How Modern and Traditional Medicine Unite: Breaking Down The Plug’s Ingredients

In an era overflowing with wellness trends, tips, and tricks, it’s easy to forget that some of the most effective health solutions aren’t new — they have actually stood the test of time. Traditional medicine, no matter the culture, rarely uses herbs in isolation, and modern science shows the reason behind that. When combined, many of these ingredients enhance the other’s effect, improving bioavailability and reducing potential side effects, all while targeting multiple detox pathways at once. That’s why The Plug is formulated to supply not just one benefit but a myriad of them for full-body wellness!

Each ingredient in our formula is rooted in traditional usage, dating back thousands of years. These ingredients are backed by both emerging and established scientific research for supporting liver function, improving digestion, and boosting overall well-being.

13 powerful ingredients are utilized in The Plug Drink and Pills (with two exclusive ingredients being featured in The Plug Pills). Let’s break down how each of them unite the best of both worlds — modern and traditional medicine — to help your body function at its best!

The Plant-Based Ingredients

First up we have dihydromyricetin, also known as DHM, which is derived from the Japanese raisin tree. It’s been used for ages in Eastern medicine to reduce the detrimental effects of alcohol on the body and liver, thus helping you feel less hungover. Scientifically, it enhances liver enzyme activity and reduces alcohol-related damage, which occurs mostly in the liver (1). Today, its significance with liver wellness is acquired from DHM’s ability to enhance alcohol metabolism by protecting liver cells from oxidative stress, reducing the harm of alcohol exposure. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Schisandra Chinensis is known as the “five-flavor fruit.” This is because it can taste sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and pungent — all at the same time! Scientifically, schisandra is an adaptogen, which is a class of substances from plants that affect the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Despite its complicated name, it’s actually a pathway that plays a major role in the body’s stress response and monitors the release of stress hormones like cortisol (2). It works well with dandelion root and may help reduce the negative effects of chronic stress. 

Known as yin chen hao in Chinese, Artemisia Herb is traditionally used to treat jaundice and liver inflammation. Studies have shown that it can increase bile flow, which can help lower liver enzyme levels such as ALT (alanine animotransferase). Recent research suggests that dihydroartemisinin, an extract of artemisia, can inhibit inflammatory pathways in the body (3). Some research also indicates that artemisia compounds may have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells, suggesting potential for cancer treatment. However, more research is needed in this area — so stay tuned! 

Morus Alba, more commonly known as white mulberry, has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It was known to specifically “cool the blood” and support liver detoxing. It contains puerarin, which is shown to support liver enzymes, and compounds like 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), which can inhibit alpha-glucosidase (an enzyme involved in carbohydrate digestion) (4). Mulberry is also rich in antioxidants, helping the body neutralize any free radicals while protecting cells from damage. 

Pine Needles were used for centuries to strengthen both the immune and respiratory systems. They have been shown to be high in vitamin C and flavonoids, a natural remedy to combating oxidative stress (5). Different from the kind of stress life can throw at us, this type is a condition caused by the imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (unstable molecules) and the body’s ability to fight them with antioxidants. This condition can lead to cellular damage and various diseases, so luckily we have pine needles on hand to help combat this!

Used throughout history by Indigenous communities for internal cleansing, early research has shown that Alder Tree has antioxidant properties and has been used as an astringent, which causes the tightening of body tissues (4). While researchers are still uncovering the full potential of this extract, its potential in preventing inflammation has already been seen for centuries. 

Licorice Root is a very common addition to herbal blends, and for good reason! It contains glycyrrhizin, which is a compound that reduces inflammation. Glycyrrhizin even helps prevent liver fibrosis, which refers to the buildup of scar tissue in the liver, often due to chronic liver damage (6). This compound also helps protect cells from oxidative damage, which is linked to various diseases, including liver disease. 

Commonly known as kudzu, this herb is used in TCM to reduce alcohol-related symptoms. Kudzu is derived from Pueraria Lobata and Pueraria Lobata Ohwi, different parts of the same plant that are both used in The Plug. The root contains puerarin, an antioxidant that supports and strengthens liver enzymes. Kudzu also helps reduce inflammation by inhibiting the NF-kB pathway, which is involved in the process of inflammatory cytokines (7). Puerarin is currently being studied and used in protecting nerve cells from damage that occurs by stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurological disorders, showing promise in treating multiple diseases.

The Flower-Based Ingredients

Let’s move onto the flowers used in The Plug’s formula! Holistically used as a bitter tonic to help with digestive issues, Dandelion has been shown to promote bile secretion in the body. Dandelion root contains inulin, which helps with bile secretion, thus promoting our overall gut health (8). Bile secretion is crucial for the liver to complete the process of excreting toxins; without it, your liver will have a hard time cleansing and detoxing your body!

The November birth flower, Chrysanthemum, has been used in TCM to “cool” the liver down, possibly referring to its ability to reduce inflammation. It contains the substances luteolin and apigenin, two compounds that have been shown to protect against damage. Luteolin is a flavonoid, which acts as a free scavenger (9). In simple words, it protects cells from any damage that is caused by oxidative stress. Additionally, luteolin has the power to modify multiple signaling pathways, including the NF-kB and AP-1 pathways, both of which are involved in inflammation in the body. Apigen is also a flavonoid, inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines in the body to reduce inflammation. 

Honeysuckle plays a major role in TCM, with numerous health benefits to boot. Known as jin yin hua in Chinese, its antibacterial properties are used to treat many respiratory conditions, usually in the form of tea (10). The flower’s anti-inflammatory properties are derived from compounds like flavonoids, and recent research claims that honeysuckle contains a microRNA called MIR2911; these are small molecules that may influence the pathways for many diseases (10).

Purslane is referred to as the “vegetable for long life” in TCM. It’s a nutritious powerhouse, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and iron (11). Additionally, purslane is a great source of alpha-linolenic acid, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease (11). Purslane also includes vitamins A, C, and E, which are crucial for protecting the cells from damage caused by free radicals (11).  

The Plug Pills’ Exclusive Ingredients

Ending off with the bonus components of The Plug Pills, Milk Thistle has traditionally been used for centuries to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. This is because it is rich in silymarin, an antioxidant that strives to protect hepatocytes a.k.a. the main cell type in the liver (12). Hepatocytes are responsible for many of the liver’s major functions, including the detoxification and metabolism of carbohydrates and lipids. Silymarin also boosts glutathione in the body, which enhances metabolic detoxification in not only the liver but the overall body as well. 

Turmeric, also known as curcuma longa, is a staple in Ayurvedic medicine for its anti-inflammatory principles and its active component curcumin. Recent research has shown that this ingredient activates detox enzymes and reduces inflammation in the body (13). It’s even been observed at the cellular level to inhibit NF-kB, which is a major pathway involved in chronic inflammation! 

Vitamins B1, B2, and B6 were used in ancient Chinese medicine to boost one’s energy levels and metabolism. With the help of modern science, we now know that these three essential B-complex vitamins help support liver detox enzymes and convert nutrients from food into energy (14). B-complex vitamins have also been shown to balance the nervous system and help with stress recovery. Vitamin B6 in particular assists in the production of neurotransmitters, while Vitamin B1 acts as an antioxidant, having crucial use towards nerve function. 

One Formula = Endless Results

The formulation behind The Plug represents an intentional intersection of time-honored herbal remedies and modern scientific rigor. Each ingredient is selected not only for its historical relevance and ancient healing properties but also for its mechanistic support and clinical potential in promoting liver function. Modern research continues to validate traditional medicine from Chinese, Korean, and Indian origins, showcasing that the body operates in an interconnected pathway and that supporting one organ can have far-reaching benefits for our well-being.

By combining all of these bioactive compounds, our formula offers an all-systems biological approach to liver support, created not just to mask symptoms but to improve overall wellness from the inside out and offer long-term resilience. The Plug is more than a functional beverage or daily supplement — it’s both science- and history-backed, made for the demands of modern living. Plug in to witness the difference!

Bibliography 

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2. Addissouky TA, El Sayed IET, Ali MMA, Alubiady MHS, Wang Y. Schisandra chinensis in Liver Disease: Exploring the Mechanisms and Therapeutic Promise of an Ancient Chinese Botanical. Archives of Pharmacology and Therapeutics [Internet]. 2024 Apr 8;6(1):27-33. Available from: https://www.scientificarchives.com/article/schisandra-chinensis-in-liver-disease-exploring-the-mechanisms-and-therapeutic-promise-of-an-ancient-chinese-botanical 

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6. Tominaga Y, Nakagawa K, Mae T, Kitano M, Yokota S, Arai T, et al. Licorice flavonoid oil reduces total body fat and visceral fat in overweight subjects: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Obesity Research & Clinical Practice [Internet]. 2009 Aug;3(3): 169-178. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871403X09000350?via%3Dihub 

7. Chang BY, Lee D-S, Lee J-K, Kim Y-C, Cho H-K, Kim SY. Protective activity of kudzu (Pueraria thunbergiana) vine on chemically-induced hepatotoxicity: in vitro and in vivo studies. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine [Internet]. 2016 Jan 29;16(39). Available from: https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12906-016-1023-2 

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10. Bravo Tea. Healthy Immune Support with Honeysuckle Tea (Lonicera Japonica) [Internet]. Bravo Tea. 2020 Apr 29. Available from: https://www.bravotea.com/healthy-immune-support-with-honeysuckle

11. Purslane: Health Benefits and Nutritional Value [Internet]. Heal With Food. Available from: https://www.healwithfood.org/health-benefits/purslane-nutritional-value.php

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14. Institute of Medicine. Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline. Washington, D.C.: National Academies Press; 1998.