The Power of Plants: A Brief History of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Liver Health

Every corner of the world has its own variation of plant-based medicines for liver health. However, none are so practiced or popularized as the holistic remedies of East Asia. At The Plug, we take special interest in Traditional Chinese Medicine as one of the inspirations for our products, trusting in the long history of natural herbal remedies. Western forms of medicine have become the norm, but we believe that the power of plants can offer profound benefits to our health as well.  

TCM is a complex system that calls upon the synergy of mind, body, and spirit to balance one’s Qi (pronounced Chee), or the vital life source (1). Our bodies are constantly surging with this protective force that keeps us healthy and in good spirits. However, imbalances caused by bodily stress or mental and spiritual strain can cause disease and illness to spread into our organs (1). It is imperative that we support our Qi by balancing the complementary forces that create it: yin and yang. These two opposing and complementary forces control everything in our bodies – from the positive and negative emotions we experience to the optimal functioning of our internal organs.

 

 

To gain control of our bodies and our Qi, we can undergo holistic treatments including (1): 

● Acupuncture 

● Massage 

● Moxibustion (the burning of herbal leaves on or around one’s body) 

● Cupping (healing therapy used to stimulate the skin and muscles) 

● Movement and concentration exercises 

● Herbal remedies 

Not all treatments are necessary, and each individual’s state of health will determine which course of treatment is best. For further guidance, please talk to your healthcare provider.

Traditional Chinese Medicine’s Role in Liver Health

When our liver is in an unhealthy state, it’s usually a reflection of an imbalance of yin, which oversees the organ. It is important to note that the liver in TCM is not limited to the traditional concepts of Western anatomy; according to Integrative Medicine International, the liver is a complex system that involves philosophy and logical reasoning, while also relating to multiple other systems and organs of the body (2). 

The literature investigating the use and mechanisms of TCM therapy for the treatment of liver diseases suggests that it can improve hepatic microcirculation, scavenge oxygen free radicals, resist lipid peroxidation, promote bilirubin metabolism, and even accelerate the synthesis of liver glycogen and protein (3). This means that ingesting these herbs has the potential to aid in liver cell regeneration, control inflammation, and promote the passage of liver waste (such as old red blood cells) out of the body. Additionally, plants like Oriental Raisin Tree, Dandelion, Schisandra, and others can support liver recovery; this is why they’re included in our proprietary formula!

Let’s take a look at some of the common herbs for liver health that are featured in The Plug Blend:

Oriental Raisin Tree (DHM)

 

 

Oriental Raisin Tree, or Hovenia dulcis, has been a key ingredient in TCM for hundreds of years. Native to East Asian countries like Japan and Korea, H.dulcis is now cultivated worldwide. When dried, the fruit shrivels into a raisin-like form and produces a sweet, pleasant taste. Traditionally, since H. dulcis is considered “neutral” in terms of yin and yang, it helps replenish Qi, therefore making it a great ingredient for improved liver health (4). 

Institutions of Western medicine have also done studies on H. dulcis and discovered some interesting insights. The fruit produces a flavonoid called dihydromyricetin (DHM), purportedly a component that aids in alcohol metabolism in the body. In a detailed 2020 study, results showed that DHM extracted from H. dulcis helped reduce inflammatory and liver injury markers present in mice that were fed ethanol (5). 

Another study suggests that H. dulcis increases the activity of the enzymes alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), both of which are involved in alcohol metabolism (6); this is the process that turns alcohol into a non-toxic waste product that can be excreted by the body. Because of this, DHM can help decrease common hangxiety symptoms like dizziness, nausea, and headaches (7), making it an essential ingredient of The Plug’s proprietary blend.

Dandelion

 

 

Besides being the golden beauty it is, dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is quite a vitamin-rich powerhouse! It contains large amounts of vitamin A along with smaller amounts of vitamin C, vitamin B12, potassium, calcium, and folate (8, 9). As our prime antioxidant source, dandelion also contains powerful phytochemicals to help strengthen your liver. Phytochemicals are compounds in plants that help protect them from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. They are antioxidant-rich and can help protect human cells, fight inflammation, and prevent damage to DNA that can potentially lead to cancer (10). 

In TCM, dandelion is used to primarily treat stomach issues (11). Dandelion root tea in particular has been used to help detoxify the liver, improve the digestive system, and reduce inflammation (12). Additionally, some studies found that dandelion helped decrease the effects of oxidative stress and instances of hepatic liver injuries (13). 

Schisandra

 

 

Schisandra chinensis is a plant native to Northern China. Backed by a long history, it is considered to have positive impacts on various organs, making it an essential aspect of TCM (14). Referred to as wu wei zi in Chinese, its name means five-flavored fruit (or Five Flavor Berry), which reflects the traditional five flavors: sour, bitter, sweet, salty, and pungent. It can be eaten dry or added to tinctures, wines, teas, and sweets. 

Schisandra is classified as an adaptogen, a class of herbs that assists the body in adapting to stress. It helps reduce inflammation and fatigue, improve mental health, and boost immunity (15) – all of which is exactly why we chose it to be a part of our unique blend.

In an observational study, it was found that schisandra helped prevent alcohol-induced fatty liver disease in rats when they were fed ethanol and then given high doses of the plant (16). Additionally, compounds of schisandra were found to have anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-diabetic effects, but time will tell if there is indeed a direct correlation (15).

Food for Qi

There are a plethora of foods that we can consume to prevent liver disease and help promote healthy Qi. Practitioners usually recommend a plant-based diet with a heavy focus on whole foods and fiber-rich foods to aid in digestion. The best foods for a healthy liver include (17):

 

● Fruits and vegetables 

● Legumes and beans 

● Olive oil

● Whole grains

● Poultry and dairy (in moderation) 

 

As you increase your intake of the liver-friendly foods listed above, experts suggest avoiding (18):

 

● Fried foods 

● Foods high in fat, sugar, or salt 

● Raw or undercooked shellfish 

● Alcohol

 

A Little About Us

 

 

Here at The Plug, we’ve created a liver-strengthening blend of Oriental Raisin Tree, Dandelion, Schisandra, and many more herbs to provide support to your liver. We believe that the path to good health starts with plant-based ingredients that nourish the body and mind. Free of both caffeine and added sugar, our formula can be enjoyed at any time of day – it’s all about when you need it most! The best stuff is rooted in simplicity; include The Plug as a part of your daily health regimen to regain balance to your body and live life in true harmony.

Bibliography

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https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/chinese-medicine 

2. Liu ZW, Shu J, Tu JY, Zhang CH, Hong J. Liver in the Chinese and Western Medicine. Integrative Medicine International [Internet]. 2017 Apr 8;4(1-2):39-45. Available from: https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/466694

3. Zhao C, Zhou, Y, Ping, J, Xu L. Traditional Chinese medicine for treatment of liver diseases: progress, challenges and opportunities. Journal of Integrative Medicine [Internet]. 2014 Oct 27;12(5):401-408. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S209549641460039X?via%3Dihub

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6. An SW, Kim YG, Kim MH, Lee BI, Lee SH, Kwon HI, et al. Comparison of Hepatic Detoxification activity and reducing Serum Alcohol concentration of Hovenia dulsis $T_{HUNB}$ and Alnus japonica Steud. Korean Journal of Medicinal Crop Science [Internet]. 1999 Dec 31;7(4):263-268. Available from: https://www.koreascience.or.kr/article/JAKO199903042331975.page

7. Kim H, Kim YJ, Jeong HY, Kim JY, Choi EK, Chae SW, et al. A standardized extract of the fruit of Hovenia dulcis alleviated alcohol-induced hangover in healthy subjects with heterozygous ALDH2: A randomized, controlled, crossover trial. Journal of Ethnopharmacology [Internet]. 2017 Jul 24;209:167-174. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874116321328

8. Jarvie M. Dandelions for food [Internet]. Michigan State University. 2015 May 29. Available from: https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/dandelions_for_food#:~:text=The%20dandelion%20(Taraxacum%20officinale)%20is,a%20very%20bitter%2C%20milky%20substance 

9. Can You Eat Dandelions? [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2021 July 21. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-health-benefits

10. Phytochemical - an overview [Internet] | ScienceDirect Topics. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/phytochemical

11. Dandelion [Internet]. Mount Sinai. Available from: https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/herb/dandelion

12. Dandelion Tea: What It Is and 5 Benefits [Internet]. Cleveland Clinic. 2023 Sept 1. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/dandelion-tea-benefits

13. Pfingstgraf IO, Taulescu M, Pop RM, Orăsan R, Vlase L, Uifalean, A, et al. Protective Effects of Taraxacum officinale L. (Dandelion) Root Extract in Experimental Acute on Chronic Liver Failure. Antioxidants (Basel) [Internet]. 2021 Mar 24;10(4):504. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8063808/

14. Whelan C. What to Know About Schisandra [Internet]. Healthline. Updated 2024 Sept 30. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/schisandra 

15. Nowak A, Zakłos-Szyda M, Błasiak J, Nowak A, Zhang Z, Zhang B. Potential of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. in Human Health and Nutrition: A Review of Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Perspectives. Nutrients [Internet]. 2019 Feb 4;11(2):333. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6412213/?fbclid=IwAR2KgIvnQqIiAhfZZQzXndDBSZBG69s4oG9qUYHNF6RhsNzf0abBA6VsrKo 

16. Park HJ, Lee SJ, Song Y, Jang SH, Ko YG, Kang SN, et al. Schisandra chinensis Prevents Alcohol-Induced Fatty Liver Disease in Rats. J Med Food [Internet]. 2014 Jan 1;17(1):103-110. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3901324/

17. Guinane A. Fatty liver disease diet: What foods help prevent and reverse fatty liver? [Internet]. The University of Chicago Medicine. 2021 Sept 21. Available from: https://www.uchicagomedicine.org/forefront/gastrointestinal-articles/fatty-liver-disease-diet 

18. Liver Disease Diets [Internet]. American Liver Foundation. Updated 2024 Feb 13. Available from: https://liverfoundation.org/health-and-wellness/healthy-lifestyle/liver-disease-diets/