One Lesson Learned from Hepatitis, February 10, 1978

One Lesson Learned from Hepatitis, February 10, 1978

Dr. Cen Heling from Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine is renowned for treating liver diseases in areas south of the Yangtze River. His theory on treating liver diseases is that the liver belongs to the wood element and governs the fire element; fire easily harms yin, so liver diseases are often due to yin deficiency. Therefore, the best approach to treating liver diseases is to tonify yin. There are many yin-tonifying herbs available—so which one should be used? According to the “Jin Gui Yao Lue,” “For liver diseases, use sour flavors to tonify.” Based on this passage, liver-treating medicines should prioritize sour flavors that can consolidate yin. Sour and sweet flavors combine to tonify yin, which is a common principle in traditional Chinese medicine. Therefore, Dr. Cen advocates using Zhi Shi, Wu Wei Zi, Nu Zhen Zi, Suan Zao Ren, Bai Shao, He Shou Wu, Qi Zi, Shan Zhu Yu, Dang Gui, Chai Hu, Pu Gong Ying, Mai Ya, Danshen. Mnemonic: Shi Wu Nu Zhen Zao Bai Shou, Qi Shan Hu Gong Gui Mai Shen.