Functions
warms the Liver and Kidney, dissipates Cold moves Qi downward, stops pain nourishes Liver Blood and Yin drains Dampness and harmonizes the Middle
Indications
Cold stagnating in the Liver channel against a background of Liver and Kidney deficiency dragging, cold, distending pain of the lower abdomen or genitals (shan qi / hernial disorder) pain pulling into the groin, relieved by warmth and aggravated by cold hardening or retraction of the testicles cold limbs
Contraindications
Damp-Heat in the Liver channel Liver Fire any Heat pattern
Notes
Warm the Liver Decoction is the representative formula for Cold stagnation in the Liver channel complicated by Liver and Kidney deficiency. Rou-gui and Xiao-hui-xiang serve as chiefs, warming the Liver channel and dissipating Cold; Wu-yao and Chen-xiang move Qi downward and stop pain; Dang-gui and Gou-qi-zi nourish Liver Blood and Yin so that the warming action does not damage fluids; Fu-ling drains Dampness; and Sheng-jiang harmonizes. It is chosen whenever lower-abdominal or genital cold pain (including hernial pain) arises from deficiency-Cold in the Liver channel rather than from excess Heat or Damp-Heat. Preparation: Decoct all ingredients with 3–5 slices of Sheng-jiang in water; reduce to about 70% of the original volume, strain, and drink warm between meals. If Chen-xiang is unavailable, Mu-xiang may be substituted. Modifications: + Fu-zi → for more severe interior Cold with lower-back pain radiating to the testicles and a deep, slow pulse.
For education only — not medical advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.