai is one of the most popular Chinese tonic herbs for women. It

tonifies the blood, cures blurred vision, anemia, and irregular

menstrual problems. It also contains various plant steroids that serve

as hormone precursors as well as vitamin B 12 and carotene.

 

One study in which a 5% preparation of dang quai was given to mice

increased oxygen consumption of the liver without affecting the amount

of nucleic acids present. This suggests a generalized increase of liver

metabolism. It was also shown to have a protective effect on liver

exposed to carbon tetrachloride.

 

White peony root is classified as a blood tonic with bitter, sour

flavors and cool energy. It enters the liver and spleen organ meridians

and is frequently combined with other Chinese blood tonics including

dang quai, ligusticum and rehmannia root as the basis for treating

gynecological imbalances.

 

Besides its blood tonic properties, peony root is also an antispasmodic

that promotes blood circulation by relieving blockage and tension of the

organs and various internal and superficial areas of the body. This is

described by the Chinese as " adjusting the Nutritive and Protective

levels " .

 

Liver opens to the eyes

 

Beta-Carotene is converted to the retinal form of vitamin A in the

liver. Vitamin A then combines with a protein opsin to form rhodopsin

(visual purple). Rhodopsin is found in the rod cells of the retina and

is responsible for night vision. Light striking the retina splits the

rhodopsin molecule that generates an electrical impulse that sends

information to the brain. Each time rhodopsin is split, a small amount

of retinal is destroyed. Night vision is impaired when there is a lack

of re synthesis of retinal necessary for forming visual purple. In

addition, other light sensitive pigments require the presence of vitamin

A. These include iodopsin, cyanopsin and porphyropsin, all of which are

color pigments in cone cells of the retina.

 

One other way that the liver governs the eyes is the maintenance of

epithelial tissue. This tissue is particularly important for the proper

function of the cornea as well as all other mucus secreting membranes of

the body, including the gastrointestinal tract, the lungs, the vagina,

the urinary tract, the bladder and the skin. Dryness of these organs is

diagnosed in Chinese medicine as liver yin deficiency. This suggests

that various yin tonics such as rehmannia, lycii berries, asparagus root

and ophiopogon play a significant role in supply substantial amounts of

beta carotene as the precursor of vitamin A and/or somehow nurturing the

mucus secreting epithelial tissues of the body.

 

A lack of vitamin A will also cause keratitis which is an ulcerous

inflammation and hardening of the cornea as well as other associated

parts of the eye such as the conjunctiva. Vitamin A deficiency due to

either a lack of nutritional sources of vitamin A or its precursor in

the form of beta-carotene or the function of transforming beta-carotene

into vitamin A in the liver manifests with symptoms such as dryness of

the eye, inflammatory eye diseases, excessive lacrimation, pain,

photophobia, impaired night vision and general vision loss.

 

Two important Chinese herbs that are specifically used to strengthen the

eyes are Fructus lycii chinensis ( " ou gi zi) and Flos chrysanthemum

morifolii. Lycii berries are classified as a blood and yin tonic and

nourish the kidneys and the liver. They contain a good amount of

carotene along with vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, linoleic acid and

Beta sitosterol.

 

Chrysanthemum flowers has a cooling and soothing action, relieving heat

and tension (wind) that causes eyestrain and blurred vision. It is also

used like feverfew for headaches and fevers. It is commonly combined

with lycii berries for strengthening the eyes.

 

 

 

The liver opens to the nails of the hands and feet

 

The nail consists of a particular hard, horny tissue composed largely of

keratin. Keratin is an extremely tough protein material that comprises

the bulk of hair, nails and horny tissue. It is generally insoluble in

water, weak acids or alkalis and unaffected by most proteolytic enzymes.

The fibrous protein is produced by keratinocytes found in the body in

two forms, hard and soft.

 

It grows from a root in the nail-bed or matrix at the tips of the

fingers and toes. This consists of epithelium and cornium continuous

with the epidermis and dermis of the skin of the nail fold. The white

crescent shaped moons located near the root is called the lunula.

 

The nail grows in length and thickness through the activity of cells in

the stratum germinativum of the nail root. The average nail growth rate

is 1 mm per week. The complete nail replaces itself on the average every

4 to 6 months. Nail growth varies with age and certain diseases and

hormonal imbalances.

 

Differential diagnosis of the nails is determined by various indications

many of which are indirectly related to primary liver functions relating

to protein metabolism, the production of hemoglobin, the liver's

synthesis of vitamin A from beta-carotene and the presence of certain

toxic metabolites such as arsenic, mercury, silver and other toxic

substances which the liver is unable to fully discharge and have

clinically verifiable indications that can show up on the nails. In

general, a thickening or weakening of the nails is directly related to

the metabolism of Vitamin A.

 

Some of the abnormal indications that are diagnosed upon examination of

the nails are as follows:

 

Nail ridges may occur as a sign of defective nutrition or after a

serious illness.

 

In the absence of hydrochloric acid (achlorydia) or anemia caused by a

decrease of blood cells (hypochromia), the nails may be excessively

spoon shaped and depressed in the center.

 

Chronic pulmonary conditions and congenital heart disease can result in

spongy excess of soft tissue at the base of the nails and may be

associated with clubbed fingers.

 

Atrophy of the nails may occur as a result of congenital defects. In

Traditional (TCM), besides indicating the condition of

the liver, this also be considered a problem of the " yuan chi " or

congenital energy associated with kidney chi, involving the endocrine

glands.

 

Nail shedding or permanent atrophy of the nails can follow injuries,

scars, frostbite, nerve injuries and hyperthyroidism.

 

Prolonged contact with chemicals as well as too frequent manicuring can

cause nails to become fragile or split easily.

 

Various other diseases such as injury to the nerve or finger, neuritis,

raynaud's disease, pulmonary osteoarthropathy, syphilis, onychia,

scleroderma, acrodermatitis and granuloma fungoides of the fingers can

result in dry, malformed nails.

 

Transverse lines (Beau's lines) can result from earlier interference

with nail matrix growth. This can result from local or systemic

imbalances and can be approximately dated according to the placement of

the line or lines on the nail.

 

Nail discolorations: Black indicates gangrene perhaps caused by

diabetes. Blue-black is due to stagnant blood under the nail and can be

a sign of hemophilia and trauma. This can be painful and is treated by

drilling a small hole in the nail at the site of the hemorrhage. Brown

is a possible sign of arsenic poisoning. Brownish-black may indicate

chronic mercurial poisoning caused by the formation of sulfide of

mercury in the tissues. Cyanosis usually indicates anemia, poor

circulation or venous stasis. White spots may be caused by trauma and

are usually found in women. Transverse white bands in all nails may be a

sign of acute or chronic arsenic poisoning.

 

Considering that many of the above indications represent some toxic

reaction in the body, and that the liver is the organ that primarily

deals with detoxification of the blood as well as the overall health of

the blood, the TCM concept that the " nails are the flowering of the

liver " is quite understandable in terms of present scientific

physiology.

 

A substance used in Chinese medicine that tonifies the blood and is of

specific benefit to the nails is gelatin. Chinese medicine specifically

uses asses skin gelatin (when available). It is dissolved in warm water

and taken by women daily. Dang Quai Gin is a Chinese patented formula

available as syrup. It combines dissolved gelatin, dang quai and various

other herbs for women in syrup used for most gynecological problems as

well as a general female tonic. Gelatin is especially useful for

excessive menstrual bleeding.

 

Liver Wind

 

The essential expression of the liver is appropriate tension. This is

expressed in various functions especially the restrained process of bile

secretion from the liver through the gall bladder to the small

intestine. The bile itself then acts as a natural irritant to the lining

of the intestine that stimulates appropriate peristalsis that promotes

the movement of feces through the lower intestine.

 

As a result of this process, the liver is described as ruling the

nervous system. " Wind " in Chinese medicine describes a concept

appropriate to any internal or external physiological movement.

Spreading infectious diseases from the common cold, flu or skin rash is

described as wind as is rheumatic and arthritic symptoms. Headaches,

stroke or chorea are described as internal wind because they are

primarily caused by an imbalance of the internal organs.

 

A number of liver herbs with antispasmodic properties are very effective

for relieving symptoms of liver wind. Two Chinese herbs in particular

are gambir (uncaria rhyncholphylla) (gou teng) and gastrodia (gastrodiae

elatae) (tian ma). Both of these are powerful antispasmodic herbs that

release symptoms of liver wind including tremors, seizures and symptoms

such as headaches, dizziness, and chorea. They are also useful in

relieving rheumatic pains.

 

Strong liver herbs that are used to Calm the Spirit are typically hard

shells and minerals. These include dragon bone (os draconis) (long gu),

oyster shell (concha ostreae (mu li), pearl margarita (Pteria

margaritifera) (zhen zhu). These heavy mineral substances tend to create

more grounding sedative effects that help calm the mind and emotions.

 

 

 

SOME HERBS FOR THE LIVER

 

General:

 

The bitter taste in most cases seems to cause a liver reflex action that

facilitates the production and discharge of bile. Since it is through

the discharge of bile that the liver cleanses the blood of spent red

blood cells and other toxins, bitter tasting herbs generally have a

detoxifying effect throughout the body.

 

Western:

 

 

 

1. Dandelion

 

2. Boldo

 

3. Milk Thistle

 

4. Blessed Thistle

 

5. Artichoke leaves

 

6. Oregon Grape and Barberry root

 

7. Wild yam

 

Chinese:

 

Chi regulating herbs

 

One of the most important functions of the liver is to " regulating chi " .

What this means in terms of Western physiology is regulating the release

and transformation of glycogen into the blood so that there is a

constant supply of energy and no " low blood sugar " which would be

considered a liver symptom.

 

Other signs of irregular chi include emotional symptoms such as mood

swings, depression and physical signs can include chest tightness and

pains (stagnant chi), loss of appetite, breast lumps, cysts and tumors,

gas, hernia-like pains. In women there can also be irregular

menstruation as well as swollen and tender breasts.

 

One of the most important causes of irregular chi is dysfunction of the

gastrointestinal system, causing pain. Because of this most herbs in

this category might be equated to Western carminative herbs.

Characteristically, these herbs are usually dry and contain volatile

oils and should not be decocted for more than 15 minutes. Because of the

chi stimulating and dispersing action, they should be used with caution

for patients with deficient chi.

 

In such cases, where there is irregular and deficient chi, chi tonic

herbs such as ginseng or codonopsis are combined with chi regulating

(carminative) herbs. Conversely, when chi tonic herbs are given, often a

small amount of chi regulating herbs are combined to prevent chi

stagnation with signs of irregular chi and bloating.

 

While not all chi regulating, carminative herbs necessarily treat

symptoms that would indicate liver disharmony, a significant number do.

Some of these are as follows:

 

Green citrus peel (Pericarpium citri Reticulatae viride) or " ching Pi " .

This herb has an aromatic bitter principle that helps stimulate

digestion and relieve chi congestion including all the above named

symptoms.

 

Cyperus (Rhizoma cyperi rotundi) " xiang fu " is a common grass-like herb

that grows in various parts of the world including the Pacific Northwest

where it is called " nutgrass. The rhizomes were commonly roasted and

eaten as food by the natives. It also relieves all signs of chi

stagnation and is especially useful for gynecological complains with

Dang Quai.

 

Rose buds (Flos rosae rugosae) enters both the liver and spleen and is

used for both symptoms of chi and blood stagnation. For this reason it

is very useful for irregular menstruation as well as circulatory and

digestive disorders. In Ayurvedic medicine rose blossoms are similarly

used as a jelly to treat depression. Dose is 1/2 to 6 grams.

 

Litchi fruit (semen litchi chinensis) " li zhi he' is used fennel seed to

relieve testicular pain and swelling and other hernia-like conditions.

 

Bupleurum root (Bupleurum falcatum) " chai hu " is of the most important

herbs used for liver chi regulation in Chinese medicine. Paradoxically,

it is not typically classified in that category perhaps because unlike

most chi regulating carminative herbs, Bupleurum has a cool energy

making it very useful for fevers.

 

This is a very important herb and is used a a number of bupleurum

formula used for treating mixed conformation of internal or chronic and

external or acute symptoms, excess or deficient, hot or cold. Formulas

of this type are called " harmonizing formulas " and constitute the most

common type of prescription clinically.

 

Energy and flavors --- bitter, slightly acrid, cool; Organ meridians

effected -- liver and gall bladder;

Uses -- prolonged colds, coughs, flus and fevers, alternating chills and

fever, bitter taste in the mouth, chest and flank pain and/or tightness,

irritability and moodiness, dizziness, vertigo, irregular menstruation.

Because bupleurum has an ascending direction, it is also used for

treating hemorrhoids, anal or uterine prolapse, diarrhea caused by weak

digestion.

 

It is commonly used in a wide variety of harmonizing formulas: with dang

quai and ligusticum for regulating and harmonizing blood; with ginseng

or codonopsis and atractylodes for tonifying chi, with green citrus for

chest tightness and pains, with mint for emotional despondency and

pensive feelings, with licorice for hepatitis and pains in the liver

region.

 

Dose is 3 to 12 grams. It is contraindicated for yin deficient coughs

caused by wasting. It is also contraindicated for nausea or vomiting for

which one would use only the smallest dose possible.

 

Pharmacological research has found that the saponins in bupleurum have a

tranquilizing effect on mice. It is also strongly antitussive.

 

It has also been found to be antibiotic and antiviral against influenza

and poliomyelitis virus.

 

Some experimental evidence on animals artificially with induced fevers

supports the possibility of its antipyretic effects.

 

The most commonly used bupleurum formula is Miner Bupleurum combination

(Hsiao Chai hu tang or Xiao chai hu tang). It is as follows:

 

Bupleurum root (chai hu) 12-15 grams

 

Scutellaria root (Huang chi) 9-12 grams

 

Pinellia tuber (Ban Xia) 9-12 grams

 

Fresh ginger (sheng jiang) 3-6 grams

 

Ginseng (ren shen) 6-9 grams

 

licorice (gan cao) 3-6 grams

 

jujube date (da zao) 3 to 5 pieces

 

It is used to treat fevers, coughs, prolonged fevers, colds influenza,

asthma, hepatitis, malaria, jaundice, cholecystitis, amenorrhea, low

energy with digestive weakness. Since it is both tonifying and

detoxifying, heating and cooling, used for both acute as well as chronic

internal diseases, it is a more balanced formula to take on a daily

basis to improve overall health.

 

Recently it has been found to have very positive effects on HIV

positive and AIDS patients. Curing and prevent volunteer disease while

helping to maintain health and wellbeing with significant improvement of

T cell count.

 

Another important liver chi regulating formula is Bupleurum and Dang

quai powder (Xiao yao san). This harmonizing formula is particularly

useful for irregular chi symptoms associated with women. It is the most

important Chinese formula for PMS. It consists of the following:

 

Bupleurum (chai hu) 6-9 grams

 

Angelica sinensis (Dang quai) 6-9 grams

 

White peony root (Bai shao) 9-12 grams

 

White atractylodes (Bai Xhu) 6-9 grams

 

Poria (Fuling) 9-15 grams

 

Mentha (Bohe) 1-3 grams

 

Fresh ginger (sheng jiang) 1-3 grams

 

Baked licorice (gan cao) 3-6 grams

 

This formula is typically indicated for symptoms of mood swings,

lassitude, digestive problems, irregular menstruation, costal and chest

pains.

 

Finally an important liver chi regulating formula that uses bupleurum as

its most important ingredient along with other carminative and chi

regulating herbs is called Su Kan Wan or Liver soothing pills. It

relieves all signs of liver chi stagnation and is commonly sold as a

patented formula in Chinese pharmacies.

 

In Ayurveda, two of the most important liver herbs are turmeric root and

aloe vera. Turmeric is a valuable chi regulating herbs that helps

digestion, regulates liver function, regulates blood sugar and when

taken daily over a period of three months will effectively regulate

menstrual problems.

 

Aloe vera is taken as a gel or syrup by women as a liver tonic. It is

called " kumari " which means goddess herb because it helps maintain

female beauty. It has a nourishing yin tonic effect and is very

beneficial for treating PMS and menopausal symptoms.

 

Clearing heat herbs:

 

A large number of herbs under five categories of Clear Heat (including

1. clears fire, 2. cools blood, 3. clears damp heat, 4. clears heat and

poisons, 5. relieves summer heat) enter the liver channel.

 

These include the following:

 

Herbs that clear Fire

 

1. Fructus gardeniae (Zhi Zi); Energy and flavors-- bitter, cold; Organ

meridian effected -- liver, lung, stomach; Uses -- a. clears heat

relieves irritability, removes fever, irritability, restlessness,

insomnia or delirium (called " happiness herb " ), b. drains damp heat

which includes pus, sores, jaundice, gallbladder congestion, c. cools

blood and stops bleeding from the nose, vomit, stool, urine. For this

purpose it is partially charred, d. reduces swelling and bruises from

injuries. For this it is applied topically as a powder mixed with

organic egg white.

 

2. Spica prunellae vulgaris (xia ku cao); Energy and flavors -- sweet,

acrid, slightly bitter, cold; Organ meridians effected -- liver, gall

bladder, lung; Uses -- a. clears the liver, brightens the eyes, for high

blood pressure symptoms, red, painful eyes, headache and dizziness, b.

clears dissipates nodules used for swollen glands, goiter, lipoma,

breast lumps, tumors, nodules anywhere in the body caused by lymphatic

inflammation, c. important anticancer herb. Dose: 9 to 15 grams.

Biochemical constituents include oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, rutin,

hyperoside, caffeic acid, vitamin B1, vitamin c, vitamin k and tannin.

Experimentally it has been shown to lower blood pressure, it also has

broad antibacterial properties.

 

3. Semen Casiae torae (jue ming Zi); Energy -- bitter, sweet, cold;

Organ meridian effected -- liver, kidney; Uses -- a. clears vision and

removes wind heat, itchy, red eyes and painful eyes with light

sensitivity from wind heat (inflammation), b. clears liver, benefits the

eyes, treats high blood pressure with symptoms of headache, painful

eyes, light sensitivity, tearing, c. lubricates the intestines, has a

mild laxative action, used for dry or chronic constipation, because of

its sweet flavor it also has some yin tonic properties making it useful

for deficient liver yin.

 

Many Chinese people roast these seeds and take it as a single herb tea

to control high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol and improve vision.

It contains various laxative ingredients including aloe-emodin rhein,

many researchers believe that the presence of chrysophanol is

responsible for its microbial effect, its benefit for the eyes is at

least partially due to the presence of vitamin A.

 

It is a very important herb for lipid metabolism.

 

One study for hypercholesterolemia in 100 patients was recently

conducted in China. Before treatment the mean value was 246.9-mg% with a

range of 210-484 mg%. After two weeks of treatment, 85% were within

normal limits. After four weeks, 98%. At the end of treatment the mean

value was 159.0%, with a range of 110-208 mg%.

 

There was a subjective improvement of various symptoms including

dizziness, headaches, and lethargy in 85% of the subjects. After

treatment ceased, serum cholesterol levels increased but were reduced

again with further treatment.

 

Dose: 9 to 30 grams of the roasted, crushed seeds.

 

3. Semen Celosiae Argentiae (Qing Xiang Zi); Energy -- sweet, cool;

Organ meridians effected -- liver; Uses -- mainly for improving vision

by clearing wind heat or liver fire, for red, painful, swollen eyes,

superficial visual obstructions and cataracts, lowers high blood

pressure. Dose is 3 to 15 grams. Contraindicated for patients with

dilated pupils caused by deficient liver or kidneys (severe exhaustion).

Contains nicotinic acid and potassium nitrate.

 

Frequently used with other liver herbs such as semen casiae torae,

chrysanthemum flowers and gentian root for impaired or blurred vision,

swelling, painful and red eyes and general symptoms of hypertension.

 

Herbs that cool the blood

 

Herbs in this category are commonly used for hot blood patterns

resulting from fevers that enter the blood. These include serious stages

of infectious diseases.

 

Hot blood symptoms include rashes, nosebleed, vomiting or spitting up of

blood, coughing blood, blood in the stool or urine. These and other

signs of hemorrhages accompanied with an inflammatory condition are

called " reckless marauding of hot blood " . This condition is biomedically

caused by increased blood flow causing increased permeability of the

capillaries.

 

Some of these herbs, while having cooling and detoxifying properties

also have some yin-fluid nourishing properties as well, making them

somewhat tonic.

 

1. Cornu Rhinoceri or rhinoceros horn (Xi Jiao), Energy and flavors --

bitter, salty and cold, Organ meridians effected -- heart, liver and

stomach, -- Uses -- a. clears heat, detoxifies fire poison, cools blood

- for extreme inflammatory conditions with accompanying signs of

bleeding, convulsions, delirium, unconsciousness or mania. Chemical

constituents include keratin and eukeratin as well as other proteins,

peptides and free amino acids. The most prevalent amino acid is cysteine

with other major ones including tyrosine, histidine, lysine and

arginine. Salts include calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. Dose is

1/2 to 6 grams in decoction. Most commonly this substance is found in

Chinese patented formulas and is important for certain types of extreme

inflammatory symptoms. For ecological reasons, water buffalo or cow horn

is often used as a substitute but in much higher dosage up to 30 grams,

because it is weaker than rhinoceros horn.

 

2. Radix Rehmanniae glutinosae (sheng di huang), raw, unprocessed

rehmannia root, energy and flavor -- sweet, bitter, cold, -- Organ

meridians effected - heart, liver and kidney, -- Uses -- a. clears heat,

cools blood, b. nourishes yin and blood and generates fluids, c. cools

upward blazing of heart fire which includes symptoms of mouth and tongue

sores, insomnia, afternoon or low-grade fevers and malar flush, d. used

for thirst and wasting symptoms. Dose: 15 to 30 grams. Contraindicated

for conditions associated with dampness and deficient yang. Biochemical

constituents include beta sitosterol, mannitol stigmasterol campesterol,

rehmannin, catalpol, arginine and glucose. It can be thought of as a

nutritive anti-inflammatory herb.

 

Other herbs in this category that go to the liver include cortex moutan

radicis (mu dan pi) used for clearing deficient heat, radix Lithospermi

seu arnebiae (Zi cao), an important anticancer herb, Cortex lycii

chinensis (Di gu pi) primarily used for yin deficient fire and heat

signs including night sweats, chronic low-grade fevers, hemorrhage

caused by inflammation and rupturing of capillaries, cough caused by

lung heat such as tuberculosis, Radix stellariae dichotomae (yin chai

hu) used for fire from yin deficiency, it is useful for fever, thirst

and irritability associated with malnourished children as well as

symptoms associated with bleeding.

 

Herbs that clear damp heat

 

1. Rhizoma Coptidis ( " Huang lian " ) (herba picrorrhixae used as an

inexpensive substitute)

 

2. Radix Gentianae scabrae ( " Long dan cao " )

 

Other herbs include Radix sophorae flavescentis, Cortex fraxini,

 

Herbs that clear heat and poisons

 

1. Fructus forsythiae

 

2. Radix isatidis seu baphicacanthi

 

3. Herba taraxaci mongolici cum radice

 

4. Herba violae cum radice

 

 

www.planetherbs.com

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjo-

DietaryTi-

www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes

 

 

 

 

 

AIM Barleygreen

" Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future "

 

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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