Liver function in traditional Chinese medicine
The liver regulates Chi - the vital energy that sustains life, and stores the blood that Chi carries into the body and promotes the functioning of our organs, limbs and tissues. While you're awake, the liver delivers blood to the muscles. During sleep, blood returns to the liver to be completely cleared.
The liver also harbors the soul that gives us our consciousness and sense of purpose and which leaves the body after death.
From a medical point of view, the liver performs numerous functions. It produces many of the chemicals needed by the body to function normally, degrade and detoxify substances in the body, and is also a storage site for glycogen. [ref. 1]
Liver cells called "hepatocytes" (hepar=liver + cyte=cell) are responsible for producing many of the proteins in the body. Proteins are necessary for many functions, including clotting factors and albumin, necessary to maintain fluid in the circulation system. The liver is also responsible for the production of cholesterol and triglycerides, for the breakdown of drugs, alcohol, insulin and other hormones in the body. In order for him to perform these important functions, what we can do is reduce the load he is taking on and strengthen his activities by natural means.
Food and medicinal herbs for detoxifying the liver
Sour foods
According to traditional Chinese medicine, acidic foods tend to promote normal liver function. A refreshing glass of water with lemon has a diuretic effect that can help you clear toxins from your body, but the greatest benefit to your entire health will be if you limit the sources of toxins. Some of them are cosmetic and cleaning products, smoking, plastic bottles, alcohol, non-stick cooking utensils, etc.
In particular, acidic foods that play with our taste and beneficially affect liver function are:
- Citrus Fruits (Rutaceae Family)
- Rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L.) [ref. 2]
- Sour cherris (P. cerasus) [ref.3]
- Gooseberries (Ribes Uva-Crispa) [ref. 4]
- Cranberries (Vaccinium subg. Oxycoccus)
- Vinegar
Ginger
This Yang (warming food) nourishes blood, improves blood circulation and has antibiotic and antibacterial effects that can help the body purify toxins and fight pathogenic microorganisms. You can easily add a few pieces of freshly chopped ginger (Zingiber officinale) to teas, smoothies and soups to consume at breakfast or dinner.
Turmeric
This sharp spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) relieves the work of the liver, clears heat from the body and improves the flow of Chi and your blood. Add a pinch of turmeric to a bowl of soup or a dish of rice or boil it directly for drinking. Turmeric powder is also present in many recipes for Indian curry and can be added to warm milk for great night sleep. [Ref. 5]
Dandelion root
The dandelion root (Radix Taraxaci officinalis) is a cleansing and detoxifying herb that cools blood and nourishes the liver. Spring is the perfect time to drink dandelion tea. Not only dandelions bloom this season, but spring is associated with wood, the element of the liver according to the Chinese traditional healing system.
Artichoke
Consuming artichokes (Cynara cardunculus var. scolymus) can help to clear the heat of the liver. [ref. 6] The plant also contains a compound called cinarin, which promotes bile production and normal function of the urogenital tract.
Black beans
Although we are used to eating ordinary white beans, there are other species that deserve attention. Besides red beans, black beans (Phaseolus vulgaris) is also useful, rich in nutrients and can help to discharge excess moisture and heat. We also know that small beans bring beauty on another level and for this reason they have been consumed by women in China for centuries!
To make a black bean soup, boil some water and simmer a handful of black beans. If desired, you can add a little goji berry for sweetness and for nourishing the Inn of the liver. You can also bake black beans and eat it as a snack.
